Last Updated: February 2026
Medicaid income limits for 2026 have been updated. The new limits are based on the 2026 Federal Poverty Level (FPL) guidelines published on January 15, 2026.
If you earn below your state’s limit, you may qualify for free or low-cost health coverage through Medicaid.
In most Medicaid expansion states, adults can earn up to $22,025 per year (138% FPL) and still qualify.
Seniors and disabled individuals have different limits based on the SSI Federal Benefit Rate of $994 per month.
Quick Article Summary:
- The 2026 FPL is $15,960 per year for one person in 48 states
- Medicaid expansion covers adults up to 138% FPL ($22,025/year for one person)
- 40 states plus DC now offer Medicaid expansion
- Nursing home Medicaid income cap is $2,982/month (300% of $994 FBR)
- Most states have a $2,000 asset limit for seniors and disabled applicants
- You can apply online at HealthCare.gov or your state Medicaid website
What Is Medicaid?
Medicaid is a government health insurance program for people with low income. It is run by both the federal and state governments.
Each state has its own rules for who qualifies. Medicaid covers doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, and preventive care.
For seniors, it also covers nursing home care and home-based care services.
Key Terms You Should Know
- Federal Poverty Level (FPL): An income measure updated every year. For 2026, it is $15,960/year for one person.
- Federal Benefit Rate (FBR): The maximum SSI payment. For 2026, it is $994/month for one person.
- MAGI: Modified Adjusted Gross Income. Used for most adults, children, and pregnant women. Counts wages and Social Security. Does not count SNAP or child support.
- Non-MAGI: Used for seniors 65+, blind, and disabled individuals. Looks at both income and assets.
- 300% FBR Rule: The income cap for nursing home Medicaid. Equals $2,982/month in 2026.
- Miller Trust (QIT): A special trust that helps people over the income limit qualify for Medicaid.
Key Medicaid Updates for 2026
Several important changes took effect in January 2026. These updates affect income limits, SSI payments, and long-term care caps across all states.
What Changed in 2026
- 2.8% COLA increase applied to Social Security and SSI benefits
- SSI Federal Benefit Rate rose to $994/month (individual) and $1,491/month (couple)
- Nursing home Medicaid income cap increased to $2,982/month (up from $2,901)
- 2026 FPL is $15,960/year for one person (up from $15,650)
- 138% FPL for expansion adults is now about $22,025/year for one person
- Community Spouse Resource Allowance (CSRA) rose to $162,660
- Maximum MMMNA increased to $4,066.50/month
- 40 states plus DC now have Medicaid expansion
Important: States adopt new FPL numbers at different times. Some updates in January. Others wait until March or April 2026. Check with your state Medicaid office for exact dates.
2026 Federal Poverty Level (FPL) Guidelines
The table below shows the official 2026 FPL by household size. These numbers are used to determine Medicaid eligibility in every state. The 138% FPL column shows the income limit for Medicaid expansion adults.
| HH Size | 100% FPL (48 States) | Monthly | 138% FPL (Expansion) | Monthly | Alaska 100% | Hawaii 100% |
| 1 | $15,960 | $1,330 | $22,025 | $1,835 | $19,950 | $18,360 |
| 2 | $21,640 | $1,803 | $29,863 | $2,489 | $27,050 | $24,880 |
| 3 | $27,320 | $2,277 | $37,702 | $3,142 | $34,150 | $31,400 |
| 4 | $33,000 | $2,750 | $45,540 | $3,795 | $41,250 | $37,920 |
| 5 | $38,680 | $3,223 | $53,378 | $4,448 | $48,350 | $44,440 |
| 6 | $44,360 | $3,697 | $61,217 | $5,101 | $55,450 | $50,960 |
| 7 | $50,040 | $4,170 | $69,055 | $5,755 | $62,550 | $57,480 |
| 8 | $55,720 | $4,643 | $76,894 | $6,408 | $69,650 | $64,000 |
Note: Add $5,680 per additional person for 48 states. Add $7,100 for Alaska. Add $6,520 for Hawaii.
Source: HHS ASPE 2026 Poverty Guidelines, Federal Register, January 15, 2026.
Medicaid Expansion vs. Non-Expansion States in 2026
Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), states can expand Medicaid to cover more adults. As of 2026, 40 states and DC have expanded Medicaid. Ten states have not.
Expansion States (40 States + DC)
In these states, most adults under 65 qualify if they earn at or below 138% FPL. That is about $22,025 per year for one person. No asset test applies under MAGI rules.
Expansion states include: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, DC, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and West Virginia.
Non-Expansion States (10 States)
In these states, childless adults generally cannot get Medicaid no matter how low their income is. Parents may qualify only at very low income levels.
Non-expansion states are: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Example: In Texas, parents qualify only if they earn about 17% FPL (around $273/month for a family of 3). Alabama limits parents to about 18% FPL.
2026 Medicaid Income Limits by State: All 50 States + DC
This table shows monthly income limits for seniors and disabled individuals.
It covers three main Medicaid categories: Nursing Home (NH), Home and Community Based Services (HCBS), and Aged, Blind, and Disabled (ABD) coverage.
When only one spouse applies, the applicant uses the single-person limit. The non-applicant spouse’s income is not counted.
| State | NH Single | NH Married | HCBS Single | HCBS Married | ABD Single | ABD Married | Notes |
| Alabama | $2,982 | $5,964 | $2,982 | $5,964 | $1,014 | $1,511 | |
| Alaska | $2,982 | $5,964 | $2,982 | $5,964 | $1,845 | $2,732 | Higher FPL |
| Arizona | $2,982 | $5,964 | $2,982 | $5,964 | $1,305 | $1,763 | |
| Arkansas | $2,982 | $5,964 | $2,982 | $5,964 | $1,043 | $1,410 | eff. 4/25-3/26 |
| California | No limit | No limit | $1,801 | $2,433 | $1,801 | $2,433 | No NH cap |
| Colorado | $2,982 | $5,964 | $2,982 | $5,964 | $994 | $1,491 | |
| Connecticut | < NH cost | < NH cost | $2,982 | $5,964 | $1,370 | $2,198 | NH = cost of care |
| Delaware | $2,485 | $4,970 | $2,485 | $4,970 | $994 | $1,491 | Uses 250% FBR |
| DC | $2,982 | $5,964 | $2,982 | $5,964 | $1,305 | $1,763 | |
| Florida | $2,982 | $5,964 | $2,982 | $5,964 | $1,149 | $1,522 | eff. 4/25-3/26 ABD |
| Georgia | $2,982 | $5,964 | $2,982 | $5,964 | $994 | $1,491 | |
| Hawaii | No limit | No limit | $1,500 | $1,500 | $1,500 | $2,027 | Higher FPL |
| Idaho | $3,002 | $5,984 | $3,002 | $5,984 | $1,047 | $1,511 | Above 300% FBR |
| Illinois | $1,304 | $1,762 | $1,304 | $1,762 | $1,304 | $1,762 | All same; eff. 4/25 |
| Indiana | $2,982 | $5,964 | $2,982 | $5,964 | $1,305 | $1,763 | |
| Iowa | $2,982 | $5,964 | $2,982 | $5,964 | $994 | $1,491 | |
| Kansas | No limit | No limit | No limit | No limit | $967 | $1,450 | Medically needy |
| Kentucky | $2,982 | $5,964 | $2,982 | $5,964 | $235 | $291 | Very low ABD |
| Louisiana | $2,982 | $5,964 | $2,982 | $5,964 | $994 | $1,491 | |
| Maine | $2,982 | $5,964 | $2,982 | $5,964 | $1,305 | $1,763 | |
| Maryland | < NH cost | < NH cost | $2,982 | $5,964 | $350 | $392 | Very low ABD |
| Massachusetts | No limit | No limit | $2,982 | $5,964 | $1,305 | $1,763 | Medically needy |
| Michigan | $2,982 | $5,964 | $2,982 | $5,964 | $1,305 | $1,763 | |
| Minnesota | $1,305 | $1,764 | $2,982 | $5,964 | $1,305 | $1,764 | NH uses FPL |
| Mississippi | $2,982 | $5,964 | $2,982 | $5,964 | $994 | $1,491 | |
| Missouri | All income | All income | $1,109-$1,690 | $1,109-$1,690 | $1,109 | $1,499 | NH: no cap |
| Montana | < NH cost | < NH cost | $994 | $1,988 | $994 | $1,491 | |
| Nebraska | $1,305 | $1,305/ea | $1,305 | $1,305/ea | $1,305 | $1,763 | FPL-based |
| Nevada | $2,982 | $5,964 | $2,982 | $5,964 | $994 | $1,491 | |
| New Hampshire | $2,982 | $5,964 | $2,982 | $5,964 | $981 | $1,451 | |
| New Jersey | $2,982 | $5,964 | $2,982 | $5,964 | $1,305 | $1,763 | |
| New Mexico | $2,982 | $5,964 | $2,982 | $5,964 | $994 | $1,491 | |
| New York | $1,800 | $2,433 | $1,800 | $2,433 | $1,800 | $2,433 | Higher asset limit |
| N. Carolina | < NH rate | < NH rate | $1,305 | $1,763 | $1,305 | $1,763 | NH = reimb. rate |
| N. Dakota | No limit | No limit | $1,174 | $1,587 | $1,174 | $1,587 | Medically needy |
| Ohio | $2,982 | $5,964 | $2,982 | $5,964 | $994 | $1,491 | |
| Oklahoma | $2,982 | $5,964 | $2,982 | $5,964 | $1,305 | $1,763 | |
| Oregon | $2,982 | $5,964 | $2,982 | $5,964 | $994 | $1,491 | |
| Pennsylvania | $2,982 | $5,964 | $2,982 | $5,964 | $989 | $1,483 | |
| Rhode Island | $2,982 | $5,964 | $2,982 | $5,964 | $1,304 | $1,763 | |
| S. Carolina | $2,982 | $5,964 | $2,982 | $5,964 | $1,305 | $1,763 | |
| S. Dakota | $2,982 | $5,964 | $2,982 | $5,964 | $994 | $1,491 | |
| Tennessee | $2,982 | $5,964 | $2,982 | $5,964 | $994 | $1,491 | |
| Texas | $2,982 | $5,964 | $2,982 | $5,964 | $994 | $1,491 | Non-expansion |
| Utah | No limit | No limit | $1,305-$2,982 | $1,305-$2,982 | $1,305 | $1,763 | Medically needy |
| Vermont | $2,982 | $5,964 | $2,982 | $5,964 | $1,333-$1,441 | $1,333-$1,441 | ABD varies |
| Virginia | $2,982 | $5,964 | $2,982 | $5,964 | $1,044 | $1,410 | |
| Washington | $2,982 | $5,964 | $2,982 | $5,964 | $994 | $1,491 | |
| W. Virginia | $2,982 | $5,964 | $2,982 | $5,964 | $994 | $1,491 | |
| Wisconsin | $2,982 | $5,964 | $2,982 | $5,964 | $1,078 | $1,623 | |
| Wyoming | $2,982 | $5,964 | $2,982 | $5,964 | $994 | $1,491 |
* No limit or < NH cost means no hard income cap, but nearly all income must go toward the cost of care.
Source: MedicaidPlanningAssistance.org, state Medicaid agencies, SSA 2026 FBR rates.
Understanding the Three Medicaid Categories
Medicaid for seniors and disabled individuals falls into three main groups. Each has different income limits and covers different services. Here is what each one means.
1. Nursing Home / Institutional Medicaid
This program pays for all nursing home costs. Most states use 300% of the FBR ($2,982/month) as the income cap. Some states like California, Hawaii, and Kansas have no hard income cap.
Residents must pay nearly all their income toward care. They only keep a small Personal Needs Allowance of $30 to $200 per month, depending on the state.
2. HCBS Waivers (Home and Community Based Services)
HCBS waivers pay for care at home or in assisted living. Most states also use the $2,982/month income limit. People on HCBS keep more of their income because they still pay for rent, food, and utilities.
Important: HCBS waivers have limited spots. Many states have waiting lists.
3. ABD Medicaid (Aged, Blind, and Disabled)
ABD Medicaid covers regular medical care for seniors 65+ and disabled individuals. It does not cover nursing home stays. Income limits are lower than long-term care programs.
ABD limits range from $235/month in Kentucky to $1,845/month in Alaska. Most states base the limit on the FBR ($994/month) or a percentage of FPL. Asset tests apply in most states.
Medicaid Income Limits for Special Groups
Children, pregnant women, and adults under 65 have different Medicaid income limits. These groups use MAGI rules, which means no asset test applies.
Children
Children qualify at higher income levels than adults. In 2026, limits range from 133% FPL to over 300% FPL. States like Illinois (313% FPL), New Hampshire (318% FPL), and Maryland (317% FPL) have the highest limits.
CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program) extends coverage even further in many states.
Pregnant Women
Pregnant women qualify at much higher income levels. In 2026, limits range from 138% FPL in South Dakota to 375% FPL in Iowa. Most states cover pregnant women between 195% and 213% FPL.
The unborn child counts as a household member. This raises the income threshold. Coverage lasts 12 months after birth in most states.
Adults Under 65 (Expansion States)
In the 40 Medicaid expansion states, most adults under 65 qualify at 138% FPL. That is about $22,025/year for one person or $45,540/year for a family of four.
Washington DC has the highest limit. Parents qualify at 221% FPL. Other adults qualify at 251% FPL.
What to Do If You Are Over the Medicaid Income Limit
Being over the income limit does not always mean you cannot get Medicaid. There are several options that may help you qualify even if your income is too high.
Miller Trust (Qualified Income Trust)
A Miller Trust is used in income-cap states. If your income is over the limit, you deposit the extra money into a special trust. Medicaid then only counts income outside the trust. This is common in states like Texas and Florida.
Medically Needy / Spend-Down Pathway
This option is available in 32 states and DC. You subtract your medical bills from your income. Once your adjusted income falls below the state limit, you qualify. This works well for people with high medical costs.
Spousal Protections
When only one spouse applies for Medicaid long-term care, the other spouse gets protections. The non-applicant spouse’s income is not counted. The applicant can shift up to $4,066.50/month to their spouse. The community spouse can also keep up to $162,660 in assets.
Medicaid Asset Limits for 2026
For long-term care and ABD Medicaid, states also check your assets. Most states set the limit at $2,000 for one person and $3,000 for couples. Some states have higher limits.
| State / Category | Individual | Couple |
| Most States | $2,000 | $3,000 |
| California | $130,000 | $195,000 |
| New York | $32,396 | $43,781 |
| Michigan / SC / AR (ABD) | $9,950 | $9,950 |
| Community Spouse (CSRA) | Up to $162,660 | N/A |
Assets that do not count include:
- Your primary home (up to $752,000 equity in most states)
- One vehicle
- Personal belongings and household items
- Prepaid burial or funeral plans
Note: MAGI-based Medicaid for adults under 65, children, and pregnant women does NOT have an asset test. Only non-MAGI programs require one.
Home equity limit: $752,000 in most states. Ten states allow up to $1,130,000 (Alabama, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Washington). California has no home equity limit.
How to Apply for Medicaid in 2026
Applying for Medicaid is free. You can apply in several ways. Processing usually takes 30 to 45 days. Coverage can be backdated up to 3 months before your application date.
4 Ways to Apply
- Online: Visit HealthCare.gov or your state Medicaid website
- Phone: Call your state Medicaid office or dial 2-1-1
- In Person: Visit your local Department of Social Services
- By Mail: Send a paper application to your state Medicaid agency
Tip: Missing documents are the most common cause of delays. Gather proof of income, ID, and residency before you apply.
Important Tips to Remember
Medicaid rules change every year. Here are some practical tips to help you stay eligible and avoid problems.
- A small income increase (like the 2.8% COLA) can push you over the limit. Recheck your eligibility every year.
- The new $2,982/month cap may help people who were just over the 2025 limit of $2,901.
- States update their FPL-based limits at different times. Confirm with your state office.
- Always report income changes within 10 days. Medicaid requires annual redetermination.
- Holocaust survivor reparations and VA Aid & Attendance payments are usually not counted as income.
- If denied, you have the right to appeal through a fair hearing process.
- Consider consulting a Certified Medicaid Planner or Elder Law Attorney for complex cases.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are the most common questions people are asking about Medicaid income limits in 2026.
1. What are the Medicaid income limits for 2026?
For Medicaid expansion adults, the limit is about $22,025/year (138% FPL) for one person. For nursing home Medicaid, the income cap is $2,982/month. ABD Medicaid limits vary by state, ranging from $235 to $1,845/month.
2. Did Medicaid income limits go up in 2026?
Yes. The 2026 FPL increased to $15,960/year for one person. The nursing home income cap rose from $2,901 to $2,982/month. SSI-based limits also increased because the Federal Benefit Rate went up to $994/month.
3. What is the Medicaid asset limit for 2026?
Most states set the asset limit at $2,000 for one person and $3,000 for couples. California allows $130,000. New York allows $32,396. These limits apply only to non-MAGI programs for seniors and disabled individuals.
4. Can I qualify for Medicaid if my income is over the limit?
Yes, in many cases. You may use a Miller Trust in income-cap states. You can also use the medically needy spend-down pathway in 32 states and DC. Spousal protections may also help if only one spouse is applying.
5. Which states have not expanded Medicaid in 2026?
Ten states have not expanded Medicaid: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. In these states, childless adults generally cannot get Medicaid regardless of income.
6. How do I apply for Medicaid in 2026?
You can apply online at HealthCare.gov or your state Medicaid website. You can also call your state Medicaid office, visit a local social services office, or send a paper application by mail. Processing takes 30 to 45 days.
Official Sources
All data in this article comes from official government and verified sources:
- HHS ASPE 2026 Poverty Guidelines (Federal Register, January 15, 2026)
- Social Security Administration 2026 SSI/FBR Rates
- Medicaid.gov CIB 01/23/2026
- American Council on Aging / MedicaidPlanningAssistance.org (Updated February 2026)
- State Medicaid agency websites
Outbound Links:
Medicaid.gov – Official Medicaid Information
HHS ASPE – 2026 Poverty Guidelines
HealthCare.gov – Apply for Medicaid
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It is not legal or financial advice. Medicaid rules are complex and vary by state. Always verify current limits with your state Medicaid agency or a qualified professional.
