Pooled Income Trust in New York-Keep Your Income and Qualify for Medicaid

Told You Make "Too Much" for Medicaid? Not So Fast.

There's a common myth that if your monthly income is too high, you can't qualify for Medicaid in New York. The truth is different: most people can qualify for Community Medicaid if surplus income is handled correctly.


That's where a pooled income trust comes in.



In New York, the Medicaid income limit for one person is relatively low (around $1,700 per month). Many seniors receive Social Security, pensions, or retirement income that places them above that threshold. Instead of losing that excess income to medical bills or giving up on Medicaid entirely, a pooled trust provides a legal and approved solution.

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How a Pooled Income Trust Works-In Plain English

A pooled income trust is a special account managed by a nonprofit organization and approved by New York State Medicaid.


Here's how it works:

  1. If your income exceeds Medicaid's monthly limit, the "surplus" portion is deposited into your trust account.
  2. That income is no longer counted against your Medicaid eligibility.
  3. The funds in the trust are used to pay your personal living expenses-such as rent, utilities, groceries, phone bills, or other approved costs.
  4. Medicaid adjusts your required spend-down to $0, allowing you to receive full benefits.


In short, you keep your income and gain Medicaid coverage. It's a fully legal, state-approved Medicaid spend-down solution.

An In-House, NYS-Approved Pooled Trust-Built for Our Clients

Elder Healthcare Services operates its own pooled income trust, created to better serve New York families.


Because we manage the trust directly:

  • Setup is faster and more streamlined
  • Communication is clear-one team handles both Medicaid and trust enrollment
  • Fees are structured to remain reasonable and transparent
  • Your account is managed by experienced, certified professionals


You're not being referred to an outside organization-you're working with the same trusted team from start to finish.

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How to Join a Pooled Trust for Medicaid

We make the process simple:

Step 1: Eligibility Review

We confirm that your income exceeds Medicaid's limit and determine if a pooled trust is the right fit.

Step 2: Trust Enrollment

We complete the paperwork and enroll you in our pooled trust program.

Step 3: Monthly Deposits

You deposit only the surplus income each month into your trust account.

Step 4: Bill Payments

The trust pays your approved living expenses directly from the account.

Step 5: Medicaid Notification

We notify Medicaid that you've joined the trust so your spend-down is adjusted accordingly.

You don't have to manage complicated paperwork-we handle the setup and ongoing coordination.

What This Looks Like in Practice

Mrs. Rosen receives $2,500 per month in combined Social Security and pension income-about $800 above Medicaid's limit.


By enrolling in our pooled income trust:

  • The $800 surplus is deposited into her trust account monthly.
  • The trust pays her rent, ConEd bill, and phone bill from those funds.
  • Medicaid now covers her home care services in full.


She didn't lose her income-it's simply redirected to pay her expenses while preserving eligibility.

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Is a Pooled Trust Right for Me?

  • What is a pooled income trust in NY?

    It's a nonprofit-managed trust that allows individuals with excess income to qualify for Medicaid by depositing surplus funds for approved expenses.

  • How much does it cost?

    There is typically a modest enrollment fee and a small administrative fee. We explain all costs clearly before you enroll.

  • Do I qualify?

    In New York, individuals over 65 or those with a qualifying disability who have excess income can typically use a pooled trust.

  • What happens to unused funds?

    Funds are used to pay your living expenses during your lifetime. Per state rules, remaining funds at death stay with the nonprofit organization.

  • Is this the same as a Miller Trust?

    Some states use Qualified Income Trusts (Miller Trusts). In New York, the pooled income trust is the primary tool for managing surplus income.

Don't Let Surplus Income Block Your Benefits

If you've been told your income is too high for Medicaid, a pooled income trust may be the answer. We'll review your situation and explain exactly how to protect your monthly income while qualifying for coverage.

Turn "Too Much Income" Into Full Medicaid Coverage

A pooled income trust in New York transforms excess income from a barrier into a solution. With Elder Healthcare Services managing your trust setup and Medicaid coordination, the process is simple, compliant, and secure