Quick answer: Long-term care insurance in New York is regulated by the Department of Financial Services (DFS). New York is one of the four original Partnership states, but no insurers have offered new Partnership policies since January 1, 2021; existing policies still count.
The New York Department of Financial Services (DFS) is the state's regulator for long-term care insurance, and it publishes consumer information covering coverage questions, policy terms, and available protections for policyholders.
It's worth remembering that insurance is one funding layer among several, not a stand-in for Medicaid. Anyone comparing policies should look closely at benefit design, inflation protection, the elimination period, and claims conditions, and weigh those against their own likely care needs — including how an existing New York State Partnership for Long-Term Care policy might interact with future Medicaid planning.
Does New York have a Long-Term Care Partnership program?
Yes, but no new Partnership policies are being sold right now. New York is one of the four original Partnership states; its program began before the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 and follows its own rules rather than the NAIC-based DRA model most states use. According to the New York State Partnership for Long-Term Care, as of January 1, 2021, no insurance companies are offering new Partnership-qualified policies in New York. Current, active Partnership policyholders aren't affected.
Existing policies and reciprocity: New York Partnership policies were issued as Total Asset or Dollar for Dollar plans. Since June 1, 2012, New York has taken part in reciprocity with other Partnership states. If a New York policyholder applies for Medicaid in another reciprocal state, protection applies on a dollar-for-dollar basis, even for a Total Asset policy.
New buyers in New York can still purchase traditional or hybrid long-term care coverage. It pays benefits directly, even without Partnership status.
Sources and official resources
- New York DFS: Long Term Care and LTC Insurance
- New York State Partnership for Long-Term Care
- NYS Partnership: Reciprocity
- New York DOH: Nursing Home Transition and Diversion Waiver
- New York State Partnership for Long-Term Care: State Partnership Programs and Reciprocity map
- U.S. Code: 42 U.S.C. § 1396p (liens, estate recovery, transfers of assets, Partnership disregard)
Rules and figures change. Confirm current details with the agency before you act.