Medicaid Income Limits 2026 — By State and Household Size
Medicaid income limits depend on your state, household size, and whether you fall into a specific category (adult, child, pregnant). In the 40 states that expanded Medicaid under the ACA, most adults under 65 qualify at 138% of the federal poverty level — about $20,783 for a single person in 2026. Non-expansion states have much stricter limits.
Check your eligibility with the Medicaid Eligibility Calculator.
2026 Income Limits — Expansion States (138% FPL)
| Household Size | Annual Income Limit | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $20,783 | $1,732 |
| 2 | $28,208 | $2,351 |
| 3 | $35,633 | $2,970 |
| 4 | $43,056 | $3,588 |
| 5 | $50,481 | $4,207 |
| 6 | $57,906 | $4,826 |
| Each additional | +$7,425 | +$619 |
These limits use Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) — essentially your AGI plus tax-exempt interest and certain foreign income. Most people can use their AGI as a close approximation.
Expansion vs Non-Expansion States
| Category | Expansion States (40) | Non-Expansion States (10) |
|---|---|---|
| Adults (no children) | 138% FPL (~$20,783) | Generally not eligible |
| Parents | 138% FPL | 15–50% FPL (varies widely) |
| Children | 200–317% FPL (varies) | 133–200% FPL |
| Pregnant women | 138–200% FPL | 133–200% FPL |
| Elderly/disabled | SSI-level income | SSI-level income |
Non-expansion states that still haven't expanded as of 2026: Texas, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, Alabama, South Carolina, Tennessee, Wyoming, Kansas, and Wisconsin (partial).
Children and Pregnant Women
Children and pregnant women have higher income limits in every state:
| Category | Typical Income Limit | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Children (Medicaid) | 133–200% FPL | Full Medicaid benefits |
| Children (CHIP) | 200–317% FPL | Varies by state |
| Pregnant women | 138–200% FPL | Prenatal, delivery, postpartum |
| Newborns | Automatically covered if mother was on Medicaid | First year of life |
Even if you earn too much for adult Medicaid, your children may still qualify through Medicaid or CHIP at higher income thresholds.
What Income Counts
| Counted (MAGI) | Not Counted |
|---|---|
| Wages and salary | Child support received |
| Self-employment income | SSI payments |
| Social Security benefits | Veterans' benefits |
| Unemployment benefits | Gifts and inheritance |
| Alimony received | Workers' comp (in most states) |
| Rental income | SNAP, WIC, housing assistance |
| Investment income | Loans |
Medicaid uses MAGI, which is simpler than the old method. No asset test for most adults in expansion states — only income matters.
How to Apply
| Method | Details |
|---|---|
| HealthCare.gov | Apply during open enrollment or after a qualifying event |
| State Medicaid website | Direct application year-round |
| Phone | Call your state Medicaid office |
| In person | Visit local Department of Social Services |
| Through a navigator | Free in-person help at community organizations |
Medicaid has no open enrollment period — you can apply any time of year. Processing typically takes 45 days.
For the full Medicaid overview, see Medicaid Eligibility Guide. For comparing Medicaid and Medicare, read Medicaid vs Medicare. And for ACA marketplace options, check ACA Subsidies 2026.
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