Medicaid Recertification in New York State

You must renew your Medicaid coverage each year to remain eligible for benefits

Going through the paperwork and pay downs and estate planning required to become eligible for long-term care coverage through Medicaid benefits can feel overwhelming and time-consuming.

The good news is that once you are approved for Medicaid benefits, your yearly renewal process is much easier.

Why do I have to renew my Medicaid benefits?

The purpose of Medicaid recertification is to ensure that the recipient is still alive and in need of assistance, and that he or she is financially eligible to continue receiving services.

If for any reason the recipient no longer requires nursing home benefits, inform Medicaid immediately.

Medicaid may require reimbursement for nursing home services from the recipient’s estate, so it is important not to overdraw on coverage.

Your Medicaid estate planning attorneys can help you learn what to expect.

How to renew Medicaid each year

Depending on how you initially applied for coverage, you will receive a renewal package in the mail or by email (based on your provider). Once you receive this information, it is important to begin the process right away.

Recertification paperwork received late will cause the applicant to lose their coverage.

Medicaid mail cannot be forwarded, so make sure you keep all your contact information up to date with your Medicaid office.

Your Medicaid recertification most likely involves completing a single form, signing off on the existing terms, and submitting the paperwork on time—as long as nothing has changed.

If you got married, got divorced, changed your income status, or changed your immigration status, your Medicaid renewal process may require you to submit additional documentation related to these changes.

Additionally, your policy renewal date may change.

If you did not receive a renewal notice, contact your provider to ask when your renewal date is and how you can complete the practice.

Or you can give your Medicaid information to your New York estate planning lawyers and we can renew your policy on your behalf.

Disclosing income changes

For the most part, you just have to verify that your income, assets, and estate worth have not changed. Income includes any wages and payments made from royalties, annuities, pensions, Veterans benefits, and retirement.

Part of your recertification may require you to show a snapshot of bank statements for the month of your renewal to make sure your information is consistent.

According to the New York Health Access website, Medicaid recipients ages 65 and older who receive home care, managed long term care, or other community-based long-term care services do not have to show proof of income.

Recipients who reside in nursing homes must show proof of income that does not include Social Security income.

If you do not disclose income changes and you begin earning more than what is identified on your policy, you may have to pay money back to Medicaid.

Experienced Medicaid planning lawyers assisting families in New York, New Jersey and Florida

Health care and finances become more closely intertwined as you age.

The skilled New York Medicaid estate planning attorneys at Lissner & Lissner, LLP answer your questions about healthcare coverage and make sure you get the benefits you need.

Use our 65 years of combined experience to your advantage.

Contact us or call (212) 307-1499 to schedule a consultation today.

The laws are changing learn more about the NY Medicaid home care law changes.