2026 Florida Medicaid Income Limits: Who Qualifies Now

Florida Medicaid income limits 2026 for families and children eligibility changes

Are There 2026 Medicaid Income Limits in Florida?

Yes — but only for seniors and people with disabilities so far.

For families, children, and pregnant women, the 2026 limits are not yet finalized.

Florida Medicaid income limits are tied to different federal standards, which are released on different schedules each year. As a result, some 2026 limits are already confirmed, while others are still pending.

Want to see if you’re eligible this year?

Use our free Florida Medicaid Eligibility & Income Calculator to check your 2026 income and asset limits instantly.

Florida Medicaid Income Limits: 2025 vs. 2026 Summary

Seniors & People With Disabilities (SSI-Related Medicaid)

2026 limits are confirmed and effective January 1, 2026

Coverage Type2025 Limit2026 LimitStatus
Individual Income Limit (SSI / Full Medicaid)$943 / month$994 / month✅ Final
Couple Income Limit (SSI / Full Medicaid)$1,415 / month$1,491 / month✅ Final
Nursing Home / LTC Income Cap (300% SSI)$2,991 / month$2,982 / month✅ Final
Asset Limit – Individual$2,000$2,000Unchanged
Asset Limit – Couple$3,000$3,000Unchanged

📌 Note: Income changes reflect the 2.8% 2026 COLA; asset limits did not increase.

Families, Children & Pregnant Women (FPL-Based Medicaid)

2026 limits are not yet released
Florida continues to use 2025 limits until Spring 2026.

Coverage Group (Family of 3)2025 Income Limit2026 ExpectedStatus
Children (Age 6–18)$3,065 / month (138% FPL)+2–3% est.⏳ Pending
Children (Age 1–5)$3,220 / month (145% FPL)+2–3% est.⏳ Pending
Pregnant Women$4,353 / month (196% FPL)+2–3% est.⏳ Pending
Parents / CaretakersVery low (% of FPL)TBD⏳ Pending

📅 Expected update:

  • Mid-January 2026: Federal Poverty Level (FPL) released
  • March–April 2026: Florida adopts new family limits

Quick Reader Takeaway

  • Seniors & disabled individuals: 2026 income limits are final and already in effect
  • Families & children: 2025 limits still apply until Spring 2026
  • Asset limits: No changes for 2026

✅ Confirmed 2026 Medicaid Income Limits

Seniors & People With Disabilities (SSI-Related Medicaid)

The 2026 SSI-related Medicaid limits are confirmed and effective January 1, 2026. These apply to:

  • Seniors (age 65+)
  • People who are blind or disabled
  • Individuals receiving or eligible for SSI
  • Long-term care Medicaid applicants (income-cap programs)

The increases are based on the 2026 Social Security Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) of 2.8%, which raised the Federal Benefit Rate (FBR).

2026 SSI-Related Income Limits

Individual Income Limit
$994 per month
(Full Medicaid / SSI)

Couple Income Limit
$1,491 per month
(Full Medicaid / SSI)

Nursing Home / Long-Term Care Income Cap
$2,982 per month
(300% of the SSI Federal Benefit Rate)

📌 Asset Limits Remain Unchanged
While income limits increased, countable asset limits did not:

  • $2,000 for an individual
  • $3,000 for a married couple (both applying)

These asset rules continue to apply to SSI-related and long-term care Medicaid programs.

⏳ Pending 2026 Medicaid Income Limits

Families, Children & Pregnant Women (MAGI / FPL-Based)

Income limits for children, pregnant women, and parents are based on the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), which is released annually by the federal government.

As of now:

  • The 2026 FPL has NOT been released
  • Florida is still using 2025 income limits for family-related Medicaid

Expected 2026 Timeline

January 1, 2026
SSI-related Medicaid income limits increase for seniors and disabled individuals.

Mid-January 2026
The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services releases the 2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines.

March–April 2026
Florida DCF formally adopts the new FPL numbers and updates family Medicaid income limits.

Until Florida adopts the new FPL, 2025 limits remain in effect.

Current Effective Limits (2025 Baseline – Still in Use)

These income limits apply now and will remain valid until Florida implements the 2026 update. Based on historical trends, the 2026 limits are expected to rise by approximately 2–3%.

Family Medicaid Income Limits (Family of 3)

Coverage GroupMonthly Income Limit% of FPL
Children (Age 6–18)$3,065 / month138%
Children (Age 1–5)$3,220 / month145%
Pregnant Women$4,353 / month196%

✔ These limits apply until at least Spring 2026
✔ The 2026 update is expected to be slightly higher due to inflation

Key Takeaway

  • Yes, Florida has confirmed 2026 Medicaid income limitsbut only for seniors and people with disabilities
  • Family, child, and pregnancy-related limits are still pending
  • Florida will continue using 2025 FPL-based limits until the federal government releases the 2026 FPL and the state adopts them

If you’re planning ahead for 2026 eligibility, seniors and disabled individuals can rely on the new January 1 limits, while families should expect updated numbers in Spring 2026.

How to Apply for Medicaid in Florida

  1. Visit MyFloridaBenefits to start your application.
  2. Use the eligibility screening tool.
  3. Gather documents:
    • Proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns)
    • ID & Social Security numbers
    • Proof of Florida residency (lease, bill, license)
    • Medical documentation (for disability or LTC programs)
  4. Submit online, by mail, or at a local DCF office.
  5. Respond to any renewal or verification requests.

Florida Medicaid Income & Asset Limits 2025

Family-Related Medicaid (MAGI Rules)

Eligibility for children, parents, and pregnant women is based on Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) and FPL percentages.

Household Size100% FPL133% FPL (Children)200% FPL300% FPL (KidCare Expansion)
1 person$15,650$20,845$31,300$46,950
2 person$21,150$28,207$42,300$63,450
3 person$26,650$35,570$53,300$79,950
4 person$32,150$42,933$64,300$96,450

Source: Florida KidCare Income Guidelines 2025

Interpretation:

  • Children are covered up to 300% FPL through KidCare.
  • Pregnant women generally qualify up to 200% FPL.
  • Parents qualify at much lower thresholds tied to household size.
  • Adults without children remain ineligible regardless of income.

Long-Term Care Medicaid (Nursing Home / HCBS Waivers)

Florida applies stricter income and asset limits for seniors and individuals needing institutional or home-based care.

  • Income limit (single applicant): $2,901/month 
  • Asset limit (single applicant): $2,000 
  • Community spouse resource allowance: Up to $157,920 
  • Home equity exemption: $730,000 
  • Personal Needs Allowance: $160/month 
  • Lookback period: 60 months for asset transfers 

Who Qualifies for Florida Medicaid?

  • Adults without children: Not eligible under current policy.
  • Parents: Only if household income is significantly below FPL.
  • Children: Covered up to 300% FPL through KidCare expansion.
  • Pregnant women: Typically up to 200% FPL.
  • Seniors/Disabled (LTC): Must meet income and asset rules, plus medical necessity. A Qualified Income Trust (Miller Trust) may help if income exceeds the cap.

Alternatives If You Don’t Qualify

  • KidCare (CHIP): Children up to 300% FPL now qualify.
  • ACA Marketplace: Subsidies on HealthCare.gov may reduce premiums to as little as $20/month.
  • Community health centers: Provide sliding-scale services.
  • HCBS Waivers: Offer home-based care services even if institutional care is not required.

FAQs

Q1: Does Florida cover childless adults under Medicaid?

No. Florida is not an expansion state.

Q2: What is the 2025 income limit for LTC Medicaid?

$2,901/month with a $2,000 asset cap.

Q3: Can my spouse keep assets if I apply for LTC Medicaid?

Yes, up to $157,920 in resources.

Q4: What’s new for 2025 in Florida Medicaid?

The KidCare program expanded to 300% FPL.

Q5: Does home ownership disqualify me?

No, but home equity above $730,000 may.

Q6: How long is the Medicaid lookback period in Florida?

60 months for LTC eligibility.

Conclusion

Florida Medicaid remains one of the strictest programs in the nation, excluding most adults without children. However, children and pregnant women have broader access thanks to the KidCare expansion up to 300% FPL. Seniors and disabled individuals can qualify for long-term care if they meet income, asset, and medical need tests, with tools like Miller Trusts to bridge gaps.

If you think you qualify, apply through MyFloridaBenefits and check current income limits. Even if you don’t, programs like KidCare, ACA subsidies, and HCBS waivers provide additional coverage pathways.

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