Question 1

What is the income limit for Medicaid in 2026?

Accepted Answer

In the 40 states that expanded Medicaid under the ACA, adults qualify if their income is at or below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) — approximately $20,783/year for a single person and $28,208 for a family of 2 in 2026. In the 10 non-expansion states, income limits are much lower (often 20–50% FPL) and coverage for childless adults is very limited.

Question 2

How do I apply for Medicaid?

Accepted Answer

You can apply through healthcare.gov (which screens for both Medicaid and Marketplace plans), directly through your state's Medicaid agency website, by phone, or in-person at your local Medicaid office. Eligibility is determined by your state, and you can apply at any time of year — there is no enrollment window for Medicaid.

Question 3

What does Medicaid cover?

Accepted Answer

Medicaid covers a broad range of services including doctor visits, hospital stays, emergency care, preventive care, mental health services, substance abuse treatment, and more. Many states also cover dental, vision, and transportation. Long-term care (nursing homes) is often covered by Medicaid for qualifying individuals. Coverage specifics vary by state.

Question 4

Can I have Medicaid and other insurance at the same time?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Medicaid can work alongside employer coverage (as secondary insurance) and in some cases alongside Medicare (for 'dual-eligible' individuals). If you have both employer insurance and qualify for Medicaid, Medicaid often pays costs your primary insurance doesn't cover, like copays and deductibles.

State	Status	Income Limit (Single Adult)	Notes	Apply
Alabama	Not expanded	18% FPL	Very limited adult coverage	Apply →
Alaska	Expanded	138% FPL	—	Apply →
Arizona	Expanded	138% FPL	—	Apply →
Arkansas	Expanded	138% FPL	—	Apply →
California	Expanded	138% FPL	Medi-Cal covers all income levels for ages 19–25 and 50+	Apply →
Colorado	Expanded	138% FPL	—	Apply →
Connecticut	Expanded	138% FPL	—	Apply →
Delaware	Expanded	138% FPL	—	Apply →
Florida	Not expanded	26% FPL	Expanded coverage passed Nov 2024, pending implementation	Apply →
Georgia	Not expanded	35% FPL	Pathways to Coverage waiver for limited expansion	Apply →
Hawaii	Expanded	138% FPL	—	Apply →
Idaho	Expanded	138% FPL	—	Apply →
Illinois	Expanded	138% FPL	—	Apply →
Indiana	Expanded	138% FPL	HIP 2.0 — monthly contributions required	Apply →
Iowa	Expanded	138% FPL	—	Apply →
Kansas	Not expanded	38% FPL	—	Apply →
Kentucky	Expanded	138% FPL	—	Apply →
Louisiana	Expanded	138% FPL	—	Apply →
Maine	Expanded	138% FPL	—	Apply →
Maryland	Expanded	138% FPL	—	Apply →
Massachusetts	Expanded	138% FPL	MassHealth — one of the most comprehensive programs	Apply →
Michigan	Expanded	138% FPL	—	Apply →
Minnesota	Expanded	138% FPL	—	Apply →
Mississippi	Not expanded	27% FPL	—	Apply →
Missouri	Expanded	138% FPL	—	Apply →
Montana	Expanded	138% FPL	—	Apply →
Nebraska	Expanded	138% FPL	—	Apply →
Nevada	Expanded	138% FPL	—	Apply →
New Hampshire	Expanded	138% FPL	—	Apply →
New Jersey	Expanded	138% FPL	—	Apply →
New Mexico	Expanded	138% FPL	—	Apply →
New York	Expanded	138% FPL	NY also covers undocumented adults under Essential Plan	Apply →
North Carolina	Expanded	138% FPL	Expanded December 2023	Apply →
North Dakota	Expanded	138% FPL	—	Apply →
Ohio	Expanded	138% FPL	—	Apply →
Oklahoma	Expanded	138% FPL	Expanded July 2021	Apply →
Oregon	Expanded	138% FPL	—	Apply →
Pennsylvania	Expanded	138% FPL	—	Apply →
Rhode Island	Expanded	138% FPL	—	Apply →
South Carolina	Not expanded	67% FPL	Limited to parents/caretakers	Apply →
South Dakota	Expanded	138% FPL	Expanded July 2023	Apply →
Tennessee	Not expanded	25% FPL	—	Apply →
Texas	Not expanded	18% FPL	Most restrictive eligibility in the US	Apply →
Utah	Expanded	138% FPL	—	Apply →
Vermont	Expanded	138% FPL	—	Apply →
Virginia	Expanded	138% FPL	—	Apply →
Washington	Expanded	138% FPL	—	Apply →
West Virginia	Expanded	138% FPL	—	Apply →
Wisconsin	Not expanded	100% FPL	BadgerCare Plus — covers up to 100% FPL	Apply →
Wyoming	Not expanded	54% FPL	—	Apply →

Household Size	100% FPL	138% FPL (Medicaid expanded)
1 person	$15,060	$20,783
2 person	$20,440	$28,207
3 person	$25,820	$35,632
4 person	$31,200	$43,056

Medicaid Eligibility by State (2026)

What is the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)?

Frequently Asked Questions