THE SHORT ANSWER

New York Medicaid is the largest payer of long-term care in the state. It pays for nursing home care, care at home, and care services in the Assisted Living Program. In 2026, a single person generally qualifies with income up to $1,836 per month and countable assets up to $33,038, with more generous rules for a spouse at home. Nursing home Medicaid reviews the past 60 months (five years) of gifts and transfers.

Illustration of an older mother and her adult daughter sharing tea at home

Medicaid is the program most families hope to avoid and eventually need. It's also the one with the most myths. No, you don't have to lose the house automatically. No, the spouse at home doesn't have to become poor. And no, it isn't only for nursing homes.

These pages explain how New York's rules actually work in 2026, with every figure dated and sourced.

Start here

Two kinds of long-term care Medicaid

  • Community Medicaid pays for care at home and in the Assisted Living Program. As of 2026, a 30-month look-back for home care Medicaid has been passed into law but has still not been put into effect.
  • Nursing home Medicaid pays for long-term nursing home care and has a 60 months (five years) look-back.

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The New York Medicaid Look-Back Period, Explained

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Keep exploring

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Sources & dates