The New York State Office of Health Insurance Programs recently released a General Information System (GIS) message (GIS 26 MA/03) detailing updates to Medicaid eligibility levels and cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) for 2026.
These changes are important for individuals and families relying on Medicaid for healthcare coverage.
Below, is an excerpt from this GIS:
The following figures are effective January 1, 2026. The 2025 Medically Needy Income and Resources Levels remain in effect until the FPLs for 2026 are published in the Federal Register
1. The SSI resource levels remain $2,000.00 for individuals and $3,000.00 for couples.
. . .
4. The SSI resource levels remain $2,000.00 for individuals and $3,000.00 for couples.
5. The State Supplement is $87.00 for an individual and $104.00 for a couple living alone.
6. If an individual paid Medicare taxes for less than 30 quarters, the individual's cost for Medicare Part A is $565.00. If an individual paid Medicare taxes for 30-39 quarters, the standard Part A premium is $311.00. For individuals who paid Medicare taxes for 40 quarters or more, there is no cost for Medicare Part A.
7. The standard Medicare Part B monthly premium for beneficiaries with annual income less than or equal to $109,000.00 is $202.90.
8. The Maximum Federal Community Spouse Resource Allowance is $162,660.00
9. The Minimum State Community Spouse Resource Allowance is $74,820.00
10. The community spouse Minimum Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance (MMMNA) is $4,066.50
. . .
16. The home equity limit for Medicaid coverage of nursing facility services and communitybased long-term care is $1,130,000.00.
Hani Sarji
New York lawyer who cares about people, is fascinated by technology, and is writing his next book, Estate of Confusion: New York.
Leave a Comment