Medicaid is available to people who meet income limits and fall into specific categories, but the exact rules depend on which state you live in.

Medicaid is a joint federal and state program, which means each state sets its own income thresholds, decides which groups of people it covers, and runs its own enrollment process. A person who qualifies in one state may not may have access to in another. The federal government sets a floor — certain groups must be covered in every state — but states can go beyond that and cover more people if they choose.

The main categories that Medicaid covers are children, pregnant people, parents and caretakers, people over 65, people with disabilities, and in many states, adults without dependent children who fall below the income limit. Some states expanded Medicaid in 2014 to cover all adults earning up to 138% of the federal poverty line; others have not. Understanding your state's specific rules is the first step, because your income alone does not tell you whether you may have access to.

Key Takeaways

  • Medicaid income limits and covered groups vary by state, so you must check your state's rules rather than assuming a national standard applies to you.
  • Children, pregnant people, parents, seniors, and people with disabilities are covered in all states, but the income cutoffs differ.
  • Some states cover adults without children if they earn below 138% of the federal poverty line; others do not cover this group at all.
  • Your state's Medicaid office or a local health department can tell you in one conversation whether you meet your state's requirements.

Income Limits Vary Widely by State

Medicaid income thresholds are set as a percentage of the federal poverty line, which changes each year. In 2024, the federal poverty line for a single person is around $14,600 per year, but Medicaid programs measure income as a percentage of that figure. A state might cover people earning up to 138% of the poverty line, or 100%, or 75% — each state decides.

For a family of three, the federal poverty line is roughly $30,000 per year. If your state covers parents at 138% of the poverty line, that family could earn about $41,400 and still may have access to. If your state covers parents at 100% of the poverty line, the same family would need to earn below $30,000. The difference between states can be thousands of dollars per year.

Income is calculated as gross monthly income before taxes. Some states count certain types of income differently — for example, some exclude child support or count self-employment income differently than wages. Your state's Medicaid office can tell you exactly how they count your specific situation.

Children and Pregnant People Are Covered in Every State

All states must cover children under 19 whose family income is at or below 138% of the federal poverty line. Many states cover children at higher income levels — some go up to 200% or 300% of the poverty line. A child in a family earning $50,000 per year might may have access to in a generous state but not in a restrictive one, even though the child's own income is zero.

Pregnant people are also covered in every state, though the income limit and the duration of coverage after birth vary. Most states cover pregnant people up to 60 days after delivery, but some extend coverage longer. If you are pregnant, your state's Medicaid office can tell you how long your coverage will last and whether your newborn will be automatically enrolled.

Parents and Caretakers Have Different Income Limits in Each State

Parents who care for dependent children can get Medicaid in every state, but the income limit is set by each state and can be as low as 40% of the federal poverty line. Some states cover parents earning up to 100% of the poverty line; others go higher. A single parent with one child might may have access to in one state at $25,000 per year and not may have access to in another state at the same income.

Caretakers who are not parents — grandparents, aunts, or other relatives raising a child — may also may have access to, but not all states cover this group. If you are raising a child who is not your biological or adopted child, ask your state's Medicaid office whether caretaker Medicaid exists in your state and what the income limit is.

Adults Without Children: Expansion States vs. Non-Expansion States

In 2014, the Affordable Care Act gave states the option to expand Medicaid to cover all adults earning up to 138% of the federal poverty line, regardless of whether they have children or disabilities. As of 2024, about 40 states have adopted this expansion; about 10 have not. This is the single biggest difference between states in terms of who can get Medicaid.

If you live in an expansion state and earn below 138% of the poverty line, you can get Medicaid even if you have no children and no disability. If you live in a non-expansion state, you generally cannot get Medicaid as an adult without children unless you have a disability or fall into another covered category. A single adult earning $20,000 per year qualifies in an expansion state but not in a non-expansion state.

The list of expansion and non-expansion states changes occasionally as states make policy decisions. Your state's Medicaid office can tell you immediately whether your state has expanded Medicaid and whether you may have access to under expansion rules.

People Over 65 and People With Disabilities

All states must cover people age 65 and older who meet the income and asset limits. The income limit is typically around 74% to 100% of the federal poverty line, though some states are higher. People over 65 can also get Medicare, and Medicaid often pays Medicare premiums and cost-sharing for people who may have access to for both programs.

People with disabilities can get Medicaid in every state, but the income limit is usually lower than for other groups — often around 74% of the federal poverty line. Disability is defined by Social Security standards: you must have a condition expected to last at least 12 months or result in death, and it must prevent you from working. You do not need to be receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) to may have access to for Medicaid based on disability, but you do need to meet Social Security's medical definition.

Asset limits also apply to seniors and people with disabilities in most states. You may be allowed to own a home and a car, but liquid assets like savings accounts are usually capped at $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a couple. Some states have higher limits or exclude certain assets.

Citizenship and Immigration Status Requirements

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

You will need to provide proof of citizenship or immigration status when you apply. This can be a birth certificate, passport, green card, or other government-issued document. If you are unsure whether your immigration status qualifies, your state's Medicaid office can review your specific situation.

How to learn about You Meet Your State's Requirements

The fastest way to learn whether you may have access to is to contact your state's Medicaid office directly. You can find the phone number on your state's health department website or by searching "[your state] Medicaid." Many states also have online screening tools where you can enter your income and family situation and get an immediate answer.

You can also call 211 (in most states) and ask for a referral to your local Medicaid office or a community health center that can help you understand your state's rules. These services are free and can often answer your question in one call without requiring you to start a formal application.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Most Medicaid programs cover people earning above the poverty line — often up to 138% of it or higher. The exact threshold depends on your state and which category you fall into (parent, child, senior, etc.). Your state's Medicaid office can tell you the specific income limit that applies to your situation.

If I work part-time, does that disqualify me from Medicaid?

No. Medicaid is based on income, not employment status. If your total monthly income is below your state's limit for your category, you can get Medicaid whether you work full-time, part-time, or not at all. Some states also have work incentive programs that let you keep Medicaid even if your income rises temporarily.

Can I get Medicaid if I have a job that offers health insurance?

Yes. Medicaid does not require you to turn down employer insurance, though some states encourage you to use employer coverage first. If your employer's plan is very expensive or does not cover what you need, you can still get Medicaid if you meet the income and category requirements.

What if I was denied Medicaid — can I appeal?

Yes. Every state has an appeal process. If you are denied, the denial letter will explain why and how to request a hearing. You can ask your state's Medicaid office for help understanding the reason or contact a local legal aid organization if you believe the decision was wrong.

Do I have to reapply for Medicaid every year?

Most states require annual renewal, though the process has become simpler in recent years. Some states now send you a form to fill out; others let you renew online. Your state's Medicaid office will send you a notice when it is time to renew and will explain what you need to do.