North Dakota Medicaid helps people see the doctor. It pays for checkups, medicine, and hospital visits. If you do not have much money, you can get this help for free or low cost.
In 2025, the rules changed a little bit. The state looks at your family size and your paycheck to see if you qualify.
⚡ Quick Answers: Do You Qualify?
Here are the monthly money limits for one person in North Dakota:
- Children (0–18): $2,791 (Highest limit!)
- Pregnant Women: $2,596 (Counts mom + baby)
- Adults (19–64): $1,799 (For working adults)
- Seniors (65+): $967 (Stricter rules)
Checking for a different state? This guide is for North Dakota. To see the numbers for the rest of the country, check our main guide on medicaid income limits by state.
❓ Simple Questions & Answers
- Do I need kids to get help? No. Adults aged 19 to 64 can get Medicaid even without children.
- Do they check my bank account?
- For Families & Kids: No. They only look at your paycheck.
- For Seniors (65+): Yes. They check your savings. You can usually have up to $3,000.
- How do I apply? You can apply online right now. It is the fastest way to get covered.
How Medicaid Works in North Dakota (MAGI vs Non-MAGI)
MAGI Medicaid
MAGI-based Medicaid uses tax rules for most families. It covers children, pregnant women, parents, and expansion adults, no asset test needed.
For kids, limits reach 209% FPL; pregnant women get 194% FPL with 12 months postpartum coverage; parents/caretakers qualify at 41% FPL; adults 19-64 up to 138% FPL. It’s straightforward, based on your tax return.
Non-MAGI Medicaid
Non-MAGI applies to elderly (65+), SSI-related disabled, institutional care, and HCBS waivers. It checks monthly income and assets, with stricter rules.
Elderly/disabled general limit is $967 monthly for individuals ($1,450 couples), tied to SSI; long-term care allows up to $2,901 monthly (300% SSI) but with $3,000 asset cap for individuals ($6,000 couples).
2025 resource rules hold steady, no big changes, but verify for waivers like HCBS for home care.
2025 Income Limits Overview
Income limits update April 1 each year with FPL changes. North Dakota uses FPL percentages for MAGI groups and SSI rates for non-MAGI. Family size includes you, spouse, kids under 19, and +1 for pregnancy.
Tax household (MAGI) counts tax dependents; Medicaid household (non-MAGI) includes those sharing costs. For 2025, FPL starts at $1,305 monthly ($15,660 yearly) for one, +$459 ($5,508) per extra.
This keeps coverage fair, e.g., 138% for adults is $1,800 monthly for one. Check HHS for your fit.
Income Limits by Category
Children (0–18)
North Dakota covers children 0-18 up to 209% FPL through Medicaid and CHIP integration, focusing on preventive care like checkups and shots. It’s family-friendly, with no asset test.
Children 0–18 (209% FPL)
| Family Size | Monthly Income Limit | Annual Income Limit |
| 1 | $2,791 | $33,492 |
| 2 | $3,773 | $45,276 |
| 3 | $4,756 | $57,072 |
| 4 | $5,738 | $68,856 |
Pregnant Women
Pregnant women qualify up to 194% FPL, counting the unborn baby as +1, with coverage extending 12 months postpartum for checkups and family planning. It’s designed to support healthy births.
Pregnant Women (194% FPL)
| Family Size | Monthly Income Limit | Annual Income Limit |
| 2 (Mom + Baby) | $2,596 | $31,152 |
| 3 | $3,507 | $42,084 |
| 4 | $4,418 | $53,016 |
Adults (19–64)
North Dakota expanded Medicaid, so adults 19-64 qualify up to 138% FPL, no kids required, covering basics like doctor visits and meds. It’s a key safety net for working folks.
Adult Expansion (138% FPL)
| Family Size | Monthly Income Limit | Annual Income Limit |
| 1 | $1,799 | $21,588 |
| 2 | $2,432 | $29,184 |
| 3 | $3,065 | $36,780 |
| 4 | $3,698 | $44,376 |
Parents & Caretaker Relatives
Parents or caretakers qualify at 41% FPL if caring for a child under 19, tying to family needs with low thresholds for support.
Parents / Caretakers (41% FPL)
| Family Size | Monthly Income Limit | Annual Income Limit |
| 1 | $535 | $6,420 |
| 2 | $723 | $8,676 |
| 3 | $911 | $10,932 |
| 4 | $1,099 | $13,188 |
Aged, Blind & Disabled (ABD Medicaid)
ABD Medicaid uses non-MAGI with SSI limits: $967 monthly for individuals ($1,450 couples), automatic for SSI recipients, no asset test for basic but $3,000/$6,000 for long-term care.
Aged, Blind & Disabled (SSI-Based)
| Group | Monthly Income Limit | Annual Income Limit |
| Individual | $967 | $11,604 |
| Couple | $1,450 | $17,400 |
Long-Term Care / Nursing Home
Long-term care allows up to 300% SSI ($2,901 monthly individual), with $3,000 asset limit ($6,000 couple), spousal protections up to $154,140 (2025 community spouse allowance).
Long-Term Care (300% SSI)
| Group | Monthly Income Limit | Annual Income Limit |
| Individual | $2,901 | $34,812 |
| Couple | $4,351 | $52,212 |
Medicare Savings Programs (QMB, SLMB, QI-1)
These pay Medicare premiums: QMB up to 100% FPL ($1,305 monthly individual); SLMB 120% ($1,566); QI-1 135% ($1,761). No asset test for most, but QMB has $9,660 individual ($14,970 couple).
QMB (100% FPL)
| Family Size | Monthly Income Limit | Annual Income Limit |
| 1 | $1,305 | $15,660 |
| 2 | $1,763 | $21,156 |
| 3 | $2,221 | $26,652 |
| 4 | $2,680 | $32,160 |
SLMB (120% FPL)
| Family Size | Monthly Income Limit | Annual Income Limit |
| 1 | $1,566 | $18,792 |
| 2 | $2,116 | $25,392 |
| 3 | $2,666 | $31,992 |
| 4 | $3,216 | $38,592 |
QI-1 (135% FPL)
| Family Size | Monthly Income Limit | Annual Income Limit |
| 1 | $1,761 | $21,132 |
| 2 | $2,380 | $28,560 |
| 3 | $2,999 | $35,988 |
| 4 | $3,617 | $43,404 |
Asset Limits (Non-MAGI Only)
2025 Asset Rules
Non-MAGI like elderly/disabled cap assets at $3,000 individual ($6,000 couple). Add $25 per extra member. Exempt: Home, one car, household goods, burial funds.
What North Dakota Counts as Income
Countable: Earnings, SSI, pensions, interest. Non-countable: Gifts, loans, Native payments, home equity. Tribal payments often exempt, check HHS.
How to Calculate Your Medicaid Household Income
Count tax dependents for MAGI; shared costs for non-MAGI. Include wages, subtract deductions like childcare. Example: Family of 3 with $3,000 monthly wages, deduct $200 for childcare, for $2,800 countable. Use the HHS calculator.
How to Apply for Medicaid in North Dakota
Apply online at hhs.nd.gov or call 1-844-854-4821. Paper forms via local Human Service Zone or mail. Processing 45 days; presumptive for pregnant fast. Shutdown added delays, but online’s quicker.
Required Documents to apply successfully are;
Income: Pay stubs, tax returns, W-2s. ID: Driver’s license, birth certificate. Residency: Utility bill. Pregnancy: Doctor note. Disability: SSA letter.
Common Reasons People Get Denied
Over income from unreported sources. Wrong docs or missing verification. Household miscount, like forgetting a spouse. Duplicate benefits like SSI without adjustment. Citizenship gaps, an emergency for the undocumented.
FAQ for Medicaid in North Dakota in 2025
What is the highest income to qualify for Medicaid in North Dakota in 2025?
The highest is 209% FPL for children ($2,791 monthly for one), but adults expand at 138% ($1,799). Seniors/disabled stick to SSI $967 monthly, check your category with HHS.
Does North Dakota have Medicaid expansion?
Yes, adults 19-64 qualify up to 138% FPL without kids. It covers basics like doctor visits, apply if you work but earn low.
Do seniors need to meet asset limits?
Yes for non-MAGI like elderly/disabled, $3,000 individual, $6,000 couple. Exempt home and car; MAGI seniors skip assets.
What is considered income in Medicaid?
Countable: Wages, SSI, pensions. Non-countable: Gifts, loans, Native payments. MAGI uses tax AGI; non-MAGI subtracts deductions.
Can adults without children get Medicaid?
Yes, via expansion up to 138% FPL ($1,799 monthly for one). No kids needed, just income and residency.
How does “counting the baby” work for pregnant women?
Add one to household size for 194% FPL limit ($2,596 for mom + baby). Coverage lasts 12 months postpartum.
Does Medicaid cover dental/vision?
Kids get full dental/vision; adults emergencies only. Expansion adds basics, check your plan.
How often do income limits change?
Yearly on April 1 with FPL updates. 2025 numbers hold through March 2026, recheck if life changes.
Final thoughts
North Dakota Medicaid income limits keep care accessible, FPL guides most, with tables for quick checks. Remember, limits update yearly, so verify with HHS’s chart. If close, apply; navigators help free. Your health matters, take the step today.
