Medicaid may be able to access depends on your income, household size, assets, and which state you live in

Medicaid is not one program with one set of rules. Each state runs its own version with different income limits, asset limits, and categories of people it covers. A household that qualifies in one state may not may have access to in another. The only way to know for certain is to check with your state's Medicaid office or use your state's online screening tool — but understanding the main factors that determine may be able to access will help you know what information to gather before you contact them.

The federal government sets a floor for what states must cover, but states can be more generous. Some states have expanded Medicaid to cover more people; others have not. Your income relative to the federal poverty line matters, but so does your state's specific rules. Assets, citizenship status, and age also play a role depending on which category of coverage you might fall into.

Key Takeaways

  • Your state's Medicaid office is the only source that can tell you whether you meet your state's specific income and asset limits.
  • Income limits vary by state and by household size, and some states use different thresholds for different groups of people.
  • Most states count only certain assets toward the limit, and some assets (like your home or one car) do not count at all.
  • Your state's Medicaid website or a 211 call can connect you to a screening tool or caseworker who can review your situation.
  • If you do not meet income limits in your state, you may still be able to get coverage through the Affordable Care Act marketplace instead.

How income limits work and why they differ by state

Medicaid uses income thresholds based on the federal poverty line. In 2024, the federal poverty line for a single person is around $14,600 per year, and for a family of four it is around $30,000 per year — but these numbers change annually. Most states set their Medicaid income limit somewhere between 130% and 200% of the federal poverty line, meaning a family of four might may have access to if their income is below $39,000 to $60,000 depending on the state.

However, some states have expanded Medicaid to cover adults earning up to 138% of the poverty line, while others have not expanded at all and only cover specific groups like children, pregnant people, parents of young children, or people over 65. This means two people with identical incomes may may have access to in one state and not in another. Your state's Medicaid office website will list the exact income limit for each category of coverage your state offers.

Income is also calculated in a specific way. Medicaid typically counts gross income before taxes, but it may exclude certain types of income like some Social Security benefits, child support, or student loans. The rules vary by state and by which Medicaid program you are looking at, so you will need to ask your state office which income sources they count.

Asset limits and what counts toward them

Most states have an asset limit for Medicaid coverage, though the limit varies. For individuals, it is often $2,000; for couples, it is often $3,000. However, not all assets count toward this limit. Your primary home does not count, and one vehicle typically does not count either. Retirement accounts like IRAs and 401(k)s usually do not count. Personal property like furniture, jewelry, and clothing do not count.

What does count includes cash, savings accounts, checking accounts, stocks, bonds, and second homes or vehicles. If you own a second property or have significant savings, those will be counted. Some states have different rules for people over 65 or people who are blind or disabled, so the asset limit that applies to you depends on which category you fall into.

If you are close to an asset limit, it is worth asking your state's Medicaid office exactly what they count, because the rules can be specific. Some states count life insurance policies; others do not. Some count the cash value of a burial plan; others exempt it entirely.

Citizenship and residency requirements

You must be a U.S. citizen or a may have access to non-citizen to get Medicaid. may have access to non-citizens include lawful permanent residents (green card holders), refugees, asylees, and some other immigration statuses. Undocumented immigrants do not may have access to for regular Medicaid in most states, though some states offer emergency Medicaid for urgent medical conditions regardless of immigration status.

You must also be a resident of the state where you are applying. Most states define residency as living there with the intent to stay, and you do not need to have lived there for a specific length of time — but you do need to be physically present in the state when you apply. If you are homeless, you can still apply; homelessness does not disqualify you.

Special categories: age, disability, and pregnancy

Medicaid covers different groups under different rules. Children under 19 often have higher income limits than adults. Pregnant people and new parents typically have higher income limits than other adults. People over 65 and people who are blind or disabled may have different asset and income limits than working-age adults without disabilities.

If you fall into one of these categories, your state may cover you even if your income is above the general adult limit. For example, a state might not cover a childless adult earning $20,000 per year, but it might cover a pregnant person or a parent of a young child at that same income level. Check your state's website or call 211 to find out which categories your state covers and what the income limits are for each.

How to find out your state's specific rules

The fastest way to learn your state's Medicaid rules is to visit your state's Medicaid website directly. Every state has one, and most have an online screening tool where you can enter your income and household size to see whether you might may have access to. The tool will not make a final decision, but it will give you a preliminary answer and tell you what documents you will need to provide.

You can also call 211 (dial 2-1-1 from any phone) and ask for your state's Medicaid office phone number and website. A 211 specialist can also help you understand the basic rules for your state. If you prefer to speak with someone directly, your state's Medicaid office has caseworkers who can review your specific situation over the phone or in person.

When you contact your state, have ready: your income for the last month or two, your household size, your assets (savings, checking, investments), your citizenship status, and any special circumstances like pregnancy or disability. The more information you have on hand, the faster they can give you an answer.

What happens if you do not meet your state's income limit

If your income is above your state's Medicaid limit, you may still be able to get health insurance through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace. The ACA marketplace offers plans with subsidies (discounts) based on income, and the income thresholds are higher than Medicaid's. You can visit healthcare.gov to see what plans and subsidies you might be offered based on your income.

Some people fall into a coverage gap: their income is too high for Medicaid but too low to may have access to for ACA subsidies. This happens in states that have not expanded Medicaid. If you are in this situation, look into whether your state offers any other programs, or ask 211 whether there are local health centers or clinics that offer sliding-scale fees based on income.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be unemployed to may have access to for Medicaid?

No. Medicaid is based on income, not employment status. You can work full-time and still may have access to if your income is below your state's limit. Many Medicaid recipients are employed; they simply earn below the threshold their state has set.

If I get married, will that change my Medicaid status?

Yes, because Medicaid counts household income. When you marry, your spouse's income is counted along with yours, which may push you over the limit. You should report the change to your state's Medicaid office. The same applies if someone moves into your household or leaves it.

Can I have a savings account and still may have access to for Medicaid?

Yes, as long as your total savings do not exceed your state's asset limit. For most states, that limit is $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a couple. Money in a savings account counts toward this limit, so you can have some savings but not unlimited amounts.

What if my income changes after I get Medicaid?

You must report income changes to your state's Medicaid office. If your income rises above the limit, your coverage may end. If your income drops, you may become newly may be able to access or your coverage may continue. The timing of when changes take effect depends on your state's rules, so contact your Medicaid office as soon as your income changes.

Does my credit score or debt affect Medicaid may be able to access?

No. Medicaid does not check credit scores or consider debt. It only looks at income, assets, citizenship, residency, and household composition. Owing money to creditors will not disqualify you.