Medicaid is a program that is seemingly constantly evolving. These changes can impact the futures of you and your family. Next year is no different. Several significant changes from the New York Legislature will go into effect that will likely benefit people’s lives.
- The Medicaid income eligibility level will increase to 138 percent of the federal poverty level (FPL). The Medicaid asset limit will increase from $934 to $1563 for individuals and up to $2,106 from $1,367 for couples.
- The Medicaid asset limit will increase from $16,800 to $28,133 for individuals and up to $37,902 from $24,600 for couples.
- Increased income limits for the Medicare Savings Program.
- Undocumented immigrants over age 65 will be Medicaid eligible on January 1.
- The income limit for the New York State Health’s Essential plan will increase by 50 percent and begin to include long-term care.
All of these changes will go into effect on January 1, 2023. These changes appear like they will make it easier for qualified Medicaid candidates to get the care they by reducing the barriers to such care. While many people will benefit from these changes, two of the largest groups that stand to benefit are immigrants and people of color. Research shows that there are more than two million people in the U.S. whose incomes are too low for subsidies but too high for Medicaid. Of those two million, 6 out of every 10 are Black.
While these changes likely open Medicaid coverage to more New Yorkers, navigating the Medicaid process can still be tricky. If you have questions about the process or how these changes could affect you or your family, contacting a knowledgeable Medicaid attorney could be a positive first step.