How to apply for New York Managed Long Term Care (MLTC)

Who it's for

Managed Long Term Care (MLTC) is how New York delivers community-based long-term care to people who need it for more than 120 days. It serves residents (generally age 18 and older, and especially seniors 65+) who have Medicaid — or who qualify for Medicaid — and who are assessed as needing a nursing-home level of care that can instead be provided at home. An MLTC plan coordinates and pays for home care, personal care, Consumer Directed Personal Assistance (CDPAS), home health aide and nursing visits, physical and occupational therapy at home, adult day health care, home-delivered meals, and related services, so a person can remain in the community rather than enter a nursing home. Enrollment begins with a free assessment by the New York Independent Assessor (NYIA), which confirms the need for community-based long-term services and supports; the person must also be financially eligible for New York Medicaid (for 2026, single-applicant income at or below $1,836/month and countable resources at or below $33,038, with spend-down and spousal-impoverishment protections available). Call the New York Independent Assessor at 1-855-222-8350 to request an assessment, then New York Medicaid Choice at 1-888-401-6582 to choose a plan.

What you'll need

• Proof of age (65+) or disability determination
• Proof of New York residency
• Social Security card
• Medicare card (if enrolled)
• Proof of all household income (Social Security award letter, pension statements)
• Proof of all countable assets (bank and brokerage statements)
• New York Independent Assessor (NYIA) community-based long-term-care assessment

Where to apply

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about New York Managed Long Term Care (MLTC). I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need proof of age (65+) or disability determination, proof of New York residency, social Security card — is anything else required? What is the best next step?"

Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.

Step by step

1. Call the New York Independent Assessor (NYIA) at 1-855-222-8350 to request a free in-home assessment. This assessment confirms whether you need community-based long-term care services for more than 120 days at a nursing-home level of care — it is a required first step before enrolling in any MLTC plan.
2. Gather your documents before or during the assessment process: proof of age (65+) or disability determination, proof of New York residency, Social Security card, Medicare card (if enrolled), proof of all household income (such as a Social Security award letter and pension statements), and proof of all countable assets (such as bank and brokerage statements).
3. Complete the NYIA assessment. A NYIA assessor will review your care needs and issue a determination. Keep a copy of this assessment document — you will need it for the next steps.
4. Apply for New York Medicaid if you are not already enrolled. You can apply online or by phone at 1-855-222-8350. If your income is over the limit, ask about Medicaid spend-down. If you are married, ask about spousal-impoverishment protections, which may allow your at-home spouse to keep a portion of countable assets.
5. Call New York Medicaid Choice (Maximus) at 1-888-401-6582 to choose an MLTC plan available in your area. A counselor will explain your plan options and help you enroll.
6. Submit any remaining paperwork your chosen MLTC plan or the Medicaid office requests to complete your enrollment.

What to expect: After you submit your information and choose a plan, the MLTC plan will coordinate your covered services — such as home care, personal care, home health aide visits, therapy, adult day health care, and home-delivered meals — so you can remain in the community. Processing times vary, so ask the NYIA or your local Medicaid office for an estimate of how long your case may take. Once enrolled, you will need to complete an annual Medicaid recertification to confirm you still meet financial eligibility requirements, as well as periodic reassessments of your level of care need. Mark these renewal dates carefully, as missing them could interrupt your coverage.

Renewals

annual Medicaid recertification plus periodic reassessment of level of care