Medicaid in Oklahoma is called SoonerCare. It is a program run by the Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA). It helps pay for health care for low-income people and families.
SoonerCare covers doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions, preventive care, and mental health services.
Oklahoma expanded Medicaid in July 2021 after voters approved it. This expansion lets adults aged 19 to 64 qualify based on income alone, even without children.
It makes coverage broader than in non-expansion states. Over 330,000 people have gained coverage through expansion.
This article covers the 2026 rules as of January. Income limits and details are updated yearly. Some 2026 numbers are not yet final. We use the latest available 2025 values with notes for pending updates.
Check official OHCA sources for changes. SoonerCare also has special rules for long-term care, like nursing homes or home services. These differ from standard coverage.
This guide explains:
- – Who qualifies for Medicaid in Oklahoma in 2026
- – Income limits by category
- – Adult eligibility under Medicaid expansion
- – Long-term care Medicaid rules
- – Asset limits for seniors and disabled adults
- – Planning tools like Qualified Income Trusts (also called Miller Trusts)
– How to apply and avoid delays
2026 Long-Term Care Medicaid Income and Asset Limits in Oklahoma
Long-term care Medicaid is different from regular SoonerCare. It helps pay for nursing homes, home and community-based services (HCBS), or other ongoing care. You must need a nursing facility level of care.
For a single person in 2026:
- Income limit is under $2,982 per month (300% of the federal benefit rate).
- Asset limit is $2,000 in countable assets.
These apply to nursing home Medicaid and HCBS waivers. For married couples, limits are higher. If both spouses apply, the combined income cap is $5,964 monthly, and assets are $4,000.
This is separate from expansion rules for younger adults. Long-term care focuses on seniors (65+) and people with disabilities.
What Counts as Income for Oklahoma Medicaid?
Income includes:
- Social Security benefits
- Pensions
- VA benefits
- IRA distributions
- Rental income
For regular SoonerCare (like expansion adults, children, pregnant women), use Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) from taxes. Some items do not count, like child support or SNAP.
For long-term care Medicaid, income rules are stricter. Oklahoma is an “income cap” state. Excess income must go into a Qualified Income Trust (Miller Trust) to qualify. Regular Medicaid groups do not use this.
What If Income Is Too High?
For long-term care, if income exceeds $2,982 monthly, you can use a Qualified Income Trust (Miller Trust). Deposit excess income into the trust each month.
The trust pays for care costs. It is irrevocable. Remaining funds go to the state after death. This does not help with assets, only income.
Oklahoma caps the trust at higher amounts (up to $7,535 monthly in some cases). Get legal help to set one up.
Oklahoma Medicaid Asset Rules
Regular SoonerCare for children, pregnant women, and most expansion adults has no asset test.
For seniors and disabled in long-term care:
- Countable assets include cash, bank accounts, investments, non-exempt property.
- Limit is $2,000 for a single person ($4,000 if both spouses apply).
- Exempt assets: primary home (with equity limits), one vehicle, personal belongings.
Oklahoma has a 60-month look-back for transfers. Giving away assets can cause penalties.
Spousal Protections Under Oklahoma Medicaid
When one spouse needs long-term care, the healthy spouse (community spouse) gets protections. The Community Spouse Resource Allowance (CSRA) lets them keep up to $162,660 in assets (2026 max).
A Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance (MMMNA) provides up to $4,066.50 monthly to prevent poverty.
These rules stop spousal impoverishment.
Why Long-Term Care Medicaid Is Different
Long-term care has asset tests, higher income caps, and tools like Miller Trusts. It is separate from Medicaid expansion for working-age adults.
You need medical proof of need for care. Planning is key for seniors.
What Is Medicaid and how does it work in Oklahoma?
SoonerCare is Oklahoma’s Medicaid program. It provides no-cost or low-cost care. Children get dental and vision. A
dults get basics like emergency and preventive services. Expansion helps low-income adults.
Oklahoma follows federal guidelines but adds state rules.
Who Qualifies for Oklahoma Medicaid in 2026?
Main groups:
– Adults age 19-64 (without dependent children) under expansion
– Children from low-income families
– Pregnant women
– Seniors 65+ and people with disabilities
– Individuals needing long-term care
Adults without kids qualify under expansion up to 138% of the federal poverty level (FPL). No asset test for most.
Income Rules Depend on Your Category
Income eligibility varies:
- Expansion adults: up to 138% FPL
- Children: higher, up to 210% FPL in some cases
- Pregnant women: up to 210% FPL
- Seniors/disabled (long-term care): stricter, with cap at 300% federal benefit rate
Category matters more than one fixed limit.
Oklahoma Medicaid Income Limits (2025 Table – 2026 Update Pending)
These are 2025 values (monthly, approximate). 2026 medicaid income limits may change slightly with federal updates. We will update after official release.
| Category | Household Size | Monthly Income Limit (2025) |
| Adult (Expansion) | 1 | ~$1,800 (138% FPL) |
| Adult (Expansion) | 2 | ~$2,430 |
| Adult (Expansion) | 3 | ~$3,060 |
| Children | Varies by age | Up to ~$2,700+ |
| Parents/Caretakers | 2 | Around 42% FPL |
| Pregnant Women | 1 | Up to ~$2,700 (210% FPL) |
| Seniors / Disabled (LTC) | 1 | $2,982 |
Check mysoonercare.org for exact 2026 charts.
Does Oklahoma Medicaid Count Assets?
No for children, pregnant women, or expansion adults. Yes for seniors and disabled in long-term care. Exemptions include home, car, belongings.
Medicaid Eligibility for Seniors and Long-Term Care in Oklahoma (2026)
Eligibility for long-term care differs from regular medical Medicaid and is divided into income and asset limits.
- Income Limits (Individual):
- Nursing Home/Waiver Services: For a single applicant, the gross monthly income limit is $2,901 (effective for 2025 and throughout early 2026).
- Aged, Blind, and Disabled (ABD) Medicaid: The monthly income limit is $1,305 for a single applicant and $1,763 for married couples (effective through March 2026).
- Asset Limits (Individual):
- Nursing Home/Waiver Services: The countable asset limit is $2,000.
- ABD Medicaid: In some categories, the limit is higher at $9,660 for an individual and $14,470 for a couple.
- Exempt Assets:
- Primary Home: Exempt up to an equity limit of $1,130,000 if the applicant or spouse resides there.
- Vehicle: One automobile is typically excluded.
- Burial Funds: Up to $1,500 (or $7,500 in an irrevocable trust) are exempt.
Can You Get Oklahoma Medicaid If You Are Working?
Yes. Expansion covers working adults with low income. No job loss for kids. Gig or part-time work counts in income.
How to Apply for Medicaid in Oklahoma (Step-by-Step)
1. Check eligibility at mysoonercare.org
2. Gather ID, income proof, residency.
3. Apply online at mysoonercare.org.
4. Or call 1-800-987-7767.
5. Or visit county DHS office.
What Happens After You Apply?
OHCA reviews. They may ask for more info. You get a decision notice. Standard cases take 45 days. Long-term care or disability up to 90 days. Delays from missing docs.
Common Reasons Oklahoma Medicaid Applications Are Denied
- Income too high for category
- Wrong household size
- Missing documents
- Excess assets (LTC)
Appeal if denied.
Medicaid vs CHIP in Oklahoma in 2026
Medicaid (SoonerCare) covers very low-income with no premiums. CHIP (part of SoonerCare) covers kids above limits, with low costs. Apply through the same site.
Oklahoma Medicaid Frequently Asked Questions
Does Oklahoma have Medicaid expansion in 2026?
Yes, Medicaid expansion covers adults aged 19-64 with income up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), even without children. This expansion started in 2021 and continues to help more adults qualify.
What are the income limits for adults in Oklahoma Medicaid 2026?
For expansion adults, the income limit is up to 138% of the FPL. The exact limit depends on household size, check the official website for specific values.
Do pregnant women get higher limits in Oklahoma Medicaid?
Yes, pregnant women qualify up to 210% of the FPL. This coverage lasts throughout the pregnancy and after the baby is born.
Are there asset limits for Oklahoma Medicaid in 2026?
Most adults and children do not have asset limits. However, for long-term care, seniors and disabled individuals have a $2,000 asset limit if applying alone.
What is the long-term care income limit in Oklahoma Medicaid 2026?
The income limit for long-term care is $2,982 per month for individuals. If your income exceeds this, you can use a Miller Trust.
Can I use a Miller Trust for Oklahoma Medicaid?
Yes, if your income is too high for Medicaid, you can use a Miller Trust to deposit excess income. This helps you meet Medicaid’s income limits.
How do I apply for SoonerCare in 2026?
You can apply online at mysoonercare.org, call 1-800-987-7767, or visit a local office to get assistance with your application.
How long does it take to get approved for Oklahoma Medicaid?
It typically takes 45 days to process standard Medicaid applications. For disability or long-term care applications, approval may take up to 90 days.
What if my Oklahoma Medicaid application is denied?
If your application is denied, you can appeal. Make sure all documents are complete and correct, such as proof of income or household size.
Does working affect Oklahoma Medicaid eligibility?
No, working adults can still qualify for Medicaid under the expansion, as long as their income stays below the set limits.
Final Takeaway
Oklahoma Medicaid, also called SoonerCare, helps low-income people get the healthcare they need. With Medicaid expansion, more adults can qualify, even if they don’t have children. Keep track of the income and asset limits, as they can change each year. If you’re not sure if you qualify, visit the SoonerCare website or ask for help. Apply even if you’re unsure, you might be eligible for benefits. Always check the official site for the latest updates.
