Medicaid income eligibility varies significantly by state, household size, and program type (e.g., regular coverage for low-income adults vs. long-term care for seniors). Limits are typically tied to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or the Federal Benefit Rate (FBR), with 2026 updates reflecting inflation adjustments around 3%.

Key Income Limits for 2026

For a single applicant seeking long-term care Medicaid (common benchmark), most states cap income at 300% of the FBR: $2,982/month (up from $2,901 in 2025). Married couples often see $5,964/month combined. Regular Medicaid for adults/children uses FPL percentages—e.g., 138% FPL in expansion states equals about $21,000/year for one person.

These are gross income thresholds before deductions; countable income excludes items like certain retirement contributions. States like California or New York may expand higher (up to 200%+ FPL for kids), while non-expansion states (e.g., Texas) stick closer to 100% FPL or lower.

Category| Single Applicant| Married (Both Applying)| Notes 13
---|---|---|---
Long-Term Care (Most States)| $2,982/month| $5,964/month| Income above cap pays toward care; spousal protections apply.
Regular Medicaid (Expansion States)| ~$1,700/month (138% FPL)| Varies by household| Children often up to 200-300% FPL.
SSI-Related (Aged/Disabled)| $967-$1,450/month (state-specific)| Similar per spouse| E.g., Iowa: $994; Kansas: $967 (eff. 7/1/25).

State Variations

Eligibility isn't one-size-fits-all—check your state via Medicaid.gov or Healthcare.gov. For example:

  • Kansas : No hard cap for waivers, but income over $2,982/month goes to care costs.
  • Maryland : Aged/Blind/Disabled at $392/month; nursing home has no fixed cap if costs are met.
  • Massachusetts : Income over $72.80/month to care; flexible for couples.

Recent 2026 changes stem from FBR hikes and FPL inflation (3% rise), plus policy shifts like potential OBBBA restrictions in some areas. Non-expansion states lag, so working poor might qualify only if parents/kids involved.

How to Check and Apply

  1. Estimate your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) : Use tools on Medicaid.gov—input state, family size, earnings.
  2. Apply anytime : Free via state portals; approvals consider assets too (e.g., under $2,000 for singles in long-term care).
  1. Edge cases : If close to limits (like Reddit users debating), spend-down medical bills or trusts can help qualify. Consult planners.

"Income limits look different from last year... it can make the difference between being over the limit in 2025 and qualifying in 2026."

TL;DR Bottom : Max income for Medicaid is state-specific—often $2,982/month single for long-term care, ~$21K/year for expansion adults—but always verify locally as rules evolve with 2026 FPL/FBR updates.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.