Medicaid

Medicaid Income Limits 2026: By State and Household Size

June 30, 2026 · 5 min read · Medicaid overview

In the 40 states (plus D.C.) that expanded Medicaid, adults qualify with income up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level — $1,835/month for a single person or $3,795/month for a family of four. In non-expansion states like Texas and Florida, most working-age adults without a disability or dependent children do not qualify at all.

2026 Medicaid income limits — expansion states

If your state expanded Medicaid under the ACA, adults 19–64 qualify at 138% FPL:

Alaska and Hawaii have higher limits. Children and pregnant women typically qualify at higher income thresholds — see below.

Which states expanded Medicaid?

As of 2026, 40 states plus D.C. have expanded Medicaid. The states that have not expanded are: Alabama, Florida, Georgia (limited Pathways program at 35% FPL), Kansas, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Wisconsin (partial, up to 100% FPL), and Wyoming.

If you live in a non-expansion state and your income is below 100% FPL, you may fall into the "coverage gap" — too high for traditional Medicaid, too low for marketplace subsidies. Options include Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), which charge on a sliding scale with no minimum, and free clinics. Find an FQHC near you →

Children and pregnant women — higher limits

Children and pregnant women qualify at higher income levels than adults in all states. Most states cover children up to 200–300% FPL through Medicaid or CHIP. Pregnant women typically qualify up to 150–200% FPL (and some states go higher). Children born in the U.S. are eligible regardless of parents' immigration status.

CHIP overview →  |  Benefits for pregnant women 2026 →

Elderly and disabled Medicaid

For people 65+ or with disabilities, Medicaid has additional pathways with different (sometimes lower) income limits but asset tests. These programs cover nursing home care and home/community-based services that Medicare does not pay for long-term. Income and asset rules for long-term care Medicaid are complex — contact your State Medicaid agency or a benefits counselor for your specific situation.

Common questions

What is the income limit for Medicaid in 2026?

In expansion states: 138% FPL — $1,835/month for a single person, $3,795/month for a family of four. In non-expansion states, limits vary widely and most working-age adults without children or a disability don't qualify.

Do I make too much for Medicaid?

If your income is above 138% FPL in an expansion state, you likely exceed the adult Medicaid limit. However, children and pregnant women qualify at higher thresholds. If you're slightly over the limit, check marketplace plan options with premium tax credits at Healthcare.gov.

Does Medicaid check bank accounts?

For ACA-expansion Medicaid (adults 19–64), no asset test applies — bank accounts are not checked. For elderly and long-term care Medicaid, assets do matter and limits apply (typically $2,000 for an individual).

Can I get Medicaid if I work?

Yes. Medicaid is income-based, not employment-based. Many full-time workers qualify, especially in expansion states. As long as your income falls within the limit for your household size, employment status does not affect eligibility.