Emergency Medicaid Cases May Close After Six Months of Non-Use

Effective February 2026, individuals with Emergency Medicaid through the NYS of Health, will lose coverage if not used for six-months.

Medicaid for the Treatment of an Emergency Medical Condition, also called Emergency Medicaid (EM), acts as a safety net for undocumented and certain temporary immigrants when they experience an emergency medical condition, as defined by Medicaid. Individuals can apply so that Medicaid can cover the treatment of the emergency if one occurs. However, this does not mean the person has regular Medicaid coverage, it only covers the qualifying emergency treatment.

Per GIS 26 MA/04, certain individuals with Emergency Medicaid in NY State of Health will have their cases closed. This will impact individuals under age 65 with a “07 coverage” who have not used their EM benefits in the preceding 6-month period. Case closures will take place monthly, for those who meet case-closure criteria.  Individuals should receive a notice regarding a pending case closure. Clients whose cases are closed can reapply as needed for coverage.

This change will not impact individuals with EM housed at their Local Department of Social Services/HRA in New York City, those age 65+, and those who have used their coverage in the preceding 6-month period.