Texas Medicaid Income Limits 2025–2026: What Applies Now

Q: What is the 2026 income limit for a family of 3?

For children, the limit is about $2,954 a month. For parents, it is much lower. Most adults do not qualify unless they are pregnant, disabled, or caring for a child with very little income.

Q: Did the income limits go up for 2026?

It depends on your program. Limits for seniors and people with disabilities went up on January 1, 2026. Limits for children and parents usually change on March 1.

Q: Can I get Medicaid if I have a job?

It is very difficult for adults in Texas. There is a strict limit for parents; you generally cannot make more than $300 a month to qualify. Most working parents earn too much for Medicaid.

Q: What are the rules for pregnant women in 2026?

Pregnant women have higher income limits (around $4,400 a month for a family of 3). Coverage now lasts for 12 months after your baby is born.

Q: What is the limit for seniors or people with disabilities?

The limit increased in January 2026. For an individual receiving SSI or who is older, the monthly income limit is now $994. For a married couple, the limit is $1,491.

Q: Do I use gross or net income?

You must use your gross income (money made before taxes). Do not use net income. Child support usually does not count toward the limit.

Last Updated: 5 January 2026 by Akash Biswas

Yes—you can apply for Texas Medicaid in 2026 using current income limits.

But no, most Texas Medicaid income limits did not increase on January 1, 2026.

Here is the short, accurate answer Texans are looking for:

SSI-related Medicaid (elderly and disabled)
✔ Updated January 1, 2026
▶ Individual income limit is now about $994 per month (2.8% Social Security COLA applied)
Children, Pregnant Women, Parents, and Medicare Savings Programs
⏳ Do NOT update until March 1, 2026
▶ 2025 income limits still apply right now

This is because the Texas Health and Human Services Commission adopts new Federal Poverty Level (FPL) amounts on March 1, not January 1, for most Medicaid programs.

What That Means in Plain English

If you apply:

January–February 2026 → Texas still uses 2025 income limits
March 2026 onward → New 2026 limits apply once officially implemented

Publishing higher income numbers too early can cause applicants to be wrongly denied or falsely reassured, which is why this guide separates what’s in effect now from what’s coming in March.

While this article focuses on Texas, Medicaid income limits vary widely across the country. You can compare thresholds nationwide in our Medicaid income limits by state 2026 guide.

Below, you’ll find:

The exact income limits Texas is using today
Which programs are already updated for 2026
Which numbers must not be projected yet
Key eligibility rules that trip up families every year

How Texas Sets Medicaid Income Limits

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) sets Medicaid income limits using the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), but implementation happens on different dates depending on the program.

The Key Timing Rule

SSI-related programs update January 1
MAGI-based programs (children, parents, pregnancy, Medicare Savings Programs) update March 1

Until March 1, the prior year’s limits remain legally binding.

What Changed for 2026 — and What Did Not

✅ Updated January 1, 2026 (Already in Effect)

SSI-Related Medicaid (Elderly & Disabled)

Individual income limit: ≈ $994/month
Reflects a 2.8% Social Security COLA increase
Applies to:
- Aged Medicaid
- Disability-based Medicaid
- SSI-linked eligibility pathways

✔ These numbers should already be updated in your content.

⏳ Not Updated Until March 1, 2026

The following programs are still using 2025 income limits:

Children’s Medicaid
Pregnant Women Medicaid
Parents / Caretakers
Medicare Savings Programs (QMB, SLMB, QI, QDWI)

⚠️ Publishing higher numbers before March 1 risks being factually wrong for Texas applicants.

Current Texas Medicaid Income Limits

Not sure how these limits apply to your household? Use our Medicaid eligibility calculator to check your qualification based on income, family size, and program type.

Children’s Medicaid (MAGI-Based)

Up to $2,954/month for a family of 3
≈ 133% FPL (2025 level)

Children may also qualify for CHIP if household income is higher.

Pregnant Women Medicaid

Up to 198% FPL
Dollar amounts must reflect 2025 FPL until March 1, 2026

✅ Important Policy Update

Texas now covers mothers for 12 months postpartum.
This replaces outdated 2-month or 6-month limits still cited online.

Parents & Caretakers (Extremely Limited Coverage)

Only 15% FPL
≈ $285/month for a family of 3

This limit is shockingly low and should be clearly emphasized.
Many working parents do not qualify for Medicaid themselves, even when their children do.

Medicare Savings Programs (Still 2025 Limits)

These programs help pay Medicare premiums and cost-sharing. They update March 1, not January 1.

Program	% FPL	Individual Limit (Monthly)
QMB	100%	$1,305
SLMB	120%	$1,565
QI	135%	$1,761
QDWI	200%	$2,609

✔ Keep these figures until Texas HHSC publishes March updates.

Asset Limits (Still Apply to Some Programs)

Most MAGI-based programs (children, pregnancy) do not have asset limits.

However, SSI-related Medicaid still enforces resource caps:

Individual: $2,000
Married couple: $3,000
Community spouse allowance: up to $157,920

How Texas Counts Income (MAGI Rules)

Texas uses Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) for most applicants.

Counted Income Includes:

Wages and self-employment
Taxable Social Security
Unemployment benefits
Interest and investment income

Automatic Income Disregard

Texas applies a 5% FPL disregard, which can effectively raise income eligibility by:

~$65/month (individual)
Several hundred dollars for families

When New Income Limits Actually Apply

Coverage Month	Income Limits Used
Jan–Feb 2026	2025 limits
March 2026 onward	2026 limits (once implemented)

Split-month applications use the limit that applies to each coverage month.

Applying for Texas Medicaid

Required Documents

Pay stubs or income verification
Tax returns (if applicable)
Social Security award letters
Proof of Texas residency

Ways to Apply

Online at YourTexasBenefits.com
In person at HHSC offices
By mail or fax

Texas Medicaid Income Limits & FAQ (2026)

What is the 2026 income limit for a family of 3?

For children, the limit is about $2,954 a month. For parents, it is much lower. Most adults do not qualify unless they are pregnant, disabled, or caring for a child with very little income.

Did the income limits go up for 2026?

It depends on your specific program. Limits for seniors and people with disabilities went up on January 1, 2026. Limits for children and parents usually change on March 1. Keep checking for updates as the state adopts new federal guidelines.

Can I get Medicaid if I have a job?

It is very difficult for adults. Texas has a strict limit for parents; you generally cannot make more than $300 a month to qualify. Most working parents earn too much to get Medicaid for themselves, even if their children still qualify.

What are the rules for pregnant women in 2026?

Pregnant women have higher income limits (around $4,400 a month for a family of 3). If you qualify, your coverage now lasts for 12 months after your baby is born, thanks to a new continuous coverage rule.

What is the limit for seniors or people with disabilities?

The limit increased in January 2026. If you get SSI or are older, the monthly income limit is now $994 for one person. For a married couple, the limit is $1,491.

Do I use gross or net income?

You should count your gross income. This is the money you make before taxes and deductions are taken out. Do not use the “take-home” amount on your paycheck (net income). Child support payments you receive usually do not count toward the Medicaid income limit.

Final Takeaway

Texas Medicaid income limits are not updated all at once, and publishing projected numbers too early can mislead families who depend on accurate eligibility guidance.