Medicaid requirements depend on your state, your age, and your household situation — there is no single national threshold

Medicaid is run by each state within federal guidelines, so the income limit in one state may be 50% higher or lower than in the next. A single adult in one state might have a $1,500 monthly income limit; in another, it could be $2,500. Your state's Medicaid office is the only source that can tell you whether your specific situation meets that state's rules.

The basic categories are straightforward: you must be a U.S. citizen or may have access to immigrant, have a Social Security number, live in the state where you are applying, and fall into one of the groups your state covers. Beyond that, the details — income thresholds, asset limits, what counts as income — shift by state and by which Medicaid program you are looking at (traditional Medicaid, Medicaid expansion, or a specific category like pregnancy or disability).

Key Takeaways

  • Income limits vary by state and household size; you must contact your state Medicaid office or use your state's online tool to find the exact number that applies to you.
  • Most states have asset limits (how much money or property you can own), though the limit is often higher than people expect — typically $2,000 to $3,000 for an individual.
  • Citizenship and residency are required; you must be a U.S. citizen, national, or may have access to immigrant with a valid Social Security number and live in the state where you apply.
  • Your state may cover you through traditional Medicaid, Medicaid expansion, or a category-specific program like pregnancy or disability, each with different income rules.
  • Your state's Medicaid website or your local department of social services can tell you the exact income and asset limits that apply to your household right now.

Income limits and how your state calculates them

Each state sets its own income limit, usually expressed as a percentage of the federal poverty level. The federal poverty level changes each year, so income limits shift annually. A state might say "Medicaid covers individuals earning up to 138% of the federal poverty level," which in 2024 would be roughly $1,810 per month for a single person — but that number is different in 2025 and will be different again next year.

Income limits also depend on household size. A family of three has a higher limit than a single person, scaled to account for more people to support. When you apply, your state counts your household's total monthly income and compares it to the limit for your household size.

What counts as income varies slightly by state but typically includes wages, self-employment income, Social Security, unemployment benefits, child support, and pension payments. Some income sources are excluded — for example, the first $65 of monthly wages and $20 of other unearned income are often disregarded, meaning they do not count toward the limit. Your state's Medicaid office can tell you which exclusions apply to your situation.

Asset limits and what they actually mean

Most states have an asset limit — a cap on how much money or property you can own and still be covered by Medicaid. For an individual, this is often $2,000; for a couple, it is often $3,000. These limits sound strict, but they do not count your home, your car (usually), or certain retirement accounts. They apply to liquid assets: cash, bank accounts, stocks, and similar holdings.

Some states have eliminated asset limits entirely for most Medicaid categories, so your state may not count assets at all. A few states have higher limits or different rules for specific groups like seniors or people with disabilities. You need to check your state's rules because the asset limit where you live might be much less restrictive than you think.

Citizenship and residency requirements

You must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or a may have access to immigrant to receive Medicaid. may have access to immigrants include lawful permanent residents (green card holders), refugees, asylees, and certain other categories defined by federal law. You must provide proof of citizenship or immigration status — typically a birth certificate, passport, or immigration document.

You also must live in the state where you are applying and intend to stay there. You do not need to have lived there for a certain length of time, but you do need to be a resident at the time you apply. If you move to a new state, you will need to apply for Medicaid in that state; your coverage does not transfer.

You must have a valid Social Security number. If you do not have one, you can apply for one through the Social Security Administration before or during your Medicaid application.

Category-specific requirements: pregnancy, disability, age, and other groups

Beyond income and assets, your state may cover you through a specific category. Pregnant people often have higher income limits than other adults. Children typically have higher limits than adults. People over 65 or people with disabilities may have different rules or access to additional programs.

Some states expanded Medicaid to cover all adults earning up to 138% of the federal poverty level; others did not, so the income limit for a working-age adult without children may be much lower in your state. A parent may have a higher limit than a childless adult in the same state. These category-specific rules are where state variation matters most.

Your state's Medicaid website usually has a tool or a phone line where you can enter your situation and see which programs you might be covered under. If you are unsure which category applies to you, call your state's Medicaid office directly — they can walk you through it.

How to find your state's exact requirements

Your state Medicaid office publishes its current income limits, asset limits, and category rules. You can find your state's Medicaid website by searching "[your state] Medicaid" or by visiting the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) website, which links to every state program.

Many states offer an online screening tool where you enter your income, household size, and situation, and the tool tells you whether you likely meet the requirements. This is not a formal information, but it gives you a quick answer. If the tool says you might be covered, you can then contact your state's Medicaid office or your local department of social services to start the formal process.

You can also call your state's Medicaid hotline or visit your local office in person. Staff can answer questions about your specific situation and tell you what documents you will need to provide. Having your recent pay stubs, tax return, and proof of residency on hand will speed up the conversation.

Special situations: immigrants, students, and people with work income

may have access to immigrants who have been in the U.S. for less than five years may not be covered by regular Medicaid in some states, though federal law requires states to cover emergency services for all immigrants regardless of status. Some states offer separate programs for immigrants who do not yet meet the five-year requirement. Check your state's rules if immigration status is a factor in your situation.

Students are usually covered under their parents' household if they are claimed as dependents, or they may be covered as individuals if their own income is low enough. Some states have special rules for students; others treat them like any other adult. Your state's Medicaid office can clarify how student status affects your household calculation.

If you have work income, your state may disregard a portion of your earnings (often the first $65 to $85 per month) when calculating whether you meet the income limit. This is called an earned income exclusion and is meant to encourage work. The exact amount varies by state and sometimes by category, so ask your Medicaid office whether this applies to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Most states cover people earning well above the poverty line — often up to 138% of it or higher in specific categories like pregnancy or disability. The exact threshold depends on your state and your household situation. Your state's Medicaid office can tell you the specific limit that applies to you.

What happens if my income changes after I am covered?

You must report significant income changes to your state Medicaid office. If your income rises above the limit, your coverage will end, usually at the end of the month in which you reported the change. If your income drops, you may become newly covered or your coverage may continue. The rules vary by state.

Can I have a job and still get Medicaid?

Yes. Medicaid covers working people whose income is below their state's limit. Some states have work incentive programs that allow you to earn more and still keep coverage. Ask your state's Medicaid office about work incentives if you are concerned that employment will disqualify you.

Do I need to own a home to be ineligible for Medicaid?

No. Your home does not count toward asset limits in most states, even if it is worth a lot of money. Your car usually does not count either. Asset limits apply to liquid assets like cash and bank accounts. Check your state's rules to be sure, but homeownership alone will not disqualify you.

What if I was denied Medicaid — can I appeal?

Yes. Every state has an appeal process. If you are denied, your denial letter will explain how to request a hearing. You can present new information or challenge the reason for the denial. Contact your state's Medicaid office for details on how to file an appeal in your state.