Medicaid provides free or very low-cost health insurance to millions of Americans. Check the 2026 income limits and find out if you qualify in your state.
Check My Eligibility Free →In states that expanded Medicaid, you qualify if your household income is at or below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL):
| Household Size | 138% FPL (Medicaid Limit) | Monthly Income |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $20,783/year | $1,732/mo |
| 2 people | $28,207/year | $2,351/mo |
| 3 people | $35,632/year | $2,969/mo |
| 4 people | $43,056/year | $3,588/mo |
| 5 people | $50,480/year | $4,207/mo |
| 6 people | $57,905/year | $4,825/mo |
For the 48 contiguous states and DC. Alaska and Hawaii have higher limits.
These states cover all adults earning under 138% FPL:
Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin
These states have stricter limits — often only covering pregnant women, children, and very low-income parents:
Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Wyoming
If you're in a non-expansion state and don't qualify for Medicaid, ACA subsidies are especially important.
Primary care, specialist visits, and preventive care — usually at $0 or very low co-pays.
Inpatient and outpatient hospital services including emergency care, surgery, and mental health.
Most Medicaid programs cover prescription drugs with small co-pays, often $1–$3 per prescription.
Many states include adult dental and vision — coverage varies by state. Children's dental is required in all states.
Prenatal care, delivery, and postpartum care fully covered. Pregnant women often qualify at higher income levels.
Mental health and substance abuse treatment covered at parity with physical health services.
Our licensed brokers check your Medicaid eligibility instantly. If you qualify, we enroll you for free. If not, we find the best ACA plan for your situation.
Check My Medicaid Eligibility →Yes. Medicaid cannot deny coverage or charge more based on pre-existing conditions. This includes diabetes, cancer, heart disease, mental health conditions, and all other health conditions.
No — if you're eligible for Medicaid, you cannot receive ACA premium tax credits. The marketplace will redirect you to Medicaid if you qualify. You can have Medicaid and separate dental/vision insurance.
Medicaid eligibility is based on your current monthly income, not annual income. If your income drops below the threshold at any point, you can apply. Conversely, if income rises above the limit, you should report it and transition to an ACA marketplace plan.
CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program) is separate from Medicaid but closely related. It covers children in families that earn too much for Medicaid but can't afford private insurance. Income limits for CHIP are higher — often 200–300% FPL depending on the state.
Yes — self-employed people use their net profit (after business deductions) as their Medicaid income. If your net business income is below 138% FPL in an expansion state, you likely qualify.