Free senior care guidance for Nassau and Suffolk County families. No cost to you, ever.
Call (934) 200-2603
Long Island Senior Advisor

What is the MLTC special income standard for Long Island and why does it matter for Medicaid home care?

The special income standard for housing expenses, available to certain individuals enrolled in a Managed Long Term Care plan, varies by NYSDOH region

Quick answer

The special income standard for housing expenses, available to certain individuals enrolled in a Managed Long Term Care plan, varies by NYSDOH region - for the Long Island region specifically, it is $1,701.00. This regional figure is higher than most upstate regions (for comparison, the Central New York region's is $426 and the Western region's is $341), reflecting Long Island's higher housing costs, and remains in effect until updated federal poverty levels are published.

Get matched freeCall (934) 200-2603
Home›Questions›What is the MLTC special income standard for Long Is
Answer

The special income standard for housing expenses, available to certain individuals enrolled in a Managed Long Term Care plan, varies by NYSDOH region - for the Long Island region specifically, it is $1,701.00. This regional figure is higher than most upstate regions (for comparison, the Central New York region's is $426 and the Western region's is $341), reflecting Long Island's higher housing costs, and remains in effect until updated federal poverty levels are published.

The detail behind the program

This is a narrower, more technical figure than the general MLTC eligibility rules, but it matters directly to Long Island's cost of living: because the special income standard is set regionally rather than as one statewide number, Nassau and Suffolk MLTC enrollees are allowed to count a higher housing-expense allowance than someone in most other parts of the state, $1,701 compared to $426 in Central New York or $1,229 in the Northern Metropolitan region, for instance. This standard affects how much income a person enrolled in MLTC can retain for housing costs while still qualifying for Medicaid-funded home care services, which matters for a homeowner or renter trying to keep their Long Island housing while also qualifying for MLTC. Because it's tied to federal poverty level updates, families should confirm the current figure with their MLTC plan or a Medicaid caseworker rather than assuming it's static year to year.

Related questions

Questions families ask

What is the MLTC special income standard for Long Island and why does it matter for Medicaid home care?

The special income standard for housing expenses, available to certain individuals enrolled in a Managed Long Term Care plan, varies by NYSDOH region - for the Long Island region specifically, it is $1,701.00. This regional figure is higher than most upstate regions (for comparison, the Central New York region's is $426 and the Western region's is $341), reflecting Long Island's higher housing costs, and remains in effect until updated federal poverty levels are published.

Not sure where to start?

Answer five questions and a local advisor will come back with senior care options in your area that actually fit your situation and budget. It is free, and there is no obligation.

Find care options
Find senior care — free