Texas Medicaid Income Limits 2026

Last Updated: February 3, 2026 | Sources: Texas Health and Human Services (HHSC), Medicaid.gov, 2026 FPL Guidelines

Texas Medicaid income limits changed in 2026. New Federal Poverty Level (FPL) guidelines raised the caps.

This helps more families qualify for health coverage.

Here is what you need to know:

• Seniors and disabled adults saw limits rise to $2,982 per month
• Children and pregnant women have higher limits based on the new FPL rules
• Parents and caretakers still face very low income caps of around $230 per month
• You can use a Qualified Income Trust (QIT) if you earn too much
• Texas updates official charts in March or April 2026

What Changed in Texas Medicaid for 2026?

Texas Medicaid income limits went up in 2026. The federal government raised the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) and the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA).

Texas used these new numbers to update its own limits.

Key 2026 Updates at a Glance

• Seniors & Disabled: Limits increased January 1, 2026. The nursing home income cap is now $2,982 per month.
• Children & Families: New FPL-based limits are expected by March or April 2026. Numbers in this guide reflect the updated federal standards.
• CHIP: The income cap is now set at 201% of the FPL.
• Parents: The income limit remains very low — about $273 per month for a family of 3.

Important: Texas has NOT expanded Medicaid. Most healthy adults ages 19–64 do not qualify, even with very low income. The main exceptions are pregnant women and parents caring for a child.

Who Qualifies for Texas Medicaid in 2026

Texas offers Medicaid to different groups. Each group has its own income rules. Some people qualify easily. Others face strict limits.

The main groups are:

• Children under 19
• Pregnant women
• Seniors aged 65 and older
• Adults with disabilities
• Parents and caretakers of minors

Texas did not expand Medicaid for able-bodied adults. If you are 19 to 64 years old and healthy, you likely do not qualify. This is called the “coverage gap.” You must fit one of the groups above to get help.

Learn more about Texas Medicaid eligibility in 2026 to see if you meet the full requirements beyond just income.

2026 Income Limits for Children, Pregnant Women, and Parents

These groups use MAGI (Modified Adjusted Gross Income) rules. That means the state looks at your gross income — the money you earn before taxes are taken out.

Monthly Income Limits by Coverage Group

📌 Source: Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), 2026 FPL guidelines.

Income Limits by Household Size (All Programs)

✅ Tip: Always use your gross monthly income — not your take-home pay. Child support payments usually do not count.

CHIP Income Limits for 2026

CHIP stands for the Children’s Health Insurance Program. It covers kids whose families earn too much for regular Medicaid but still cannot afford private insurance. CHIP is set at 201% of the FPL.

Families pay a small yearly fee ($0–$50) and small co-pays. For a full comparison across all states, check out the Medicaid Income Limits by State 2026 guide.

2026 CHIP Monthly Income Limits

📌 Source: Texas HHSC, Revision 26-1 (Effective January 1, 2026).

2026 Income Limits for Seniors and Adults with Disabilities

Seniors aged 65+ and adults with qualifying disabilities use different rules.

Their limits are tied to the SSI (Supplemental Security Income) Federal Benefit Rate, which went up 2.8% in 2026.

Nursing Home and Long-Term Care Limits

The nursing home income cap for 2026 is $2,982 per month. This is 300% of the SSI rate.

If your income is above this amount, you need a Qualified Income Trust (QIT) — also called a Miller Trust.

Asset Limits for Seniors and Disabled

Countable assets include cash, bank accounts, and investment property. Your primary home and one car are usually exempt.

Spousal Protections in 2026

If one spouse is in a nursing home and the other is not, Texas protects the at-home spouse’s finances.

• Minimum Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance (MMMNA): Up to $4,066.50/month in 2026.
• Community Spouse Resource Allowance (CSRA): The at-home spouse can keep up to $162,660 in joint assets in 2026.
• Minimum Protected Resource Amount: $32,532 in 2026.

These limits help prevent the at-home spouse from losing everything while their partner gets care.

To understand the full eligibility picture for seniors, visit the Medicaid Fee Schedule in 2026 page for reimbursement and cost details.

2025 vs. 2026: Side-by-Side Comparison

Limits rose about 2.5%–2.8%. Here is how they compare for a family of three.

All Programs — Family of 3 Comparison

📌 Data compiled from: Texas HHSC Handbooks and 2026 eligibility bulletins.

Children’s Medicaid vs. CHIP — All Family Sizes

⏰ Effective Dates: SSI-based limits updated January 1, 2026. FPL-based limits (children, parents, pregnant women) typically update March 1, 2026. Applications before that date use 2025 numbers.

How to Use a Qualified Income Trust (QIT)

If your income tops $2,982, you need a QIT. This legal tool fixes the “too much income” problem. Here is how to set one up.

Step 1: Draft the Trust Document

You need a lawyer. The trust must be irrevocable. This means you cannot cancel it. The State of Texas must be named as the beneficiary after you die. This lets the state recover some costs.

Step 2: Open a Bank Account

Open a new checking account. Title it with the trust name. Use the applicant’s Social Security Number.

Step 3: Fund It Monthly

Every month, deposit excess income into this account. If you earn $3,200, put $218 in the trust. Do this in the same month you receive the income. Missing a month can kill your eligibility.

Step 4: Pay Bills in Order

The trustee must spend the money in this order:

1. Personal Needs Allowance: $60 for the resident
2. Spousal Allowance: Up to $4,066 for the spouse at home (MMMNA)
3. Medical Costs: The rest goes to the nursing home

Check the 2026 Medicaid fee schedule to understand what services Medicaid covers and what costs you might face.

How to Apply for Texas Medicaid in 2026

Applying is simple. You have three ways to start.

1. Online: Go to YourTexasBenefits.com and fill out the form.
2. By Phone: Call 2-1-1 or 1-877-541-7905.
3. In Person / Mail: Visit a local HHSC office or mail to HHSC, P.O. Box 149030, Austin, TX 78714-9030.

What You Will Need

• Proof of identity (SSN card, birth certificate).
• Proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns).
• Proof of Texas residency.
• Nursing home applicants: medical records showing the level of care needed.

Processing takes about 45 days (up to 90 for disability). Benefits can be retroactive for up to 3 months.

For the full eligibility checklist, visit the Texas Medicaid Eligibility in 2026 page.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Sources

1. Texas Health and Human Services – Children’s Medicaid & CHIP
2. Medicaid.gov – Texas State Overview & MAGI Eligibility Levels
3. Texas HHSC – STAR+PLUS Handbook (Income & Resource Limits)