Medicaid covers people based on income, family size, and status — not on age alone

Medicaid is not one program with one set of rules. Each state runs its own version and sets its own income limits, so a person who qualifies in one state may not may have access to in another. The federal government sets a floor — a minimum income threshold below which states must cover certain groups — but most states have gone higher and added their own categories of people.

The main groups Medicaid covers are children, pregnant people, parents of dependent children, people over 65, and people with disabilities. Within each group, there are income limits. A single adult with no children usually cannot get Medicaid in most states, even if their income is very low, unless they are pregnant, disabled, or over 65. The state you live in determines whether you meet the threshold.

Key Takeaways

  • Income limits vary by state and family size; you must check your state's specific threshold, not a national one.
  • Medicaid covers children, pregnant people, parents with dependent children, seniors over 65, and people with disabilities — but not all adults in all states.
  • Your state of residence determines which version of Medicaid you can access and what the income cutoff is.
  • You will need to report your household income, family size, and citizenship or immigration status when you apply.
  • Some states expanded Medicaid to cover adults earning up to a certain percentage of the federal poverty level; others have not.

Income limits by family size and state

Medicaid income limits are expressed as a percentage of the federal poverty level. The federal poverty level changes each year. For 2024, the poverty line for a single person is around $15,000 per year; for a family of four, it is around $31,000. Most states set their Medicaid limit at 100% to 200% of that line, meaning a family of four earning up to $31,000 to $62,000 might may have access to, depending on the state.

States that expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) generally cover adults earning up to 138% of the federal poverty level. States that did not expand have much lower limits — sometimes as low as 50% of poverty for parents, and often no coverage for childless adults at all. You need to know your state's specific number because it changes the answer to whether you may have access to.

Your household income includes wages, self-employment income, Social Security, unemployment benefits, and child support. It does not include food stamps (SNAP) or housing vouchers. Some income sources are excluded entirely — for example, the first $65 per month of earned income for people with disabilities.

Who Medicaid covers: the main categories

Children: Most states cover children under 19 whose household income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. Some states go higher. Pregnant people and newborns are covered in all states, usually up to 200% of poverty or higher.

Parents and caretakers: If you are the parent or caretaker of a child under 18, you may may have access to if your income is below your state's limit. This limit is often much lower than the limit for children — sometimes 50% of poverty or less. Some states do not cover parents at all.

Pregnant people: All states cover pregnant people and for 60 days after delivery, usually up to 200% of the federal poverty level or higher. This coverage is separate from regular Medicaid and does not require you to be a parent.

People over 65: Medicaid covers seniors over 65 with low income and limited assets. The income limit is usually around 75% to 100% of the federal poverty level, and there are asset limits (typically $2,000 for a single person). Many seniors may have access to for both Medicare and Medicaid (called "dual may be able to access").

People with disabilities: Medicaid covers people who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), though the rules differ. SSI recipients are automatically Medicaid-may be able to access in most states. SSDI recipients must meet income and asset tests that vary by state. Some states also cover people with disabilities who do not receive SSI or SSDI if they meet the income and asset limits.

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 categories. Undocumented immigrants are not may be able to access for regular Medicaid in most states, though some states cover emergency services and pregnancy-related care regardless of status.

When you apply, you will need to provide proof of citizenship or immigration status. Acceptable documents include a birth certificate, passport, green card, or employment authorization document. If you cannot provide proof at the time of application, some states will give you a deadline to submit it later.

Asset limits and what they cover

Most Medicaid programs for working-age adults do not have asset limits — you can own a house, a car, and savings and still may have access to based on income alone. However, Medicaid for seniors and people with disabilities often includes asset limits. For SSI recipients, the limit is $2,000 in countable assets for a single person and $3,000 for a couple. A home and one car are usually not counted.

If you are applying for Medicaid as a senior or disabled person, you will need to report your savings, investments, and other liquid assets. Some assets do not count — for example, your primary home, one vehicle, and certain retirement accounts have special rules.

How to learn about you may have access to in your state

The fastest way is to contact your state Medicaid office directly or use your state's online screening tool. Every state has a Medicaid program website with an income calculator or a phone number. You can also call 211 (a free referral service) and ask for your state Medicaid office.

When you contact them, have ready: your household size, your monthly or annual income, your state of residence, and whether anyone in your household is pregnant, disabled, over 65, or a child. They can tell you in minutes whether you meet the income threshold and what documents you will need to provide.

Do not assume you do not may have access to based on what you have heard about another state or another person's situation. Income limits, covered categories, and rules change by state and sometimes by county. The only way to know is to ask your state directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get Medicaid if I work full-time but earn low wages?

It depends on your state and family size. If you have children, you are more likely to may have access to because most states have higher income limits for parents than for childless adults. If you are a single adult with no children, most states do not cover you unless you are pregnant, disabled, or over 65. Check your state's income limit for your household size.

Does owning a house or car disqualify me from Medicaid?

No, not for most Medicaid programs. Working-age adults on Medicaid have no asset limits. Seniors and people with disabilities may have asset limits, but a primary home and one vehicle are usually excluded from the count. Check with your state about what assets count toward the limit.

What if my income changes after I get Medicaid?

You must report income changes to your state Medicaid office. If your income goes above the limit, your coverage may end. If it drops, you may become newly may be able to access. Most states allow you to report changes online, by phone, or by mail. The timing of when your coverage ends or begins depends on your state's rules.

Can I get Medicaid if I am undocumented?

Regular Medicaid is not available to undocumented immigrants in most states. However, some states cover emergency medical services and pregnancy-related care for undocumented people. A few states offer limited coverage to undocumented immigrants regardless of immigration status. Contact your state Medicaid office or call 211 to learn what is available where you live.

Do I have to be unemployed to may have access to for Medicaid?

No. Medicaid is based on income, not employment status. You can work full-time, part-time, or be self-employed and still may have access to if your income is below your state's limit. Some states also have work incentive programs that let you keep Medicaid even if your income rises above the limit for a period of time.