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Nursing Home Care

Medicaid covers the cost of nursing home care for as long as the care is required if an individual is eligible.

Coverage includes payment for room and board, as well as necessary medical and non-medical goods and services, but not specialized food, comfort items, or other non-medically necessary expenses.

New York State Medicaid requires nursing home residents to contribute almost all of their monthly income to the cost of their nursing home care. The state allows Medicaid recipients in nursing homes to keep only $50 per month for themselves.

A comprehensive application process is used to determine financial eligibility and medical needs. This process requires that applicants provide detailed information and documentation regarding income and assets.

Check Eligibility Online

Use this Income Eligibility Tool from the New York State Department of Health to see if you qualify for medical assistance. 

Apply for Nursing Home Coverage

In Hospital or Nursing Home

Staff at many nursing homes and hospitals in Westchester have been trained to conduct eligibility interviews in their facilities for those already residing there or hospitalized and in need of placement.

Eligibility is determined by the DSS Institutional Assistance Unit:

100 East 1st St., 6th Floor
Mount Vernon, NY 10550
Tel: (914) 813-6626

Other Applicants

If you are already enrolled in Medicaid and are in need of nursing home care, a determination will have to be made about your level of coverage and health needs.

If you are on a Medicaid Managed Care Plan:

  • Contact your plan provider to see if you qualify. More information is also available online from New York Medicaid Choice.

If you are enrolled in Medicaid but not a Medicaid Managed Care Plan:  

  • Contact your case worker or call or email our Institutional Assistance Unit at (914) 813-6612 or email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

If you are not enrolled in Medicaid:

Contact:

Institutional Assistance Unit

100 East 1st St., 6th Floor
Mount Vernon, NY 10550
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.