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. Your state runs its own version within federal guidelines, which means the income limit in one state may be different from the limit in another, and some states cover groups of people that others do not. To know whether you might be covered, you need to check your state's specific rules — not a national average.

The main factors Medicaid programs look at are your monthly income, the size of your household, your age or disability status, and sometimes how much money or property you own. Most states use a formula based on the federal poverty level, but they set their own multiplier. Some states expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act; others did not. That single choice changes who is covered in that state.

The fastest way to find out is to contact your state Medicaid office directly or use your state's online screening tool. Both can tell you in minutes whether you meet the basic income and household requirements. If you do not meet the rules in your state, you may still be covered under a different category — pregnancy, disability, or age — so it is worth asking.

Key Takeaways

  • Income limits vary by state and household size; a single person's limit in one state may not apply to a family of four in another state.
  • Your state Medicaid office or your state's online screening tool can tell you in a few minutes whether your income and household size meet the threshold.
  • Some states expanded Medicaid to cover more working-age adults; others did not, so the same income level may may have access to you in one state but not another.
  • Even if you do not meet the standard income limit, you may be covered under a category for pregnant people, children, seniors, or people with disabilities.
  • Medicaid counts only certain types of income and assets; some money you receive does not count toward the limit, so your gross income may be higher than the limit allows.

How income limits work and what counts as income

Medicaid programs set an income limit based on a percentage of the federal poverty level. In 2024, the federal poverty level for a single person is around $14,600 per year, but states multiply that by different percentages. Some states cover people up to 100% of the poverty level; others go up to 138% or higher. A few states set their limits much lower. This means the same annual income might may have access to you in one state and not in another.

Not all income counts the same way. Medicaid typically counts wages, self-employment income, Social Security, and unemployment benefits. However, certain income does not count: some states exclude the first $65 to $90 of monthly earnings, child support received, or portions of SSI (Supplemental Security Income). Some programs also disregard income from TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) or SNAP (food assistance). Your state's rules determine what is counted and what is not.

If you receive irregular income — seasonal work, freelance pay, or a one-time payment — Medicaid usually averages it over the past three months or projects it forward. This matters because a single large payment in one month might push you over the limit temporarily, even if your average income is below it. Your state Medicaid office can explain how they handle your specific type of income.

Asset limits and what property Medicaid counts

Most states that expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act have no asset limit for working-age adults. If your state did not expand, or if you are applying for Medicaid as a senior or person with a disability, your state may count your assets — savings, vehicles, property, or investments — and set a limit on how much you can own.

Asset limits vary widely. Some states allow $2,000 for a single person and $3,000 for a couple; others allow more or less. However, certain assets do not count: your primary home usually does not count, your car typically does not count (though there may be a value limit), and personal items like furniture or jewelry usually do not count. Life insurance and retirement accounts are often excluded as well.

If you are close to an asset limit, it is worth asking your state Medicaid office which specific items they count and which they do not. Some people can reduce countable assets by paying down debt, setting aside money for burial, or moving money into accounts that are excluded. The rules are complex, and your state office can walk you through what applies to your situation.

How household size affects your income limit

Medicaid calculates income limits based on your household size, not just your individual income. Your household includes you, your spouse if you are married, and your children under age 19 (or up to 21 in some states if they are in school). In some programs, parents or other relatives living with you count; in others, they do not.

The income limit increases with each household member. A single person might have a limit of $1,500 per month, but a family of four might have a limit of $3,000 per month. If you have a large household, your combined income has more room to stay under the limit. Conversely, if you live alone, even a modest income might exceed the limit in your state.

If you are unsure who counts as part of your household, ask your state Medicaid office. The definition matters because it changes your income limit and affects whether you are covered.

Medicaid expansion and which states cover working-age adults

In 2014, the Affordable Care Act gave states the option to expand Medicaid to cover more working-age adults with low income. As of now, most states have expanded, but some have not. This is the single biggest difference in who is covered across the country.

In expansion states, Medicaid typically covers adults up to 138% of the federal poverty level, regardless of disability or family status. In non-expansion states, Medicaid is usually limited to children, pregnant people, seniors, people with disabilities, and sometimes parents of dependent children — but not to working-age adults without a disability or family connection.

If you live in a non-expansion state and do not fit into one of those categories, you may not be covered by Medicaid, even if your income is low. However, you may be covered by a health plan through the federal marketplace with a tax credit that lowers your premium. Your state Medicaid office or your state's health insurance marketplace can tell you which programs are available to you.

Special categories: pregnancy, disability, age, and citizenship

Even if your income is above your state's standard limit, you may be covered under a special category. Pregnant people are covered in all states, usually with a higher income limit than the standard. Children are covered in all states, often up to a higher income level than adults. Seniors (usually age 65 and older) are covered if they meet income and asset limits. People with disabilities may be covered under SSI (Supplemental Security Income) rules, which have different income and asset limits.

You must be a U.S. citizen or a may have access to immigrant to be covered by Medicaid. may have access to immigrants include lawful permanent residents (green card holders) and some refugees and asylees. Undocumented immigrants are not covered by regular Medicaid in most states, though some states cover emergency services or pregnancy-related care regardless of immigration status.

If you do not fit the standard income limit but you are pregnant, a child, a senior, or have a disability, tell your state Medicaid office. They can screen you for these other categories, which often have more generous income limits.

How to find your state's income limit and screening tool

Your state Medicaid office publishes its income limits and usually offers an online screening tool. To find it, search "[your state name] Medicaid income limits" or "[your state name] Medicaid screening tool." Most state websites have a page that lists the current limits by household size and category.

If you cannot find the information online, call your state Medicaid office directly. The number is usually on your state's health department website. Be ready to tell them your household size, monthly income, and whether you are pregnant, a child, a senior, or have a disability. They can tell you in a few minutes whether you meet the basic requirements.

Some states also use 211, a free referral service, to help people find Medicaid information. You can dial 2-1-1 from any phone or visit 211.org to enter your zip code and find local resources. They can connect you to your state Medicaid office or help you understand your options.

What happens after you learn you might be covered

If you learn that you meet your state's income and household requirements, the next step is to contact your state Medicaid office to start the process. They will ask you to provide proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), proof of household size (birth certificates or school enrollment), and proof of citizenship or immigration status. The process usually takes two to four weeks.

If you are approved, your coverage typically begins on the first day of the month in which you applied, or sometimes the first day of the following month, depending on your state. If you are denied, your state must send you a written notice explaining why and telling you how to appeal. You have the right to ask for a hearing if you disagree with the decision.

Keep in mind that Medicaid coverage can change if your income or household size changes. You are required to report major changes — a new job, a raise, a child born, or a household member moving out — within a certain time frame. Your state Medicaid office will tell you what changes to report and when.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my income have to be below the poverty line to get Medicaid?

No. Most states set their income limit higher than the poverty line — often at 100% to 138% of the federal poverty level. Some states set it lower. Your state's specific limit depends on whether it expanded Medicaid and what category you fall into. Check your state's rules to see the exact threshold.

If I work part-time, will my income count against the limit?

Yes, but some states disregard a portion of your earnings. Many states exclude the first $65 to $90 of monthly wages before counting income toward the limit. Ask your state Medicaid office how they handle part-time work income in your situation.

What if my spouse works but I do not — does their income count?

Yes. Medicaid counts your spouse's income as part of your household income, even if you do not work. Your combined household income is compared to the limit for a household of your size. If you are married and one spouse has high income, it may push your household over the limit.

Can I be denied Medicaid because I own a car?

Probably not. Most states do not count your primary vehicle as an asset, or they allow a vehicle up to a certain value (often $4,500 to $7,500). If you own multiple vehicles or a very expensive car, it might count. Ask your state Medicaid office about their vehicle rules.

What if my state did not expand Medicaid and I do not fit any category?

You may be covered by a health plan through the federal marketplace with a tax credit that lowers your cost. Visit healthcare.gov or your state's marketplace to see what plans and subsidies are available to you based on your income.