Virginia Medicaid income limits in 2026 depend on your age, household size, and program type.
Most adults qualify if their income is at or below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
The 2026 updated income guidelines went into effect on January 13, 2026.
Quick Answer Summary:
- Most adults ages 19–64 qualify with income up to $1,800/month for a single person (138% FPL)
- Children can qualify up to 205% FPL through FAMIS or FAMIS Plus — no asset test required
- Pregnant individuals are covered up to 148% FPL with 12 months of postpartum coverage
- Seniors and people with disabilities follow different rules with asset limits as low as $2,000
- Nursing home Medicaid income cap is $2,982/month for a single applicant in 2026
- Virginia updated all 2026 income guidelines early — effective January 13, 2026
- Apply free online at coverva.dmas.virginia.gov or call 1-855-242-8282
📅 Last Updated: February, 2026
What Is Virginia Medicaid?
Virginia Medicaid is a free or low-cost health insurance program.
It is run by the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS). The federal and state governments fund it together.
More than 1.7 million Virginians are enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP as of early 2025. This includes over 595,000 people covered under Medicaid expansion rules.
To learn more about who qualifies, visit our full guide on Virginia Medicaid eligibility in 2026.
2026 Federal Poverty Level (FPL) Updates
All Virginia Medicaid income limits are based on the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). The FPL changes each year and is based on household size.
Virginia adopted the 2026 FPL figures on January 13, 2026 — earlier than most states.
Virginia also applies a 5% FPL Standard Disregard to most programs, which slightly raises the usable income limit.
If you want to see how Virginia compares to other states, check out our resource on Medicaid income limits by state in 2026.
Virginia Medicaid Income Limits by Program in 2026
Virginia has several Medicaid programs. Each one has different income rules.
Here is a breakdown of each program and who it covers.
Medicaid for Adults Ages 19–64 (Expansion Medicaid)
Adults ages 19 to 64 qualify if their income is at or below 138% of the FPL. There is no asset test and no work requirement for this group.
| Household Size | Yearly Income | Monthly Income |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $21,597 | $1,800 |
| 2 | $29,187 | $2,433 |
| 3 | $36,777 | $3,065 |
| 4 | $44,367 | $3,698 |
| 5 | $51,957 | $4,330 |
| 6 | $59,547 | $4,963 |
| 7 | $67,137 | $5,595 |
| 8 | $74,727 | $6,228 |
| Each additional person | +$7,590 | +$633 |
⚠️ The figures above are the 2025 base amounts. The 2026 updated dollar amounts are slightly higher. Visit coverva.dmas.virginia.gov for the exact current figures.
Medicaid for Pregnant Individuals (Cardinal Care)
Pregnant individuals qualify if their income is at or below 148% of the FPL.
Coverage continues for 12 months postpartum — one of the most generous policies in the country.
A pregnant woman counts as two people when applying. This raises the income threshold automatically.
If your income is above 148% FPL but below 205% FPL, you may qualify for FAMIS MOMS, Virginia’s CHIP-based pregnancy program.
Medicaid for Children (FAMIS Plus and FAMIS)
Children in Virginia have two coverage options depending on their family’s income level.
| Program | Coverage Type | Income Limit |
|---|---|---|
| FAMIS Plus | Full Medicaid | Up to 148% FPL |
| FAMIS (CHIP) | CHIP coverage | Up to 205% FPL |
Children get 12 months of continuous coverage once enrolled. Coverage only ends early if the child turns 19, moves out of Virginia, or a guardian ends it.
There is no asset test for children’s Medicaid programs in Virginia.
Medicaid for Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD)
This program covers people who are 65 or older, blind, or have a disability. It uses different rules than the programs above. Asset limits apply here.
- Single person: ~$1,064/month (2025 basis; 2026 figures now in effect)
- Married couple: ~$1,430/month
People with income above this limit may still qualify through a Medically Needy Spend-Down. This means you subtract medical bills from your income until you meet the limit.
Use our Virginia Medicaid eligibility calculator to see if you qualify under ABD rules.
Former Foster Care
Young adults ages 18 to 26 can get free Medicaid if they were in foster care and had Medicaid coverage on their 18th birthday.
There is no income limit for this group. This applies to any state where they had Medicaid, not just Virginia.
Medicare Savings Programs
These help low-income Medicare recipients pay their premiums, deductibles, and co-pays.
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,781 |
| 2 | $2,400 |
Updated 2026 figures are now in effect as of January 13, 2026.
Long-Term Care Medicaid Income Limits in 2026
Long-term care Medicaid covers nursing home stays and home and community-based services (HCBS). The rules are very different from regular Medicaid.
Virginia follows the national standard for long-term care income and asset limits.
2026 Nursing Home Medicaid Limits
To qualify for nursing home Medicaid in Virginia in 2026, a single applicant must meet all three of the following:
- Income below $2,982/month
- Assets below $2,000
- Require a nursing home level of care
For married couples where both spouses apply, the income cap is $5,964/month combined.
Asset Rules and Spousal Protections
If only one spouse needs nursing home care, the other spouse (called the community spouse) can keep some assets.
- Community spouse can keep up to $162,660 (50% of shared assets)
- Minimum protection: $32,532
- Home equity limit: $752,000
The home is exempt while a spouse or dependent lives in it. However, Virginia’s Estate Recovery Program may claim it after the beneficiary passes away.
The 5-Year Look-Back Rule
Virginia has a 5-year look-back period for nursing home and waiver applications.
Medicaid will review any gifts or transfers of assets made in the last 5 years.
Giving away assets during this period can delay or disqualify your benefits.
For full details on how benefits and services are reimbursed, see our guide on the Medicaid Fee Schedule 2026.
Quick Reference: All Virginia Medicaid Programs in 2026
| Program | Who Qualifies | Income Limit | Asset Test |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medicaid Expansion | Adults 19–64 | 138% FPL | No |
| Cardinal Care | Pregnant individuals | 148% FPL | No |
| FAMIS MOMS (CHIP) | Pregnant above Medicaid limit | 205% FPL | No |
| FAMIS Plus | Children 0–18 | 148% FPL | No |
| FAMIS (CHIP) | Children 0–18 | 205% FPL | No |
| ABD Medicaid | 65+, blind, or disabled | ~$1,064/mo (single) | Yes |
| Nursing Home Medicaid | Seniors needing LTC | $2,982/month | Yes ($2,000) |
| Former Foster Care | Ages 18–26 | No limit | No |
⚠️ 2026 Federal Policy Alert: Possible Medicaid Cuts
Congress is reviewing the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which proposes up to $1 trillion in Medicaid cuts over 10 years. The first cuts could begin in 2026.
Key points to know:
- Nursing home care is protected for now
- Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) programs may face cuts
- Enhanced federal funding for Medicaid expansion states could be reduced
- Legal and political challenges are ongoing at state and federal levels
Check official sources for updates as this situation is still developing.
How to Apply for Virginia Medicaid in 2026
Applying is free and takes less than 30 minutes online.
Three ways to apply:
- Online: coverva.dmas.virginia.gov or commonhelp.virginia.gov
- By Phone: Call 1-855-242-8282 (TTY: 1-888-221-1590)
- In Person: Visit your local Department of Social Services (DSS) office
Have your income documents, ID, and Social Security number ready before you apply.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the Medicaid income limit in Virginia for 2026?
Most adults qualify at or below 138% of the FPL — about $1,800/month for a single person. Children can qualify up to 205% FPL through FAMIS. Exact 2026 dollar amounts are updated at coverva.dmas.virginia.gov.
Q2: When did Virginia update its 2026 Medicaid income limits?
Virginia adopted the new 2026 Federal Poverty Level figures on January 13, 2026 — earlier than most states. The updated guidelines are now live on the CoverVA website.
Q3: Does Virginia Medicaid have an asset test?
Most programs — including adult expansion, children’s, and pregnancy Medicaid — have no asset test. ABD Medicaid and nursing home Medicaid do have asset limits ($2,000 for a single person).
Q4: Can a pregnant woman get Medicaid in Virginia?
Yes. Pregnant individuals qualify with income up to 148% FPL. If income is higher, FAMIS MOMS covers up to 205% FPL. Coverage continues for 12 months after birth.
Q5: How do I apply for Medicaid in Virginia in 2026?
Apply online at coverva.dmas.virginia.gov, call 1-855-242-8282, or visit a local DSS office. The process is free and usually takes under 30 minutes with documents ready.
Q6: What is the nursing home Medicaid income limit in Virginia in 2026?
Single applicants must have income below $2,982/month and assets under $2,000. They must also require a nursing home level of care. The community spouse can keep up to $162,660 in assets.
Official Sources
- 🔗 CoverVA — DMAS (Updated January 13, 2026)
- 🔗 Virginia DMAS
This article is for informational purposes only. Always verify eligibility requirements at official Virginia state websites or by calling 1-855-242-8282.
