Medicaid Eligibility Expansion for New Yorkers

As of January 2023, the income and resource limits for disabled individuals and adults over the age of 65 significantly increased, resulting in a reduction or elimination of excess income for many New Yorkers. Additionally, on February 10, 2023, the New York State Department of Health raised the income and resource limits even further, based on the 2023 Federal Poverty Levels (FPL). As a result, Medicaid is sending out notices to current recipients with a spend-down, notifying them of these changes. Here is a sample notice that Medicaid is sending to current Medicaid recipients with a spend-down informing them of these changes.

2023 Medicaid Increased Income Limits:

Individual Applicant
Income = $1,677/month (+$20)
Resources = $30,182

Married Couple (both receiving care)
Income = $2,268/mth (+$20)
Resources = $40,821 combined

Limits updated to reflect 2023 Federal Poverty Levels

What amount should be deposited into my pooled trust?

If you have a spend-down and need to adjust your deposit amount, you have a few options:

Contact Medicaid to Recalculate Your Spend-down: You can contact your Department of Social Services or HRA office to report any changes to your income and request a recalculation of your spend-down. Keep in mind that Medicaid may receive a large volume of requests, so you may need to make multiple attempts to reach them. If you need help determining your new spend-down amount, it’s best to consult with a trusted professional who can provide a conservative estimate using the 2023 limits.

Wait Until Your Next Renewal: If you prefer, you can wait until your next renewal and Medicaid will automatically re-budget your spend-down based on the new limits. Note that any deposits you make to your trust account before the spend-down is decreased are not refundable and may result in higher administrative fees.

If your spend-down amount changes, it’s important to notify LIFE right away so we can update your deposit amount and associated fees, as necessary. You’ll need to submit the appropriate forms to make any changes to your scheduled monthly deposits and automatic payments. If you have any questions or concerns, you can contact customer service at (516) 374-4564 option 3.