Maryland Medicaid provides free or low-cost health coverage to eligible residents. In 2026, income limits increased by 1.6% to 2.9% across all household sizes.
Adults can now earn up to $1,830 monthly (single person), children qualify with a household income up to $4,283 monthly, and pregnant individuals can earn up to $4,760 monthly and still receive coverage.
Quick Summary:
- Adults (19-64): Qualify at 138% of federal poverty level
- Children (under 19): Qualify at 322% of federal poverty level
- Pregnant individuals: Coverage at 264% of poverty level
- 2026 limits increased $29 to $383 per month depending on household size
- Asset limits: $2,500 (single) or $3,000 (couple) for most programs
- Apply online at Maryland Health Connection or call 1-855-642-8572
2026 Maryland Medicaid Income Limits by Group
Adults Age 19-64 (138% FPL)
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit 2026 | 2025 Limit | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $1,830 | $1,801 | +$29 |
| 2 people | $2,486 | $2,433 | +$53 |
| 3 people | $3,142 | $3,065 | +$77 |
| 4 people | $3,795 | $3,698 | +$97 |
| 5 people | $4,448 | $4,330 | +$118 |
| 6 people | $5,102 | $4,962 | +$140 |
| 7 people | $5,755 | $5,596 | +$159 |
| 8 people | $6,408 | $6,228 | +$180 |
A single adult earning less than $1,830 per month qualifies. A family of four with income under $3,795 monthly is eligible.
Children Under Age 19 (322% FPL)
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit 2026 | 2025 Limit | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $4,283 | $4,202 | +$81 |
| 2 people | $5,804 | $5,677 | +$127 |
| 3 people | $7,325 | $7,152 | +$173 |
| 4 people | $8,845 | $8,630 | +$215 |
| 5 people | $10,358 | $10,104 | +$254 |
| 6 people | $11,871 | $11,579 | +$292 |
| 7 people | $13,392 | $13,057 | +$335 |
| 8 people | $14,915 | $14,532 | +$383 |
Children qualify even if family income is higher. A family of four can earn up to $8,845 monthly.
Pregnant Individuals (264% FPL)
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit 2026 | 2025 Limit | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 people | $4,760 | $4,654 | +$106 |
| 3 people | $6,012 | $5,863 | +$149 |
| 4 people | $7,260 | $7,075 | +$185 |
| 5 people | $8,509 | $8,284 | +$225 |
Pregnant individuals receive coverage during pregnancy and 12 months postpartum automatically.
Who Qualifies for Maryland Medicaid?
Basic eligibility requirements:
- Maryland resident
- U.S. citizen or qualified immigrant
- Social Security number (or applied for one)
- Meet income limits for your household size
- Meet asset limits (if applicable)
Special groups with different rules:
- Aged, Blind, Disabled (ABD): $350/month (single) or $392/month (couple)
- SSI recipients: Automatic Medicaid qualification
- Waiver programs: $2,982/month for home and community-based services
- Medicare beneficiaries: May qualify for help with premiums
Asset Limits for Maryland Medicaid 2026
Maryland counts your assets (savings, investments, property) in addition to income.
Standard asset limits:
- Single person: $2,500
- Married couple: $3,000
What doesn’t count as assets:
- Your primary home
- One vehicle
- Personal belongings and household items
- Life insurance policies under $1,500
- Retirement accounts (in some programs)
For waiver programs and nursing home care, asset limits may differ. Contact Maryland Health Connection to verify.
How to Apply for Maryland Medicaid
Three ways to apply:
- Online: Visit marylandhealthconnection.gov
- Phone: Call 1-855-642-8572 (Monday-Friday, 8am-6pm)
- In person: Visit your local Department of Social Services
Documents you’ll need:
- Photo ID or birth certificate
- Social Security numbers for household members
- Proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns)
- Bank statements (recent 3 months)
- Immigration documents (if applicable)
Application timeline:
Maryland processes most applications within 45 days. Emergency Medicaid can start immediately in urgent situations.
Maryland Children’s Health Program (MCHP)
MCHP covers children in families earning between 138% and 322% of the poverty level.
2026 MCHP benefits include:
- Doctor visits and checkups
- Prescription medications
- Hospital care
- Dental and vision services
- Mental health services
- Immunizations
Some families may pay small monthly premiums. These range from $0 to $75 based on income level.
Special Maryland Medicaid Programs
Employed Individuals with Disabilities (EID)
Allows working disabled adults to keep Medicaid coverage. No maximum income limit exists. Premiums apply for those earning above poverty level.
Medicaid Waiver Programs
Maryland offers waivers for:
- Community First Choice
- Community Options Waiver
- Model Waiver
- Residential Habilitation
These programs help people avoid nursing homes. Income limit: $2,982/month in 2026.
Pregnant Individual Coverage
Automatic 12-month postpartum coverage. This extends after delivery without reapplication. Covers prenatal care, delivery, and postpartum checkups.
What Income Counts Toward Medicaid?
Maryland counts almost all income sources:
Income that counts:
- Wages and salary
- Self-employment earnings
- Social Security benefits
- Unemployment compensation
- Pension and retirement income
- Rental income
- Child support received
- Workers’ compensation
Income that may not count:
- Child support paid out
- Certain veteran benefits
- Some tribal payments
- Tax refunds (in some cases)
Maryland uses Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) rules for most applicants.
FAQs About Maryland Medicaid Eligibility 2026
Can I get Maryland Medicaid if I work full-time?
Yes. Many working Marylanders qualify for Medicaid. Your income must fall below the limits for your household size. Part-time and full-time workers can both qualify depending on their earnings.
What happens if my income changes after I enroll?
Report income changes within 10 days to Maryland Health Connection. Your coverage may adjust based on new income. You might qualify for more or less assistance. Reporting changes prevents coverage gaps.
Do undocumented immigrants qualify for Maryland Medicaid?
Limited eligibility exists for emergency services only. Pregnant individuals may qualify regardless of immigration status. Children and lawful immigrants can access full Medicaid benefits. DACA recipients may qualify for marketplace plans.
Can I have Medicaid and Medicare at the same time?
Yes. This is called “dual eligible” status. Maryland offers programs to help pay Medicare premiums, deductibles, and copays. These Medicare Savings Programs have different income limits than regular Medicaid.
How long does Maryland Medicaid coverage last?
Coverage continues as long as you remain eligible. You must renew annually. Maryland checks your eligibility once per year. Report any changes that might affect your coverage immediately.
What if I earn slightly above the income limit?
Apply anyway. Certain deductions may lower your countable income. You might qualify for Maryland Health Connection subsidies instead. Children’s programs have higher limits. A caseworker will calculate your exact eligibility.
Where to Get Help
Maryland Health Connection:
- Website: marylandhealthconnection.gov
- Phone: 1-855-642-8572
- TTY: 1-855-642-8573
Maryland Department of Health:
- Medicaid website: health.maryland.gov/mmcp
- Find local office: dhs.maryland.gov/find-an-office
Free application assistance: Call Maryland Health Connection to find free help near you. Navigators and certified application counselors assist with enrollment at no cost.
Official Sources:
- U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Federal Poverty Guidelines: aspe.hhs.gov/poverty-guidelines
- Maryland Department of Health Medicaid Eligibility: health.maryland.gov/mmcp/eligibility
- Maryland Health Connection: marylandhealthconnection.gov
