Here’s the bottom line: in most expansion states, adults qualify for Medicaid up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Until HHS posts the 2026 FPL, use the official 2025 guidelines below to estimate your 2026 eligibility in dollars—then check your state’s status in our table. HealthCare.gov+1
Medicaid income limits 2026 at a glance
- Adults in expansion states: eligibility up to 138% of FPL (MAGI-based). HealthCare.gov
- Adults in non-expansion states: much lower income limits for parents; most childless adults do not qualify (except Wisconsin up to 100% FPL). KFF
- Children & pregnancy: federal rules extend eligibility to at least 133% FPL (many states higher). medicaid.gov
Bottom line: Start with your household size and the %FPL your state uses, then match to the dollar charts below.
Source: Healthcare.gov (expansion = 133% → 138% after standard disregard); HHS/ASPE (2025 FPL). Last checked: December 6, 2025. HealthCare.gov+1
How Medicaid uses FPL (and why 138% matters)
- FPL is a federal income yardstick updated annually by HHS and printed in the Federal Register. Federal Register
- Under the ACA, states may expand Medicaid to nearly all non-elderly adults at 133% FPL, which—after applying a standard income disregard—functions as 138% FPL. HealthCare.gov
Bottom line: If your state expanded Medicaid, 138% FPL is the practical cutoff for adults under 65.
Source: Healthcare.gov; HHS Federal Register (2025 guidelines). Last checked: December 6, 2025. HealthCare.gov+1
2026 FPL dollar charts (use these now; we’ll swap in the 2026 official values when HHS publishes)
Important: The 2026 guidelines weren’t posted as of Dec 6, 2025. The tables below use official 2025 HHS poverty guidelines so you can calculate 100%/133%/138%/150%/200% FPL in annual and monthly dollars. When the 2026 table drops, only the 100% FPL base changes; the multipliers remain the same. Federal Register
A) 48 states & DC — annual income
| Household | 100% | 133% | 138% | 150% | 200% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $15,650 | $20,805 | $21,597 | $23,475 | $31,300 |
| 2 | $21,150 | $28,130 | $29,187 | $31,725 | $42,300 |
| 3 | $26,650 | $35,455 | $36,777 | $39,975 | $53,300 |
| 4 | $32,150 | $42,780 | $44,367 | $48,225 | $64,300 |
| 5 | $37,650 | $50,105 | $51,957 | $56,475 | $75,300 |
| 6 | $43,150 | $57,430 | $59,547 | $64,725 | $86,300 |
| 7 | $48,650 | $64,755 | $67,137 | $72,975 | $97,300 |
| 8 | $54,150 | $72,080 | $74,727 | $81,225 | $108,300 |
| Add person | +$5,500 | +$7,315 | +$7,590 | +$8,250 | +$11,000 |
B) 48 states & DC — monthly income (rounded to cents)
| Household | 100% | 133% | 138% | 150% | 200% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,304.17 | $1,733.75 | $1,799.75 | $1,956.25 | $2,608.33 |
| 2 | $1,762.50 | $2,344.17 | $2,432.25 | $2,643.75 | $3,525.00 |
| 3 | $2,220.83 | $2,954.58 | $3,064.75 | $3,331.25 | $4,441.67 |
| 4 | $2,679.17 | $3,565.00 | $3,697.25 | $4,018.75 | $5,358.33 |
| 5 | $3,137.50 | $4,175.42 | $4,330.75 | $4,706.25 | $6,275.00 |
| 6 | $3,595.83 | $4,785.83 | $4,964.25 | $5,393.75 | $7,191.67 |
| 7 | $4,054.17 | $5,396.25 | $5,597.75 | $6,081.25 | $8,108.33 |
| 8 | $4,512.50 | $6,006.67 | $6,231.25 | $6,768.75 | $9,025.00 |
Source: 2025 HHS Poverty Guidelines, Federal Register; multipliers per Healthcare.gov/CMS. Last checked: December 6, 2025. Federal Register+2HealthCare.gov+2
C) Alaska — annual income
100% FPL base for Alaska in 2025 is $19,550 for 1-person (add $6,880 per extra person). Apply the same multipliers (133%, 138%, etc.). Federal Register
D) Hawaii — annual income
100% FPL base for Hawaii in 2025 is $17,990 for 1-person (add $6,330 per extra person). Apply the same multipliers. Federal Register
Bottom line: If your state is expanded, compare your household size to the 138% FPL dollar line above. Non-expanded? Check the state table next.
State-by-state thresholds for adults in 2026
Use this table to see whether your state covers non-elderly adults up to 138% FPL (expansion) or has more limited coverage (non-expansion). Wisconsin is a special case (covers adults to 100% FPL). DC is aligning parents/childless adults to 138% FPL effective Jan 1, 2026. KFF+1
| State | Expansion adopted? | Adult income cutoff (general rule) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Most states (41 + DC) | Yes | 138% FPL (MAGI adults) | Children/pregnancy often higher. medicaid.gov |
| AL, FL, GA, KS, MS, SC, TN, TX, WY | No | Parents: low %FPL; childless adults not eligible | Check your state agency for parent limits. KFF |
| WI | Partial | 100% FPL for adults | Childless adults covered to 100% FPL. KFF |
| DC | Yes | 138% FPL | 2026 policy letter confirms changes. dhcf.dc.gov |
Source: KFF Medicaid expansion tracker; DC Medicaid Director Letter. Last checked: December 6, 2025. KFF+1
Bottom line: In expansion states, the adult income limit is straightforward (138% FPL). In non-expansion states, parents may qualify at very low %FPL and childless adults often do not, except in Wisconsin.
Parents, kids, pregnancy, seniors & people with disabilities
- Children are eligible to at least 133% FPL in every state (many far higher via Medicaid/CHIP). medicaid.gov
- Pregnant people are eligible at ≥133% FPL (often higher, by state). medicaid.gov
- Seniors/people with disabilities (ABD/non-MAGI) use different income+asset tests; many states offer medically needy (spend-down) or buy-in options above standard limits. KFF
Bottom line: Adult 138% rules don’t apply uniformly to kids/pregnancy/ABD—these groups typically have more generous or different formulas.
Source: Medicaid.gov (eligibility policy); KFF ABD overview. Last checked: December 6, 2025. medicaid.gov+1
Checklist: Calculate your 2026 Medicaid eligibility (MAGI)
- Household size for tax purposes (you + those you claim).
- Annual MAGI (wages, unemployment, Social Security taxable portion, etc.; exclude non-countable income per state rules).
- Find 100% FPL for your household size and region (48 states, Alaska, or Hawaii). Federal Register
- Multiply by your state’s cutoff (e.g., 1.38 for 138%).
- Compare to your MAGI. If your income is at/below the cutoff, you likely qualify (other factors can apply).
Bottom line: For most non-elderly adults in expansion states, MAGI ≤ 138% FPL is the key eligibility test. HealthCare.gov
Comparison table: Over the line? Your 2026 options
| If you’re… | What to try | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Just over 138% in expansion state | Marketplace plan; check premium tax credits | Marketplace savings use prior-year FPL; many families over 138% still get significant help. HealthCare.gov |
| In a non-expansion state and ineligible | Marketplace; check cost-sharing reductions if ≤250% FPL | CSR boosts lower deductibles if you pick a Silver plan. HealthCare.gov |
| Working with a disability | Medicaid buy-in (state programs) | Lets higher-income workers pay a premium to keep Medicaid. KFF |
| Facing high medical bills | Medically needy / spend-down (state-specific) | Excess costs can reduce countable income for eligibility. KFF |
| Medicare-eligible with low income | Medicare Savings Programs (QMB/SLMB/QI) | Pays Part B premium and sometimes cost sharing. medicaid.gov |
Bottom line: Even if you miss Medicaid, Marketplace and Medicare Savings programs can bridge the gap.
2026 changes to watch (affects some families)
- District of Columbia: income limits for parents/childless adults moving to 138% FPL as of Jan 1, 2026. dhcf.dc.gov
- Expansion map: still 41 states + DC expanded, 10 not expanded (check your state; politics can shift). KFF
Bottom line: Policy tweaks are state-specific; re-check your state’s site during open enrollment.
Disclaimer
This article is general information, not legal, tax, or medical advice. Medicaid eligibility is state-specific and may change. Always confirm with your state Medicaid agency.
FAQs
What is the Medicaid income limit for a single adult in 2026?
In expansion states it’s 138% of FPL; using 2025 FPL as a proxy, that’s $21,597/year ($1,799.75/mo) for one person in the 48 states/DC. Alaska and Hawaii differ. Update with 2026 FPL when posted. Federal Register
What is 138% of the federal poverty level for a family of 3?
Based on 2025 FPL, $36,777/year ($3,064.75/mo) in the 48 states/DC; 2026 figures will update once HHS publishes. Federal Register
Do all states use 138% FPL for adults?
No. 41 states + DC expanded (≈138% FPL). 10 states did not; parents have much lower limits and most childless adults are ineligible (WI covers to 100%). KFF
Are children’s Medicaid income limits higher than adults’?
Yes. Federal rules extend children to at least 133% FPL (and often higher), separate from adult expansion rules. medicaid.gov
Is Medicaid based on gross or MAGI income?
For expansion adults and most groups, states use MAGI (a tax-based calculation). ABD/non-MAGI pathways use different rules. medicaid.gov
When will the 2026 FPL numbers be released?
Typically January in the Federal Register from HHS/ASPE. This page will update the tables as soon as they post. Federal Register
What documents do I need to apply?
Proof of identity, household size, income (pay stubs/tax forms), and state residency; your state site lists specifics. NC Medicaid
Can I qualify if I’m over the limit due to medical bills?
Possibly via medically needy (spend-down) programs in some states. KFF