Medicaid may be able to access depends on income, family size, citizenship, and state rules

Medicaid is a joint federal and state program, which means may be able to access rules change depending on where you live. There is no single national income limit or requirement that applies everywhere. Your state sets its own thresholds for who can enroll, though all states must cover certain groups — like children under 19, pregnant people, and parents of dependent children — up to a minimum income level set by federal law.

To find out whether you meet your state's specific rules, you need to check with your state Medicaid office or use your state's online screening tool. This article explains the main categories of people Medicaid covers and the documents you will typically need to show.

Key Takeaways

  • Income limits vary by state and family size; a single person's limit in one state may be very different from a neighboring state's limit.
  • You must be a U.S. citizen or may have access to immigrant to enroll in Medicaid in most states.
  • Your state Medicaid office or a 211 referral can tell you the exact income and resource limits that apply to you.
  • You will need to provide proof of income, citizenship or immigration status, and residency when you submit information to your state.
  • Some states have expanded Medicaid to cover adults with no children; others have not, so your state's rules determine whether you are covered.

Income limits and how they are calculated

Medicaid income limits are usually expressed as a percentage of the federal poverty level. For example, one state might cover parents up to 138% of the federal poverty level, while another covers them only up to 100%. The federal poverty level itself changes each year — in 2024, the poverty line for a single person was $15,060 per year, and for a family of four it was $31,200 per year. These figures increase slightly each January.

Your state counts income differently depending on which Medicaid category you fall into. For a parent applying for Medicaid, the state usually counts wages, self-employment income, Social Security, unemployment benefits, and child support. Some states also count unearned income like interest or rental payments. However, most states do not count certain income: TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), SSI (Supplemental Security Income), or food stamps do not usually count toward your income limit.

To find your state's exact income limit for your household size and situation, contact your state Medicaid office directly or use your state's online income screening tool. The limit for a single adult is different from the limit for a parent with children, and both are different from the limit for a senior or person with a disability.

Citizenship and immigration status requirements

You must be a U.S. citizen or a may have access to immigrant to enroll in Medicaid. may have access to immigrants include lawful permanent residents (green card holders), refugees, asylees, and certain other immigration statuses recognized by federal law. Undocumented immigrants are not covered by regular Medicaid in most states, though some states offer limited coverage for emergency services only.

When you apply, you will need to provide proof of citizenship or immigration status. Acceptable documents include a birth certificate, passport, green card, refugee travel document, or asylum approval letter. If you were born outside the United States, you may also need to provide a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

A small number of states have chosen to cover certain immigrants regardless of status, but this is not standard. Check your state Medicaid office to learn what immigration statuses your state covers.

Family status and dependent children

All states must cover children under 19 whose family income is at or below 138% of the federal poverty level. This is a federal requirement, so every state offers this coverage. Many states cover children with higher incomes than this minimum.

Parents and caretakers of dependent children are covered in all states, but the income limit varies. Some states cover parents up to 138% of poverty; others cover only up to 100% or lower. If you are a parent or caregiver, your state's limit determines whether you can enroll.

Pregnant people are covered in all states up to at least 138% of the federal poverty level. Coverage usually continues for 60 days after the pregnancy ends, regardless of whether the pregnancy resulted in a live birth.

Seniors and people with disabilities

People age 65 and older are covered by Medicaid if their income and resources fall below your state's limit. Most states use the same income limit for seniors as they do for other adults, though some have separate thresholds. You will also need to show that your countable resources — savings, investments, and property other than your home — do not exceed the state limit, which is typically $2,000 for a single person and $3,000 for a couple.

People who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are automatically covered by Medicaid in most states. If you receive SSI, you do not need to apply separately for Medicaid; your state will enroll you. In a few states, you must still submit a separate Medicaid application even if you receive SSI.

People with disabilities under age 65 can enroll if their income is below your state's limit and their countable resources do not exceed the resource limit. Some states also cover people with disabilities through a Medicaid waiver program, which may have different income and resource rules.

Medicaid expansion and coverage for adults without children

In 2014, states were given the option to expand Medicaid to cover adults with no dependent children, as long as their income was at or below 138% of the federal poverty level. As of 2024, 40 states plus Washington, D.C. have chosen to expand. In expansion states, a single adult with income below 138% of poverty can enroll in Medicaid regardless of family status or disability.

In the 10 states that have not expanded Medicaid, adults without children, seniors, or disabilities cannot enroll unless they fall into a category covered by federal law — such as being pregnant or caring for a dependent child. If you live in a non-expansion state and do not fit one of these categories, you may not be covered by Medicaid, even if your income is very low.

To find out whether your state has expanded Medicaid, contact your state Medicaid office or search your state's name plus "Medicaid expansion" online.

Documents you will need to provide

When you submit information to your state Medicaid office, you will typically need to show proof of several things. The exact documents vary by state, but most require proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), proof of citizenship or immigration status (birth certificate, passport, or green card), proof of residency (utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number.

If you are applying as a parent or caregiver, you will also need to show proof of your relationship to the child — a birth certificate or custody order. If you are self-employed, bring your most recent tax return and a statement of your current income. If you receive benefits like Social Security or unemployment, bring the award letter or a recent benefit statement.

Your state may also ask for proof of any deductions or expenses that lower your countable income. For example, if you pay child support, bring documentation of those payments. Keep copies of everything you submit.

How to check your state's specific rules

Because Medicaid rules vary by state, the only way to know whether you meet your state's requirements is to contact your state Medicaid office directly. You can find your state office through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) website, or you can call 211 and ask for a Medicaid referral in your area.

Many states also offer online income screening tools on their Medicaid websites. These tools ask you questions about your income, family size, and situation, and tell you within minutes whether you may be covered. The screening tool is not a formal application — it is just a way to get a quick answer before you decide to apply.

If the screening tool says you may be covered, the next step is to submit a full application to your state. Your state will then verify the information you provided and send you a notice of whether you have been approved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Medicaid cover people who are unemployed?

Medicaid covers unemployed people if their income from other sources (like unemployment benefits, Social Security, or child support) is below your state's limit. If you have no income at all, you are covered in expansion states if you are an adult, or in any state if you are a child, pregnant, a parent, a senior, or have a disability. Contact your state Medicaid office to learn your specific limit.

What counts as income for Medicaid?

Wages, self-employment income, Social Security, unemployment benefits, and child support usually count. Most states do not count TANF, SSI, or food stamps. Some states count interest, rental income, or other unearned income. Your state Medicaid office can tell you exactly what counts in your situation.

Can I have savings and still get Medicaid?

It depends on your state and your situation. Seniors and people with disabilities usually have a resource limit (typically $2,000 for a single person), but working-age adults without disabilities in expansion states usually have no resource limit. Contact your state Medicaid office to learn whether resources affect your coverage.

What if I am a student or recent immigrant?

Students can enroll in Medicaid if they meet your state's income and other requirements; being a student does not disqualify you. Recent immigrants must be may have access to immigrants (green card holders, refugees, asylees, or certain other statuses) to enroll in regular Medicaid. Some states cover emergency services for undocumented immigrants. Check with your state office.

How long does it take to learn about I am covered?

Your state must process your application within 45 days in most cases, though some states process faster. If you are pregnant or a child, your state may have a shorter deadline. You can check the status of your application by contacting your state Medicaid office or logging into your state's online portal if one is available.