Medicaid income limits vary by state and family size, and they changed in 2024
There is no single Medicaid income limit for the entire United States. Each state sets its own threshold, and the federal government sets a baseline that states can choose to go above. In 2024, the federal poverty level for a single person is $14,600 per year, and for a family of four it is $30,000 per year. Most states use this as a starting point, but many allow people to earn more and still get Medicaid.
The income limit that matters to you depends on three things: which state you live in, how many people are in your household, and which Medicaid program you are trying to enter. Some states have one income limit for all adults. Others have different limits for children, pregnant people, parents, and disabled adults. A few states have not expanded Medicaid at all, which means the income limits are much lower and apply only to specific groups.
Income is counted differently depending on the program. Most Medicaid programs count gross monthly income — what you earn before taxes and deductions. Some count net income. Some exclude certain types of income entirely, like child support or part of your wages if you are disabled. You need to know which method your state uses before you can figure out whether you fall within the limit.
Key Takeaways
- Medicaid income limits are set by each state, not by the federal government, so the threshold where you live may be higher or lower than the federal poverty level.
- Income limits differ by family size and by which group you belong to — children, adults, parents, pregnant people, or disabled adults may have different thresholds in the same state.
- Most states count gross income (before taxes), but some count net income or exclude certain types of earnings, so you must check your state's specific rules.
- The federal poverty level in 2024 is $14,600 for one person and $30,000 for a family of four, but most states allow people to earn above this and still receive Medicaid.
How states set their own income limits
The federal government does not force states to use the poverty level as their Medicaid income limit. Instead, it sets a floor — states can go higher if they choose. Most states that expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act now cover adults earning up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level. That means a single adult in those states can earn around $20,150 per year and still be within the income limit.
States that have not expanded Medicaid have much lower income limits. In those states, Medicaid is usually only for children, pregnant people, parents caring for children, elderly people, or people who are blind or disabled. A parent might be able to earn only $600 to $800 per month and still may have access to. These limits have not changed in decades in some states.
Your state's Medicaid agency publishes its income limits each year. You can find them on your state health department website or by calling your state Medicaid office. The limits are usually listed by family size and by category — for example, "income limit for adults" or "income limit for children." If you cannot find them online, ask the person who answers the phone for the current year's limit that applies to you.
Income limits by family size in 2024
Medicaid income limits scale with family size. A single person has a lower limit than a couple, who have a lower limit than a family of four. The federal poverty level in 2024 is:
| Family Size | Federal Poverty Level (2024) | 138% of Poverty Level (Medicaid expansion states) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $14,600 | $20,148 |
| 2 people | $19,720 | $27,214 |
| 3 people | $24,860 | $34,307 |
| 4 people | $30,000 | $41,400 |
| 5 people | $35,140 | $48,493 |
| 6 people | $40,280 | $55,586 |
| 7 people | $45,420 | $62,680 |
| 8 people | $50,560 | $69,773 |
These numbers are the federal baseline. If your state has expanded Medicaid, it uses 138 percent of poverty as the income limit for most adults. If your state has not expanded, it may use a much lower percentage or a fixed dollar amount that does not change with family size.
Family size includes you, your spouse if you are married, and any children under 19 who live with you and depend on you for support. Some states count other relatives who live in your home. Some do not. You need to ask your state Medicaid office what counts as a household member in your state.
Which states expanded Medicaid and which did not
As of 2024, 38 states plus Washington, D.C. have expanded Medicaid to cover adults earning up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level. These states cover most working-age adults regardless of whether they have children or disabilities. The income limits are higher, and more people can get coverage.
Twelve states have not expanded Medicaid: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Wisconsin, Wyoming, and Idaho. In these states, Medicaid is only for children, pregnant people, parents with very low income, elderly people, or people who are blind or disabled. A parent in a non-expansion state might earn only $600 per month and still be over the income limit.
If you live in a non-expansion state and earn too much for Medicaid but not enough to afford private insurance, you may be able to get a tax credit to help pay for coverage through the federal health insurance marketplace. That is a separate program from Medicaid, and it has its own income limits and rules.
How income is counted and what is excluded
Most Medicaid programs count gross monthly income — the money you earn before taxes, Social Security withholding, or any other deductions. If you earn $2,000 per month before taxes, that is the number Medicaid uses, not what you take home.
Some types of income are not counted at all. These vary by state, but commonly excluded income includes child support you receive, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), some types of student aid, and certain work incentives for people who are disabled. Some states exclude the first $65 to $90 of monthly earnings for each household member. A few states have special rules for self-employment income or seasonal work.
You must report all income sources when you apply: wages, self-employment, Social Security, pensions, unemployment, child support, rental income, and any other money coming in. If you do not report something and Medicaid finds out later, your coverage can be canceled and you may have to repay benefits.
What happens if your income changes during the year
Medicaid coverage is based on your income at the time you apply. If your income goes up after you are approved, you do not automatically lose coverage. However, you must report the change to your state Medicaid office. Depending on your state and the size of the increase, your coverage may continue, or you may be asked to pay a share of the cost.
If your income goes down, you should report that too. You may become may be able to access for a different Medicaid program with better benefits, or you may become may be able to access for a tax credit to help pay for private insurance instead.
Most states allow you to report income changes online, by phone, or by mail. Some have a grace period — usually 30 days — before the change takes effect. Ask your state Medicaid office what the process is and whether there is a grace period.
How to find your state's specific income limit
To find the exact income limit that applies to you, you need to contact your state Medicaid agency directly. You can find it by searching "[your state] Medicaid income limits 2024" or by calling your state health department. Most state Medicaid websites have a page that lists income limits by family size and by category.
When you call or visit the website, have this information ready: your state, your family size, and which group you belong to (adult, child, parent, pregnant person, or disabled person). The person who answers can tell you the exact limit and what counts as income in your state.
If you are close to the income limit, ask whether your state has any special programs or work incentives that might help. Some states have programs for people who earn slightly above the limit but have high medical costs. Others have programs for people who are working and trying to become self-sufficient.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my income limit change if I get married or have a baby?
Yes. Your household size changes, so your income limit goes up. You must report the change to your state Medicaid office. If you get married, your spouse's income will be counted together with yours. If you have a baby, the income limit for your household increases, but the baby's income (if any) is also counted.
What if I earn just slightly above the income limit?
You do not automatically lose Medicaid. Some states have programs for people who earn a little above the limit but have high medical costs or disabilities. Others allow you to deduct certain expenses from your income. Ask your state Medicaid office whether there is a program for your situation.
Do I have to report income from a side job or gig work?
Yes. All income must be reported, including wages from a second job, self-employment, gig work, and tips. If you do not report it and Medicaid finds out, your coverage can be canceled. Some states exclude the first $65 to $90 of monthly earnings, so ask whether that applies to you.
Can I get Medicaid if I am unemployed?
Yes, if you have no income or very low income. Unemployment benefits count as income, so you must report them. If your unemployment benefits put you above the income limit, you would not be covered, but you might be able to get a tax credit for private insurance instead.
What if my state has not expanded Medicaid?
Your income limit is much lower and applies only to specific groups like children, pregnant people, parents, elderly people, or people who are disabled. If you do not fit one of those groups, you cannot get Medicaid no matter how low your income is. You may be able to get a tax credit to help pay for private insurance through the federal marketplace.