Key threshold: If your income is below $27,531 (individual) or $56,925 (family of 4), you likely qualify for Denali KidCare / Alaska Medicaid with free or very low-cost coverage. No premiums, no deductibles.
Alaska Medicaid Income Limits 2026
The following table shows the key income thresholds for Alaska in 2026 (Alaska uses adjusted federal poverty levels that are 25% higher than the contiguous U.S.):
| Household Size | 100% FPL | 138% FPL (Medicaid Limit) | 400% FPL (Subsidy Limit) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $19,950 | $27,531 | $79,800 |
| 2 | $27,050 | $37,329 | $108,200 |
| 3 | $34,150 | $47,127 | $136,600 |
| 4 | $41,250 | $56,925 | $165,000 |
| 5 | $48,350 | $66,723 | $193,400 |
| 6 | $55,450 | $76,521 | $221,800 |
If your household income falls below the 138% FPL column, you qualify for Denali KidCare / Alaska Medicaid. If your income is between 138% and 400% FPL, you qualify for ACA marketplace subsidies to help pay for private insurance.
About Denali KidCare / Alaska Medicaid
Who Qualifies for Denali KidCare / Alaska Medicaid
If you're an Alaskan looking for affordable health coverage, Denali KidCare, also known as Alaska Medicaid, could be an option. This program has expanded to cover adults with household incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). For a single individual, this means an annual income of approximately $25,958, while a family of four could qualify with an income up to $53,820. Children in families with incomes up to 208% FPL and pregnant women with incomes up to 230% FPL also qualify. For a family of four, this translates to $81,120 for children and $87,750 for pregnant women. As of January 2026, over 231,000 Alaskans were covered by Medicaid/CHIP, demonstrating it's a widely used and essential program in the state.
If You're Near the Income Line
If your income is slightly above the Denali KidCare threshold, you may still be eligible for significant savings on health insurance through the federal marketplace at HealthCare.gov. With Alaska's benchmark Silver plan costing around $734 per month, which is higher than the national average, subsidies can make a big difference. For example, a single person earning between 139% and 400% FPL would qualify for marketplace subsidies. It's important to remember that changes in your income can shift your eligibility between Medicaid and marketplace subsidies, so always report any changes. During the recent unwinding of continuous Medicaid enrollment, 48,335 Alaska residents were disenrolled, but if you lost coverage, you can reapply at any time if your circumstances change.
What Denali KidCare / Alaska Medicaid Covers
Denali KidCare / Alaska Medicaid provides comprehensive benefits with little to no cost-sharing for most services. This means you typically won't pay premiums, deductibles, or copayments. Beyond standard medical care, Alaska offers several unique Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers designed to help individuals who need institutional levels of care to remain in their homes or communities. These include the Alaskans Living Independently (ALI) Waiver for seniors and physically disabled adults, and waivers for Alaskans with Physical and Developmental Disabilities (APDD), Children with Complex Medical Conditions (CCMC), Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), and Individualized Supports (ISW) Waivers. These waivers can cover services like adult day care, home modifications, and respite care.
Tips for Applying
When navigating Denali KidCare, be aware of potential processing delays, and ensure you have all required documentation ready. While most income-based Medicaid programs do not have asset limits, individuals applying for Medicaid based on age (65 or older) or disability may have asset limits, typically around $2,000 for an individual. Also, for children, Denali KidCare coverage is usually issued for 12 months, and you'll need to renew annually to avoid gaps. To get started, apply online through my.alaska.gov or HealthCare.gov, or contact your local Division of Public Assistance office for assistance.
Marketplace Insurance in Alaska
Alaska residents who do not qualify for Medicaid can purchase private health insurance through the federal marketplace at HealthCare.gov. The average benchmark (second-lowest cost Silver) plan in Alaska costs approximately $734/month for a 40-year-old in 2026.
Premium tax credits (subsidies) are available for households with income between 100% and 400% FPL. Here is what a 40-year-old individual in Alaska might pay for a Silver plan after subsidies, based on the $734/month benchmark:
| Income Level | Annual Income | Your Cost | Monthly Subsidy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 150% FPL | $29,925 | ~$100/mo | $634/mo |
| 200% FPL | $39,900 | ~$217/mo | $517/mo |
| 250% FPL | $49,875 | ~$346/mo | $388/mo |
| 300% FPL | $59,850 | ~$490/mo | $244/mo |
| 400% FPL | $79,800 | ~$654/mo | $80/mo |
These estimates are for a 40-year-old individual on a benchmark Silver plan in Alaska. Actual premiums depend on your age, household size, tobacco use, and plan choice. Households with income between 100-250% FPL also qualify for cost-sharing reductions (CSR) on Silver plans, which lower deductibles and copays. Alaska uses the federal marketplace at HealthCare.gov.
How to Apply for Denali KidCare / Alaska Medicaid
Medicaid enrollment is open year-round — there's no deadline. You can apply through any of these channels:
- Online: Apply through HealthCare.gov — the system automatically checks your Denali KidCare / Alaska Medicaid eligibility when you enter your income. Or apply directly through Denali KidCare / Alaska Medicaid.
- Phone: Call Alaska's Medicaid helpline for guided help with your application.
- In person: Visit your local human services office or a certified application counselor.
You'll need proof of income (pay stubs or tax returns), proof of Alaska residency, and Social Security numbers for household members.
Calculate Your Subsidy in Alaska
Enter your income, age, and household size to see if you qualify for Medicaid or marketplace subsidies in Alaska.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can I earn and still qualify for Denali KidCare / Alaska Medicaid?
In 2026, the Medicaid income limit in Alaska is 138% of the federal poverty level: $27,531 per year for an individual, $37,329 for a household of 2, $47,127 for 3, and $56,925 for a family of 4.
Does Alaska have Medicaid expansion?
Yes, Alaska has expanded Medicaid under the ACA. Adults aged 19-64 earning up to 138% of the federal poverty level qualify for Denali KidCare / Alaska Medicaid.
Am I eligible for health insurance subsidies in Alaska?
Alaska residents with household income between 100% and 400% FPL ($19,950 to $79,800 for an individual in 2026) qualify for premium tax credits that reduce the cost of marketplace health insurance. Apply through HealthCare.gov.
What is the name of Alaska's Medicaid program?
Alaska's Medicaid program is known as Denali KidCare / Alaska Medicaid. It provides health coverage for eligible low-income residents including children, pregnant women, seniors, and adults up to 138% FPL.
How do I keep my health insurance if I lose Medicaid in Alaska?
If your Denali KidCare / Alaska Medicaid coverage ends due to income changes or redetermination, you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period on the marketplace. This gives you 60 days to sign up for a private plan through HealthCare.gov. If your income is between 100-400% FPL, you'll likely qualify for subsidies to help cover the cost.
Does working disqualify me from Medicaid in Alaska?
Yes. Medicaid eligibility in Alaska is based on your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI), not your employment status. If your household income is at or below 138% FPL ($27,531 for an individual), you qualify for Denali KidCare / Alaska Medicaid even if you work full-time. Many Denali KidCare / Alaska Medicaid enrollees are working adults.
Denali KidCare / Alaska Medicaid vs. marketplace insurance — which is better?
Medicaid (Denali KidCare / Alaska Medicaid) is free or very low-cost with no premiums or deductibles. Marketplace plans in Alaska average $734/month before subsidies — among the highest in the country. If you qualify for Medicaid, it will almost always be the better financial choice. If your income is just above the Medicaid limit, subsidies can still make marketplace coverage affordable.