🗽 Good news: New York State has some of the most comprehensive Medicaid home care coverage in the country. If you qualify, Medicaid may cover your caregiver at little or no cost to you.
What Is Medicaid Home Care?
Medicaid is a joint federal and state health insurance program for individuals with limited income and resources. In New York, Medicaid covers a broad range of home care services that allow eligible seniors and people with disabilities to remain living in their homes rather than moving to a nursing facility.
Home care covered by Medicaid includes assistance with daily activities, personal care, skilled nursing visits, and — through CDPAP — even the option to hire a trusted family member or friend as your paid caregiver.
Medicaid Home Care Programs in NYC
Personal Care Services
Provides a home health aide or personal care aide to assist with activities of daily living. Authorized based on assessed hours of need.
CDPAP
Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program — lets you hire your own caregiver, including family. Fully covered by Medicaid for eligible recipients.
MLTC (Managed Long Term Care)
A Medicaid managed care plan that coordinates long-term home care, adult day services, transportation, and other supports for people who need 120+ days of care.
MAP (Medicaid Advantage Plus)
Combines Medicaid and Medicare benefits into one plan that includes long-term home care coordination — ideal for seniors on both programs.
Skilled Nursing Visits
For more complex medical needs, Medicaid covers registered nurse or physical therapist visits at home — in addition to personal care.
Non-Emergency Medical Transportation
Medicaid covers transportation to and from medical appointments — often coordinated through your managed care plan or home care agency.
Who Qualifies for Medicaid in New York?
Medicaid eligibility in New York is based on income, age or disability status, and residency. General guidelines for older adults:
- Age: 65 or older, or under 65 with a qualifying disability
- Income: Generally at or below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (income limits are updated annually — contact us for current figures)
- Assets: New York has specific asset rules; a primary home is generally not counted as a resource
- Residency: Must be a New York State resident and a U.S. citizen or qualified immigrant
- Medical need: Must require home care services as documented by a physician
Many people who think they don't qualify actually do. Contact us for a free eligibility check — we'll tell you exactly where you stand.
💡 Don't rule yourself out: Many seniors with modest savings or a home they own still qualify for Medicaid home care in New York. Eligibility rules are complex — let us help you check before assuming you don't qualify.
How to Apply for Medicaid Home Care in NYC
Check Eligibility
Contact us and we'll do a free, no-obligation eligibility check using your income, age, and situation.
Gather Documents
You'll typically need: proof of income, proof of residency, ID, Social Security number, and bank/asset statements.
Submit Application
Apply through NYC HRA (Human Resources Administration) online, in person, or with our assistance — we guide you through the process.
Clinical Assessment
A nurse will conduct a home assessment to determine how many hours of care you qualify for based on your medical needs.
Choose Your Program
Based on your needs, we help you enroll in the right program — traditional home care, CDPAP, or a managed care plan like MLTC.
Care Begins
Once approved, we match you with an agency or caregiver and care can start — often within days of final approval.