Medicaid

What it means

Free or very low-cost health insurance for low-income New Yorkers. It pays for doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions, dental, vision, mental health, and long-term care. The income limit for most adults under 65 is 138% of the federal poverty level. The current dollar amount is at nystateofhealth.ny.gov. For seniors, people with disabilities, and long-term care, the rules are different and may include an asset test or a spend-down. Most applicants apply online at nystateofhealth.ny.gov; the county DSS handles applications for adults 65 and older, people with disabilities, and long-term care.

When you might hear this

You hear this when someone needs health insurance and cannot afford it. Medicaid is different from Medicare — Medicaid is for low-income people of any age, Medicare is for people 65 and older or with certain disabilities. Some people have both.

What to ask