Last Updated: February 2026 | Source: Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS)
Michigan Medicaid income limits changed in 2026. New Federal Poverty Level (FPL) figures now decide who qualifies.
Whether you’re an adult, child, senior, or pregnant, your income must fall under a set limit to get free or low-cost health coverage.
Quick Answers — Michigan Medicaid Income Limits 2026:
- Adults (19–64): Up to $1,835/month (1 person) — Healthy Michigan Plan
- Children (under 19): Up to $2,886/month (1 person) — U-19 Medicaid & MIChild
- Pregnant women: Up to $2,660/month (1 person) — full Medicaid coverage
- Nursing home/seniors: Up to $2,982/month (1 person) — asset limit $9,950
- No asset test for adults, children, or pregnant women’s programs
- Apply online at MI Bridges or call 1-888-642-4845
What Is the Income Limit for Michigan Medicaid in 2026?
The income limit depends on which Medicaid program you apply for. Michigan uses the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) to set its thresholds. For 2026, the FPL for one person is $15,960 per year ($1,330/month).
Different programs use different percentages of the FPL. See the full breakdown below.
Healthy Michigan Plan Income Limits (Adults 19–64)
The Healthy Michigan Plan is Michigan’s largest Medicaid program. It covers low-income adults ages 19 to 64 who don’t qualify for Medicare. There is no asset test — your savings don’t count.
The income limit is 138% of the FPL (after a built-in 5% disregard).
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit | Annual Income Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,835 | $22,025 |
| 2 | $2,489 | $29,863 |
| 3 | $3,142 | $37,702 |
| 4 | $3,795 | $45,540 |
| 5 | $4,448 | $53,378 |
| 6 | $5,102 | $61,217 |
To check if your income qualifies, use our Michigan Medicaid eligibility calculator to get a quick estimate.
Children’s Medicaid Income Limits (Under 19)
Michigan offers generous coverage for children. Two programs cover kids: U-19 Medicaid and MIChild (CHIP). Both have an income limit of 217% of the FPL. Neither has an asset test.
U-19 Medicaid
This is free Medicaid for children under 19 in low-income households. No premiums. No asset test. A family of three can earn up to $4,940/month and still qualify in 2026.
MIChild (CHIP)
MIChild serves families who earn slightly too much for regular Medicaid. It charges a small premium — about $10 per family per month. Benefits are nearly identical to full Medicaid.
| Household Size | Monthly Limit (217% FPL) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $2,886 |
| 2 | $3,913 |
| 3 | $4,940 |
| 4 | $5,968 |
Pregnant Women Medicaid Income Limits
Pregnant women get higher income limits and longer coverage. Michigan covers prenatal care, delivery, and 12 months of postpartum care.
Group 1: Full Coverage
Household income at or below 200% FPL qualifies for full Medicaid. For a household of two, that’s about $3,607/month in 2026.
Group 2: Spend-Down Option
Income above 200% FPL? You may still qualify through a spend-down. This means you pay the difference between your income and the limit in medical costs — then Medicaid covers the rest.
Nursing Home and Long-Term Care Income Limits
Long-term care Medicaid has different rules. These programs cover nursing homes and home-based care for seniors and people with disabilities. Both income and assets are counted.
Michigan’s income limit for nursing home Medicaid is 300% of the Federal Benefit Rate (FBR):
- Single person: $2,982/month
- Married couple (both applying): $5,964/month
Asset Limits for Long-Term Care (2026)
| Category | 2026 Amount |
|---|---|
| Single applicant asset limit | $9,950 |
| Community Spouse Resource Allowance (max) | $162,660 |
| Community Spouse Resource Allowance (min) | $32,532 |
| Home equity interest limit | $752,000 |
| Max Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance | $4,066.50/mo |
If your income is above the limit, you can still qualify through a spend-down program.
Spousal Protections (Community Spouse Rules)
When one spouse enters a nursing home, the other spouse (called the community spouse) keeps protected income and assets. This prevents the at-home spouse from losing everything.
In 2026, the community spouse can keep up to $162,660 in assets and up to $4,066.50/month in income. These figures went up from 2025, providing more protection for families.
The 5-Year Look-Back Rule
Michigan checks the last 60 months (5 years) of financial transactions for nursing home and HCBS waiver applicants. If you gave away assets during that time, a penalty period may apply.
The 2026 penalty divisor is $12,216.30/month. This is used to calculate how long Medicaid won’t pay for care after a disqualifying transfer.
This rule does not apply to the Healthy Michigan Plan, children’s Medicaid, or pregnant women’s programs.
All Michigan Medicaid Programs at a Glance (2026)
For a deeper look at how each category works, see our full guide to Michigan Medicaid eligibility in 2026.
| Program | Who It Covers | Monthly Limit (1 Person) | Asset Test? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthy Michigan Plan | Adults 19–64 | $1,835 | No |
| U-19 Medicaid | Children under 19 | $2,886 | No |
| MIChild (CHIP) | Children (higher income) | $2,886 | No |
| Pregnant Women (Group 1) | Pregnant individuals | $2,660 | No |
| Pregnant Women (Group 2) | Higher-income pregnant | Varies | No |
| ABD / AD Care | Aged, blind, disabled | Varies | Yes |
| Nursing Home Medicaid | Seniors needing LTC | $2,982 | Yes ($9,950) |
| HCBS Waivers | Community-based LTC | $2,982 | Yes ($9,950) |
How to Apply for Michigan Medicaid
Applying is easy. You can apply online, by phone, or in person. Have proof of income, ID, and residency ready.
- Online: MI Bridges
- Phone: 1-888-642-4845
- In Person: Your local MDHHS county office
- By Mail: P.O. Box 30037, Lansing, MI 48909
Most applications are processed in 45 days. Disability-related applications may take up to 90 days. You may qualify for up to 3 months of retroactive coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the income limit for Michigan Medicaid in 2026?
It depends on the program. For adults (Healthy Michigan Plan), the limit is $1,835/month for one person. For children and pregnant women, limits are higher — up to $2,886/month for a single-person household.
Q2: Does Michigan Medicaid have an asset test?
MAGI-based programs like the Healthy Michigan Plan have no asset test. Nursing home Medicaid and HCBS waivers do — individuals can keep up to $9,950 in countable assets in 2026.
Q3: Can I get Medicaid if my income is too high?
Yes, through a spend-down. You pay medical costs equal to the gap between your income and the limit. Once met, Medicaid covers the remaining costs for that period.
Q4: How do I apply for Michigan Medicaid online?
Apply through MI Bridges, Michigan’s official benefits portal. You can also call 1-888-642-4845 or visit your local MDHHS office.
Q5: What is changing with Michigan Medicaid in 2027?
Starting January 1, 2027, some Healthy Michigan Plan adults must complete 80 hours/month of work, school, or community service. MDHHS will begin outreach by September 30, 2026.
Q6: Are Michigan Medicaid income limits different for seniors?
Yes. Seniors in nursing homes or HCBS waiver programs use a different limit — 300% of the Federal Benefit Rate, or $2,982/month in 2026 — with an asset cap of $9,950.
Official Sources
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. All figures reflect published MDHHS data as of February 2026.
