Medicaid Income Limits 2026: Who Qualifies & How to Apply

Medicaid is the largest source of free or low-cost health coverage in the United States. This guide covers who qualifies in 2026, the income limits (including the 138% of poverty rule for adults in expansion states), and how to apply through your state or the Health Insurance Marketplace — any time of year.

What Is Medicaid?

Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that pays for health care for people with limited income and resources. The federal government sets the broad rules and helps pay the cost, but each state runs its own Medicaid program and sets its own requirements within those rules, according to USA.gov.

There is also a companion program, CHIP (the Children’s Health Insurance Program), which covers children and teens up to age 19 when a family earns too much for Medicaid but still needs help paying for coverage. When you apply, your state checks you for both programs at once.

Who Qualifies for Medicaid?

USA.gov lists the main groups Medicaid covers:

• Adults with a low income
• Children
• Pregnant women
• People age 65 or over
• People with disabilities

Whether you qualify depends on your age, income level, family size, and whether you are pregnant or have a disability. Because each state sets its own income cutoffs, the same income can qualify you in one state and not in another. The clearest single rule is the one for adults in states that expanded Medicaid, explained next.

Medicaid Income Limits for 2026

In the states that adopted Medicaid expansion, adults ages 19–64 qualify based on income alone. HealthCare.gov explains that if your household income is at or below 133% of the federal poverty level, you qualify — and because of the way the income is counted (a 5% disregard), this works out to 138% of the federal poverty level.

Applying that 138% rule to the 2026 federal poverty guidelines gives these approximate yearly income limits for the adult expansion group in the 48 contiguous states and D.C.:

Household size	2026 federal poverty level	Medicaid adult limit (138%)
1	$15,960	about $22,025
2	$21,640	about $29,863
3	$27,320	about $37,702
4	$33,000	about $45,540
Each additional person	+$5,680	+$7,838

The 138% figures are calculated from the verified 2026 poverty guidelines — treat them as a close guide, not an exact cutoff, and confirm your state’s number when you apply. A few important points:

• These limits apply to the adult expansion group. Children, pregnant women, seniors, and people with disabilities are often covered at higher income levels or through different pathways.
• Not every state expanded Medicaid. As of 2026, 40 states and D.C. cover the adult group up to 138%; the rest have not, so a low-income adult in a non-expansion state may not qualify on income alone. Check your state.
• Income is measured using Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) for most groups — with no asset or savings test. People applying through the 65+ or disability pathways may be assessed differently.

How to Apply for Medicaid

Applying is free, and there is no enrollment deadline — USA.gov says you can apply anytime. There are two ways to apply:

1. Apply through your state Medicaid agency. This is the most direct route. USA.gov links to a state-by-state directory of where to get help with Medicaid and CHIP.
2. Apply through the Health Insurance Marketplace. Create an account at HealthCare.gov and fill out one application. If it looks like you qualify for Medicaid or CHIP, the Marketplace sends your information to your state, which contacts you about enrollment.

Either way, you fill out one application and your state checks you for both Medicaid and CHIP.

What to have ready. According to USA.gov, a Medicaid application may ask for:

• Your name and date of birth
• Your Social Security number
• Proof of income
• Citizenship or immigration documents

Exact requirements vary by state, so your state agency will tell you what it needs.

Medicaid vs. CHIP: Which One Covers Your Family?

If your income is low enough, the whole family may qualify for Medicaid. If you earn a little too much for Medicaid but still can’t easily afford coverage, your children may qualify for CHIP, which reaches higher income levels and covers kids and teens up to age 19, per USA.gov. You do not have to guess — one application checks for both.

After You Apply

Your state reviews your application and verifies your information. If you qualify, coverage can begin quickly, and there is no yearly window to worry about — you can apply the day you need it. Medicaid coverage is renewed periodically, so watch for renewal notices from your state and respond on time to keep your coverage.

Getting one benefit often opens the door to others. If your household qualifies for Medicaid, you may also qualify for the Lifeline phone and internet discount — up to $9.25 off your monthly bill. If you are also struggling with food or energy costs, see our guides to food stamps (SNAP) and help paying heating and cooling bills (LIHEAP). And if you’re not sure where to start, dialing 211 connects you to local help.

Income limits shown are for 2026 in the 48 contiguous states and D.C.; the 138% figures are calculated from the official federal poverty guidelines, and your state’s exact limits and covered groups may differ. Information verified on official government websites as of July 19, 2026.