Medicaid Eligibility by State: 2026 Income Limits
Medicaid is the largest source of health coverage in the United States, covering over 90 million people. Eligibility rules are set by each state, and the biggest factor is whether your state has expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act.
Quick answer: In the 40 states that have expanded Medicaid, an individual earning up to $21,597/year (or a family of 4 earning up to $44,367) qualifies for free or low-cost coverage. Select your state below for exact thresholds and how to apply.
2026 Medicaid Income Limits
Federal Poverty Level thresholds used in expansion states. 48 contiguous states + D.C. (AK and HI higher).
| Household Size | 100% FPL | 138% FPL (Medicaid) | 400% FPL (Subsidy Cliff) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $15,960 | $22,025 | $63,840 |
| 2 | $21,640 | $29,863 | $86,560 |
| 3 | $27,320 | $37,702 | $109,280 |
| 4 | $33,000 | $45,540 | $132,000 |
| 5 | $38,680 | $53,378 | $154,720 |
| 6 | $44,360 | $61,217 | $177,440 |
If your income falls between 138% and 400% FPL, you qualify for ACA marketplace subsidies to help pay for private insurance.
Household Rules
Medicaid counting rules often differ from standard tax rules. It generally includes your spouse and children who live with you — and uses Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI).
Non-Expansion Coverage Gap
In non-expansion states, adults under 100% FPL who don't fit traditional Medicaid categories may fall into a gap — too much for Medicaid, too little for subsidies.
Expansion States
40 + D.C.These states cover adults up to 138% FPL. Click your state for detailed eligibility, income tables, and how to apply.
- AlaskaDenali KidCare / Alaska Medicaid · $27,531/yr
- ArizonaAHCCCS · $22,025/yr
- ArkansasARKids / Arkansas Medicaid · $22,025/yr
- CaliforniaMedi-Cal · $22,025/yr
- ColoradoHealth First Colorado · $22,025/yr
- ConnecticutHUSKY Health · $22,025/yr
- DelawareDiamond State Health Plan · $22,025/yr
- District of ColumbiaDC Medicaid · $22,025/yr
- HawaiiMed-QUEST · $25,329/yr
- IdahoIdaho Medicaid · $22,025/yr
- IllinoisMedical Card / Illinois Medicaid · $22,025/yr
- IndianaHealthy Indiana Plan (HIP) · $22,025/yr
- IowaIowa Health Link · $22,025/yr
- KentuckyKentucky Medicaid · $22,025/yr
- LouisianaHealthy Louisiana · $22,025/yr
- MaineMaineCare · $22,025/yr
- MarylandMaryland Medicaid · $22,025/yr
- MassachusettsMassHealth · $22,025/yr
- MichiganHealthy Michigan Plan · $22,025/yr
- MinnesotaMedical Assistance / MinnesotaCare · $22,025/yr
- MissouriMO HealthNet · $22,025/yr
- MontanaMontana Medicaid · $22,025/yr
- NebraskaHeritage Health · $22,025/yr
- NevadaNevada Medicaid · $22,025/yr
- New HampshireNH Medicaid · $22,025/yr
- New JerseyNJ FamilyCare · $22,025/yr
- New MexicoCentennial Care · $22,025/yr
- New YorkNY Medicaid · $22,025/yr
- North CarolinaNC Medicaid · $22,025/yr
- North DakotaND Medicaid · $22,025/yr
- OhioOhio Medicaid · $22,025/yr
- OklahomaSoonerCare · $22,025/yr
- OregonOregon Health Plan (OHP) · $22,025/yr
- PennsylvaniaPA Medical Assistance · $22,025/yr
- Rhode IslandRhode Island Medicaid · $22,025/yr
- South DakotaSouth Dakota Medicaid · $22,025/yr
- UtahUtah Medicaid · $22,025/yr
- VermontGreen Mountain Care / Vermont Medicaid · $22,025/yr
- VirginiaVirginia Medicaid · $22,025/yr
- WashingtonApple Health · $22,025/yr
- West VirginiaWV Medicaid · $22,025/yr
Non-Expansion States
10 StatesThese states have not expanded Medicaid. Adult eligibility is limited to specific categories like pregnancy, disability, or very low-income parents.
- AlabamaAlabama Medicaid · Limited eligibility
- FloridaFlorida Medicaid · Limited eligibility
- GeorgiaGeorgia Medicaid · Limited eligibility
- KansasKanCare · Limited eligibility
- MississippiMississippi Medicaid · Limited eligibility
- South CarolinaHealthy Connections · Limited eligibility
- TennesseeTennCare · Limited eligibility
- TexasTexas Medicaid · Limited eligibility
- Wisconsin*BadgerCare Plus · $15,960/yr
- WyomingEqualityCare / Wyoming Medicaid · Limited eligibility
*Wisconsin has not formally expanded Medicaid but covers adults up to 100% FPL through BadgerCare Plus, so there is no coverage gap.
How to Apply for Medicaid
Medicaid enrollment is open year-round — there's no deadline or open enrollment period. You can apply through any of these channels:
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Online. Through HealthCare.gov (or your state's marketplace if it has one). The system automatically checks your Medicaid eligibility when you enter your income.
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Phone. Call your state's Medicaid helpline for guided assistance. Each state page includes the official phone number.
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In person. Visit your local human services office or a certified application counselor for help applying.
You'll need proof of income (pay stubs or tax returns), proof of state residency, and Social Security numbers for household members.
Not Sure If You Qualify?
Enter your income and household size and we'll tell you instantly whether you qualify for Medicaid, marketplace subsidies, or fall in between.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income limit for Medicaid in 2026?
In the 40 states (plus D.C.) that have expanded Medicaid, adults qualify with income up to 138% of the federal poverty level — $21,597/year for an individual or $44,367 for a family of 4 in 2026. Income limits are higher for children (200-300% FPL) and pregnant women (185-255% FPL depending on the state).
Which states have expanded Medicaid?
As of 2026, 40 states and D.C. have expanded Medicaid under the ACA. The 10 states that have not expanded are: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Wisconsin (partial — covers up to 100% FPL), and Wyoming.
What is the Medicaid coverage gap?
The coverage gap affects adults in non-expansion states who earn too much for traditional Medicaid but less than 100% FPL ($15,650/year for an individual), making them ineligible for ACA marketplace subsidies. An estimated 1.5 million Americans fall into this gap. Wisconsin is the exception — it covers adults up to 100% FPL, so there is no gap.
Can I apply for Medicaid at any time?
Yes. Unlike marketplace insurance (which has an annual open enrollment period), Medicaid has no enrollment deadline. You can apply year-round through your state's Medicaid agency, HealthCare.gov, or your state's marketplace.