THE SHORT ANSWER

For 2026, a single New Yorker applying for Medicaid to pay for nursing home care or home care generally needs countable assets of $33,038 or less and income under $1,836 per month. For a married couple both applying, the limits are $44,796 and $2,489 per month. When only one spouse needs care, the spouse at home can keep much more — up to $162,660 in assets.

These are the numbers that decide whether Medicaid can help pay for long-term care in New York. They apply to nursing home Medicaid and to Medicaid for care at home.

The 2026 limits at a glance

Single applicant Married couple, both applying
Monthly income limit $1,836 per month $2,489 per month
Countable asset limit $33,038 $44,796

When only one spouse needs care

New York protects the spouse who stays home. In 2026:

Protection Amount
Assets the spouse at home can keep $74,820 to $162,660
Monthly income the spouse at home is protected to $4,066.50 per month

The spouse at home's own income isn't counted against the applicant. If it's below the protected amount, part of the applicant's income can be shifted to make up the difference. How spousal protections work.

What counts as an asset

Usually counted: bank accounts, CDs, stocks, bonds, mutual funds, cash, second homes and rental property, and retirement accounts that aren't paying out.

Usually not counted: the home (within limits — see below), one car, personal belongings, an irrevocable pre-paid funeral arrangement, and certain small life insurance policies.

This is a general list. How a specific account is titled can change the answer. What counts as an asset.

The house

The home is generally exempt while the applicant intends to return, or while a spouse, a child under 21, or a disabled child lives there, as long as the equity is under $1,130,000 in 2026. A federal law will set a flat $1,000,000 cap in 2028. What happens to the house.

What happens to income in each setting

In a nursing home: most of the resident's monthly income goes to the facility. The resident keeps a personal needs allowance of $50 per month, plus amounts for health insurance premiums, and a spouse at home may receive an allowance.

At home: income over the limit can be handled through a spend-down (paying that amount toward medical costs each month) or by depositing it into a pooled income trust, which lets it be used for rent and bills.

Timing matters more starting in 2027

Right now, New York Medicaid can pay bills from up to three months before the application month. For applications filed on or after January 1, 2027, coverage can reach back only up to two months before the month you apply (one month for expansion adults). If care has started and Medicaid may be needed, don't wait to apply. Changes coming in 2027 and 2028.

Questions families ask

Does the house count toward the Medicaid asset limit?

Usually not while the applicant, a spouse, or certain relatives live there, up to a home-equity limit of $1,130,000 in 2026. Rules change in 2028.

What if income is over the limit?

For home care, New York allows a spend-down or a pooled income trust. In a nursing home, income over the limit is simply paid toward the cost of care.

Are IRAs counted?

Generally yes, unless they are in payout status. The rules are technical — have an elder law attorney review retirement accounts.

Do these numbers change every year?

Yes, usually each January. We update every figure on this site when the state publishes new ones.

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