Georgia Medicaid Eligibility 2026: Income Limits, Programs, and How to Qualify

Last Updated: January 6, 2026 by Akash Biswas

Are you trying to get Medicaid in Georgia? You need to know the income limits first.

This guide shows you exactly how much you can earn and still qualify for Medicaid in Georgia in 2026.

We break down every program. We show income limits for adults, children, families, and seniors.

What Are the Income Limits for Georgia Medicaid in 2026?

Georgia uses Federal Poverty Level (FPL) guidelines to decide who qualifies for Medicaid.

As of January 2026, Georgia still uses the 2025 FPL numbers. The state will update to 2026 FPL limits around March or April 2026.

If your income is close to the limit, apply anyway. The new 2026 limits will be slightly higher.

Quick Answer: Income Limits by Group

Georgia Medicaid Programs Explained

Georgia offers different Medicaid programs for different people.

Each program has its own income limit.

Here’s what you need to know.

1. Georgia Pathways to Coverage (For Adults)

Who qualifies:

• Adults aged 19 to 64
• Not pregnant
• Not disabled
• Not eligible for other Medicaid

Income limit: 100% of FPL

Work Requirement

You must complete 80 hours per month of approved activities:

• Working a job
• Going to college or trade school
• Job training programs
• Community service or volunteer work

No work hours = no coverage.

2. Coverage for Pregnant Women

Pregnant women get higher income limits in Georgia.

Program: Right from the Start Medicaid (RSM)

Income limit: 220% of FPL

*Note: A pregnant woman counts as 2 people for income calculations.

What’s covered:

• Prenatal care
• Labor and delivery
• Postpartum care (60 days after birth)

You can apply at any point during pregnancy.

3. Coverage for Children

Georgia has two main programs for kids:

• Medicaid (for lower incomes)
• PeachCare for Kids (for moderate incomes)

PeachCare for Kids

Who qualifies:

• Children under age 19
• Uninsured
• Not eligible for regular Medicaid

Income limit: 247% of FPL

Monthly premium: $0 to $35 depending on income.

Medicaid for Children (By Age)

Infants have the highest income limits.

4. Coverage for Parents with Kids

Parents have the lowest income limits in Georgia.

Program: Low Income Medicaid (LIM)

Income limit: ~35% of FPL

This program is very hard to qualify for.

Most parents will need to use Georgia Pathways instead (with work requirements).

5. Coverage for Seniors and People with Disabilities

Who qualifies:

• Age 65 or older, OR
• Any age with a qualifying disability
• Usually people who get SSI (Supplemental Security Income)

Income limits:

• Single person: $967/month
• Married couple: $1,450/month

Asset limits:

• Single person: $2,000
• Married couple: $3,000

Assets include:

• Bank accounts
• Stocks or bonds
• Extra property or vehicles

Your home and one car usually don’t count.

Special Limit: Nursing Home Care

If you need nursing home care, the income limit is higher:

$2,901/month (Institutional Care Limit)

This is for people who need 24-hour care.

Full Income Chart (All Programs)

Here’s a quick comparison table showing income limits across all Georgia Medicaid programs.

All amounts are monthly gross income.

What Counts as Income?

Georgia Medicaid counts most types of income, including:

✅ Wages from a job
✅ Self-employment earnings
✅ Social Security benefits
✅ SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
✅ Unemployment benefits
✅ Pension or retirement income
✅ Child support payments
✅ Alimony

What Does NOT Count as Income

❌ SNAP benefits (food stamps)
❌ Federal tax refunds
❌ Gifts or loans (in most cases)
❌ Child care subsidies

Georgia uses Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) for most programs.

For Aged, Blind, and Disabled (ABD) programs, Georgia uses SSI income rules (more complex).

How to Apply for Georgia Medicaid

You can apply for Medicaid in Georgia three ways:

1. Apply Online

Visit the Georgia Gateway website:

🔗 gateway.ga.gov

You can start, save, and submit your application online.

2. Apply by Phone

Call the Georgia Medicaid hotline:

📞 1-877-423-4746 (toll-free)

Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM EST.

3. Apply in Person

Visit your local Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) office.

Find your nearest office:

🔗 dfcs.georgia.gov/locations

Documents You’ll Need

Bring these documents when you apply:

✔️ Proof of identity (driver’s license, ID card, birth certificate)
✔️ Proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, award letters)
✔️ Proof of residency (utility bill, lease agreement)
✔️ Social Security numbers (for everyone applying)
✔️ Citizenship or immigration status (birth certificate, passport, green card)

For Pathways, you’ll also need:

• Proof of 80 hours/month work or qualifying activity

For ABD (seniors/disabled), you’ll also need:

• Bank statements (asset verification)
• Disability determination letter (if applicable)

What Happens After You Apply?

Georgia has 10 to 45 days to decide on your application (depending on the program).

• Most programs: 45 days
• Pregnant women: 10 days (expedited)
• Disability cases: Up to 90 days (requires medical review)

You’ll get a letter in the mail with the decision.

If approved, your Medicaid card will arrive by mail.

If denied, the letter will explain why and how to appeal.

What If My Income Is Too High?

If you don’t qualify for Medicaid, you have other options:

1. Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace

You may qualify for subsidized health insurance through the federal marketplace.

🔗 HealthCare.gov

Income limits for ACA subsidies go up to 400% of FPL (~$52,000 for a single person).

2. PeachCare for Kids

Even if you don’t qualify for Medicaid, your children might qualify for PeachCare (up to 247% FPL).

3. Charity Care Programs

Many Georgia hospitals offer charity care or sliding-scale fees for uninsured patients.

Ask the hospital billing department about financial assistance.

Official Resources

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, visit these official Georgia websites:

🔗 Georgia Medicaid (DCH): medicaid.georgia.gov

🔗 Georgia Gateway (Apply Online): gateway.ga.gov

🔗 PeachCare for Kids: dch.georgia.gov/peachcare-kids

🔗 Federal Poverty Guidelines (HHS): aspe.hhs.gov/poverty-guidelines

Final Tips

✅ Apply even if you’re unsure. If your income is close to the limit, apply anyway. Limits may increase in Spring 2026.

✅ Report income changes. If your income goes up or down, tell Georgia Medicaid within 10 days.

✅ Keep your documents. Save copies of your application and any letters from Medicaid.

✅ Ask for help. If you need help applying, call 1-877-423-4746 or visit your local DFCS office.

About the Author

My name is Akash Biswas.

I like to read hard government rules and make them easy to understand.

Many people find Medicaid and Medicare confusing, and that is okay. I want to help.

I made this website so families can learn in simple words. I take big, hard information and break it into small, easy steps.

I want every person to feel calm and sure when they read about Medicaid or Medicare.

My goal is to help you understand who can get help, how to apply, and what to do next.

I hope this website makes your life easier and helps you get the care you need.

I study Medicaid and Medicare rules every day and work hard to share clear, correct, and easy information for all families.

Need more help? Call Georgia Medicaid at 1-877-423-4746 or visit medicaid.georgia.gov.