Medicaid Eligibility Calculator 2026
Check your potential Medicaid eligibility based on official 2026 Federal Poverty Level guidelines and state-specific income limits.
Enter Your Details
Select a state and enter your income to see your potential Medicaid eligibility for 2026.
Your Medicaid Eligibility Guide: Simple answers about healthcare coverage for you and your family
Current as of:
About the Author
How Your Result Was Calculated
We looked at your income and family size, compared it to your state's updated 2026 rules, and used simple math to check if you qualify.
For Most Families
- We count your monthly income
- We count how many people live with you
- We check your state's income limit
- If your income is below the limit, you may qualify
For Seniors & People with Disabilities
- We also check your savings and assets
- Most states allow up to $2,000 in savings
- Your home and car don't count
What Is Medicaid?
Medicaid is free or low-cost health insurance that helps about 78 million Americans get care.
Who Gets Medicaid
- Children & Pregnant women
- Parents with low income
- Seniors over 65
- People with disabilities
What Medicaid Covers
- Doctor visits & Hospital stays
- Prescriptions & Labs
- Mental health care
- Nursing home care
Medicaid is NOT Medicare
Medicaid: Low income (any age)
Medicare: Mostly 65+
You can have both at the same time.
Medicaid Income Limits by State (2026)
Understanding your state's specific 2026 income limits is the first step to knowing if you qualify. For a deeper dive, read our full guide on Medicaid Income Limits by State. The table below provides the latest eligibility data for single adults across all 50 states.
Key Takeaway: 40 states and DC have expanded Medicaid, allowing single adults earning up to $22,025/year to qualify. If your state is marked "Not expanded," limits may be much lower.
| Your State | You Can Earn (Single Adult) | Covers Adults? |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | N/A | ❌ Not expanded |
| Alaska | Up to $27,531/year | ✅ Yes |
| Arizona | Up to $22,025/year | ✅ Yes |
| Arkansas | Up to $22,025/year | ✅ Yes |
| California | Up to $22,025/year | ✅ Yes |
| Colorado | Up to $22,025/year | ✅ Yes |
| Connecticut | Up to $22,025/year | ✅ Yes |
| Delaware | Up to $22,025/year | ✅ Yes |
| Florida | N/A | ❌ Not expanded |
| Georgia | Limited | ❌ Not expanded |
| Hawaii | Up to $25,336/year | ✅ Yes |
| Idaho | Up to $22,025/year | ✅ Yes |
| Illinois | Up to $22,025/year | ✅ Yes |
| Indiana | Up to $22,025/year | ✅ Yes |
| Iowa | Up to $22,025/year | ✅ Yes |
| Kansas | N/A | ❌ Not expanded |
| Kentucky | Up to $22,025/year | ✅ Yes |
| Louisiana | Up to $22,025/year | ✅ Yes |
| Maine | Up to $22,025/year | ✅ Yes |
| Maryland | Up to $22,025/year | ✅ Yes |
| Massachusetts | Up to $22,025/year | ✅ Yes |
| Michigan | Up to $22,025/year | ✅ Yes |
| Minnesota | Up to $22,025/year | ✅ Yes |
| Mississippi | N/A | ❌ Not expanded |
| Missouri | Up to $22,025/year | ✅ Yes |
| Montana | Up to $22,025/year | ✅ Yes |
| Nebraska | Up to $22,025/year | ✅ Yes |
| Nevada | Up to $22,025/year | ✅ Yes |
| New Hampshire | Up to $22,025/year | ✅ Yes |
| New Jersey | Up to $22,025/year | ✅ Yes |
| New Mexico | Up to $22,025/year | ✅ Yes |
| New York | Up to $22,025/year | ✅ Yes |
| North Carolina | Up to $22,025/year | ✅ Yes |
| North Dakota | Up to $22,025/year | ✅ Yes |
| Ohio | Up to $22,025/year | ✅ Yes |
| Oklahoma | Up to $22,025/year | ✅ Yes |
| Oregon | Up to $22,025/year | ✅ Yes |
| Pennsylvania | Up to $22,025/year | ✅ Yes |
| Rhode Island | Up to $22,025/year | ✅ Yes |
| South Carolina | N/A | ❌ Not expanded |
| South Dakota | Up to $22,025/year | ✅ Yes |
| Tennessee | N/A | ❌ Not expanded |
| Texas | N/A | ❌ Not expanded |
| Utah | Up to $22,025/year | ✅ Yes |
| Vermont | Up to $22,025/year | ✅ Yes |
| Virginia | Up to $22,025/year | ✅ Yes |
| Washington | Up to $22,025/year | ✅ Yes |
| West Virginia | Up to $22,025/year | ✅ Yes |
| Wisconsin | Limited | ❌ Not expanded |
| Wyoming | N/A | ❌ Not expanded |
Income Limits for Children
Limits for Pregnant Women
Pregnant women get special help. Income limits are much higher. (The unborn child counts toward household size).
Coverage Includes:
- All prenatal care
- Labor and delivery
- Care for up to 12 months after birth (in most states)
Asset Limits (Savings)
Families & Working Adults
Only your income matters (MAGI rules).
Seniors & Disabled
Max savings (single) in most states.
What Doesn't Count
- Your primary home & 1 car
- Clothes & furniture
- Prepaid funeral plans
What Does Count
- Bank accounts
- Stocks and bonds
- Extra cars
Eligibility Rules Explained
Who Can Get Medicaid?
- U.S. citizen or qualified legal resident
- Live in the state where you apply
- Low income / Senior / Disabled / Pregnant
How Income Is Counted
We Count:
- Wages & Salary
- Social Security
- Pensions
- Unemployment
We Don't Count:
- SSI payments (for MAGI groups)
- Tax refunds
- Gifts from family
Seniors & Nursing Home Care
Do Seniors Qualify?
Yes! Medicaid pays for nursing homes if you qualify.
2026 Limits for Seniors
Income: Up to $2,982/mo
Savings: Up to $2,000
Spousal Protection
If you are married, your spouse can keep:
- Up to $162,660 in savings
- The house and car
- Their own non-applicant income
⚠️ The 5-Year Rule
Medicaid looks back 5 years. If you gave away money, you may have to wait to get coverage. Talk to a certified Medicaid planner or elder law lawyer first.
Home Care (HCBS)
You don't have to go to a nursing home. 86% prefer home care.
Services Include:
- Helper at home
- Bathing & dressing help
- Meal delivery
- Transportation
How to Apply
Check Qualification
Use our calculator or call your state office.
Gather Papers
ID, Social Security, Proof of address, Pay stubs.
Apply
Online (fastest), by phone, or in person.
Wait for Decision
Usually 1-3 months. Must decide within 45 days.
Common Mistakes
"Medicaid will take my house."
NOT TRUE.
Your home is safe while you're alive.
"I have to be completely broke."
NOT TRUE.
You can have a home, car, and some savings.
"If I work, I can't get Medicaid."
NOT TRUE.
Many workers qualify. Only your total income amount matters.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is a Medicaid eligibility calculator and how does it work?
A Medicaid calculator helps you see if you can get Medicaid. You type in things like your income, how many people live with you, and where you live. The calculator checks your numbers against your state’s rules. Each state has different rules, so results can change depending on where you live.
2. How accurate are online Medicaid eligibility calculators?
These calculators give a guess, not a final answer. They use real rules, but they cannot check everything about your life. Only your state Medicaid office can make the real decision. Use the calculator to get an idea first, then apply for real.
3. What information do I need to use a Medicaid calculator?
You need to enter your state, your income, and how many people are in your home. You may also need ages, citizenship, and disability information. Some tools ask about savings or assets too. Having pay stubs or tax papers helps you answer quickly.
4. Does Medicaid eligibility vary by state?
Yes, every state has its own rules. Some states let more people get Medicaid, and some states have stricter limits. Income limits are different in each state. That is why a person may qualify in one state but not another.
5. Can this calculator estimate both income and asset eligibility?
Most calculators check income only. Some Medicaid programs also look at your savings, home, or other assets. This usually matters for long-term care or disability programs. If you need help with assets, use a special long-term care calculator or talk to your state office.
6. Can a Medicaid calculator help determine long-term care eligibility?
Some calculators can check long-term care rules. These programs look at your income, your assets, and your health needs. Many states have limits like about $2,000 in assets and set income caps (like $2,982/month in 2026). A doctor still must confirm that you need long-term care.
7. Is there a Medicaid calculator for pregnant women?
Yes, calculators often have a section for pregnant women. Pregnant women can get Medicaid at higher income levels in many states. The unborn baby counts as an extra family member. Most states also give 12 months of coverage after the baby is born.
8. Can parents use this calculator to check Medicaid eligibility for children?
Yes, parents can use it to see if their kids qualify. Kids have different income limits that are usually higher than adults. Babies under 1 normally get Medicaid if their mom had Medicaid when they were born. Enter your full household income to get correct results.
9. Does this Medicaid calculator work for people with disabilities?
Yes, but disability rules can be more complicated. Some people with SSI are automatically able to get Medicaid. Others must meet special disability rules checked by Social Security. The calculator can help, but the final decision is made by the state.
10. Can veterans or military families use a Medicaid eligibility calculator?
Yes, veterans and military families can use the same calculator. TRICARE and Medicaid can work together, so having TRICARE does not stop Medicaid. VA Aid & Attendance usually does not count as income for Medicaid. Just enter your household income like everyone else.
11. Is there a free Medicaid eligibility calculator online?
Yes, many free calculators exist. HealthCare.gov and each state’s Medicaid website have free tools. Groups like Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) also offer free calculators. You never need to pay to check Medicaid.
12. Can this calculator estimate potential coverage or cost savings?
Most calculators only tell you if you may qualify. They do not show exact costs because Medicaid usually has very low or no costs. Some tools, like Marketplace calculators, can show cost savings. For exact coverage details, check with your state Medicaid office.
13. Can I apply for Medicaid directly after using the calculator?
Yes, you can apply right after using the calculator. HealthCare.gov or your state’s Medicaid website lets you apply online. The calculator is only a guess, so you must still fill out a real application. The state will ask for papers like ID, income proof, and other documents.
14. How do I save or download my Medicaid calculator results?
Some tools let you save or print your results. State websites often let you save your application and finish it later. HealthCare.gov gives you a letter or a number you can download. If saving is not offered, take a screenshot.
15. Is there a Medicaid calculator app for mobile devices?
There are not many Medicaid calculator apps. But most state Medicaid websites and HealthCare.gov work well on phones. Some states have their own apps for applying or checking benefits. Using your phone’s browser is usually the easiest way.
16. Where can I find a trusted or recommended Medicaid eligibility calculator?
The safest places are HealthCare.gov and your state’s Medicaid website. Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) also has a trusted calculator. Some third-party tools are OK, but be careful with paid sites. Government and nonprofit tools are the most reliable.