The Medicaid Surplus Income Program

Helping New York Residents Obtain Benefits

The Medicaid Excess Income Program, often referred to as the Medicaid Surplus Income Program or Medicaid Spenddown Program, is a system in New York that offers Medicaid coverage to individuals who meet all Medicaid eligibility requirements but make more than the income level allowed to qualify. In these situations, an individual must apply for Medicaid. The Human Resources Administration (HRA) will review the application and inform the applicant that his or her income level is higher than the allowed levels for Medicaid benefits. Accordingly, the applicant may therefore qualify for the Medicaid Surplus Income Program. This program provides similar coverage to standard Medicaid, but the applicant must pay all excess income to the HRA or must present the HRA with paid/unpaid medical bills equal to the monthly surplus amount.

Providing Relief In Your Time of Need

Lead attorney, Steven Melnik, can help if you are interested in applying for Medicaid but make more than the allowed income level. Although you may qualify under the Medicaid Surplus Income Program, we can also talk to you about other options to address your excess income. For example, you may be able to enter into the pooled income trust, an option available to New Yorkers that involves paying the excess income into a trust which then dispenses money to you for your necessary expenses.

Making the right choices about your Medicaid coverage is important, particularly if you have assets that need protection or if you make more than the allowed income. At the time of this writing, if you are an individual over the age of 65 and your income is more than $767 per month, you may need to consider the Medicaid Surplus Income Program. At the Melnik Law Group, PLLC, we can explain your options to you and help with your application to ensure you get the coverage you need. Our legal team represents clients throughout Brooklyn, Manhattan and all of New York City in all areas of elder law. For the qualified defense you need and deserve, contact attorney Melnik at our offices today.