Medicaid may be able to access depends on your state, your income, your household size, and sometimes your age or disability status

Medicaid is run by each state, not by the federal government, so the rules that matter are the ones in your state. Every state must cover certain groups — children, pregnant people, parents of dependent children, and people over 65 — but the income limits and other requirements differ. Some states have expanded Medicaid to cover more working-age adults; others have not. You cannot know whether you meet the threshold without checking your own state's rules.

The basic test is whether your income falls below your state's limit for your household size. A household of one in one state might have a limit of $1,500 per month; in another state, $900. If you are over 65, blind, or disabled, different income rules may apply. If you are pregnant or a child, your state may cover you at a higher income level than it covers adults. The only way to know is to look up your state's current limits or call your state Medicaid office.

Key Takeaways

  • Medicaid rules are set by your state, not the federal government, so income limits and covered groups vary significantly by location.
  • Your state must cover children, pregnant people, parents with dependent children, and people over 65, but the income thresholds for each group differ.
  • Some states have expanded Medicaid to cover working-age adults without children; others have not, which changes who can get coverage.
  • You will need to report your household size, monthly income, and sometimes your age or disability status to determine whether you meet your state's rules.

Income limits vary by state and by who you are

Your state publishes its current income limits, usually on the Medicaid page of your state health department website. The limit is typically expressed as a percentage of the federal poverty line. For example, your state might cover children up to 200% of the poverty line but cover parents only up to 100% of the poverty line. That means a child in a household earning twice the poverty level might be covered while a parent in the same household is not.

The federal poverty line changes each year. In 2024, the poverty line for a household of one was approximately $14,600 per year, or about $1,217 per month. A state that covers people at 138% of the poverty line would cover a single person earning up to about $20,140 per year. But this number shifts annually, and your state's percentage may be different. You need to check your state's website or call your state Medicaid office to learn the current threshold for your household size and situation.

Medicaid expansion states cover more working-age adults

In 2014, states gained the option to expand Medicaid to cover working-age adults without dependent children, up to 138% of the federal poverty line. As of 2024, about 40 states have chosen to expand; about 10 have not. If you live in an expansion state and your income is below the limit, you may be covered even if you have no children and no disability. If you live in a non-expansion state, you typically cannot get Medicaid as a working-age adult unless you are pregnant, a parent, blind, or disabled.

This is one of the largest differences between states. A person earning $20,000 per year might have Medicaid coverage in an expansion state and no coverage in a non-expansion state. If you are unsure whether your state has expanded, search "[your state] Medicaid expansion" or call your state Medicaid office. The answer determines whether you have any path to coverage at all.

Special rules apply if you are over 65, blind, or disabled

If you are 65 or older, blind, or disabled, your state may use a different income limit than it uses for other adults. Many states allow higher income for these groups. Additionally, if you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) from Social Security, you may be automatically covered by Medicaid in your state; the rules vary. If you are disabled and receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you are not automatically covered, but you may be covered if your income is below your state's limit.

The definition of disability for Medicaid purposes is the same as Social Security's definition: a condition that prevents you from working and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. You do not have to be receiving disability benefits to be considered disabled for Medicaid. If you believe you are disabled, you can report that when you provide information to your state Medicaid office, and they will evaluate it according to their rules.

Pregnancy and children have their own income thresholds

Every state must cover pregnant people and children, but the income limits are often higher than the limit for other adults. A state might cover children up to 200% of the poverty line and pregnant people up to 185%, while covering other adults only up to 100%. This means a pregnant person or child in a household earning more than the general adult limit might still be covered.

If you are pregnant, you should report that when you provide information to your state Medicaid office. Pregnancy-related coverage typically begins as soon as you are found to meet the income requirement and ends 60 days after the end of your pregnancy, regardless of whether your income changes. If you have children, each child's coverage is evaluated separately based on the child's household income, which usually means the income of the household the child lives in.

Assets and resources are counted in some states

Most states do not count your savings, car, or home when deciding whether you meet the income requirement. However, some states do count assets, particularly for people over 65 or people who are blind or disabled. If your state counts assets, there is usually a limit — for example, $2,000 for a single person or $3,000 for a couple. Your state's Medicaid office can tell you whether assets are counted and what the limit is.

Even in states that do count assets, certain things are usually not counted: your primary home, one car, household goods, and personal items. Life insurance and burial funds are often excluded as well. If you are concerned that your savings might disqualify you, ask your state Medicaid office specifically what counts and what does not.

Citizenship and immigration status requirements

You must be a U.S. citizen or a may have access to immigrant to get Medicaid in most cases. may have access to immigrants include lawful permanent residents (green card holders), refugees, asylees, and certain other categories. The rules are complex and vary by immigration status. If you are not a citizen, you should report your immigration status when you provide information to your state Medicaid office and ask whether you are covered.

Some states offer limited Medicaid coverage to people who are not citizens or may have access to immigrants, usually for emergency services only. A few states cover undocumented immigrants for certain services. Your state Medicaid office can tell you what coverage, if any, is available to you based on your immigration status.

How to find your state's current rules

The fastest way to learn your state's income limits and requirements is to visit your state health department's Medicaid website. Search "[your state] Medicaid income limits" or "[your state] Medicaid may be able to access." Most states publish a chart showing the current limits by household size and group (children, adults, pregnant people, elderly, disabled).

If you cannot find the information online, call your state Medicaid office. The number is usually on the state health department website. You can also call 211 (dial 2-1-1 from any phone) and ask for a referral to your state Medicaid office or a local Medicaid enrollment helper. Many states have community organizations that help people understand whether they meet the requirements and how to report their information to the state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my income include my spouse's income?

Yes, in most cases. Your household income includes the income of your spouse if you are married and living together. If you have dependent children, their income is usually included as well. Some states have different rules for elderly or disabled people; ask your state Medicaid office whether your spouse's income counts in your situation.

What counts as income for Medicaid?

Wages, salary, self-employment income, Social Security benefits, unemployment benefits, and child support all count. Some states count interest and dividends. Some do not count certain types of income, such as food assistance or housing assistance. Your state Medicaid office can tell you which types of income are counted in your state.

If I get a job, will I lose Medicaid?

Not automatically. If your new income stays below your state's limit, you remain covered. If your income rises above the limit, you will lose coverage, but many states have a grace period or allow you to keep coverage for a few months while you transition. Some states have programs that let working people keep Medicaid even if their income exceeds the normal limit. Ask your state Medicaid office what happens if your income changes.

Can I be covered in one state if I move to another?

No. Medicaid coverage is tied to your state of residence. If you move, you must report the move to your current state's Medicaid office and then apply in your new state. Your coverage in your old state will end, usually at the end of the month in which you move. You should apply in your new state as soon as you arrive so there is no gap in coverage.

What if my state has not expanded Medicaid and I do not meet any other requirement?

You may be able to get coverage through the health insurance marketplace, where you can compare plans and see whether you may have access to for subsidies based on your income. You can also look into whether your state offers any other programs for uninsured people. Call 211 or visit your state health department website to learn what options exist in your state.