Lesson 3
The income limit, and what counts as income
⏱ 3 min
Key points
- In states that expanded Medicaid, adults can usually qualify with income up to 138% of the poverty level.
- For one person in 2026 that's about $1,835 a month; for a family of four, about $3,795.
- Most states count the income on your tax return, for everyone in your tax household.
- Children and pregnant women have higher limits, so apply for them even if you earn too much yourself.
Under the Affordable Care Act, states can open Medicaid to adults based on income alone. In those states (41, counting DC), you can generally qualify if your household income is at or below 138% of the federal poverty level. A few states use a different limit.
Here's roughly what 138% works out to in 2026, for the 48 contiguous states and DC. Alaska and Hawaii are higher.
| People in household | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | about $1,835 | about $22,025 |
| 2 | about $2,489 | about $29,863 |
| 3 | about $3,142 | about $37,702 |
| 4 | about $3,795 | about $45,540 |
What counts as income
For most adults, children and pregnant women, Medicaid uses a measure called modified adjusted gross income (MAGI). For most people it's close to the adjusted gross income on a federal tax return. It includes wages, self-employment income, unemployment benefits and Social Security benefits. Some money isn't counted, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and child support you receive.
Medicaid usually looks at your current monthly income, so if your hours were just cut, use what you earn now.
Who counts in your household
Your household is generally the people on your tax return: you, your spouse if you file together, and anyone you claim as a dependent. If you don't file taxes, it's usually you, your spouse and your children under 19 who live with you.
People who apply because they're 65 or older or have a disability may be judged under different rules, including limits on savings in some states.
Use the tool below to see where your income sits. It's a rough guide; only your state decides.
Tool
Check your income against your state's limit
Uses the 2026 poverty guidelines. Nothing you enter is saved or sent anywhere.
Choose your state and enter your income to see where you stand.
An estimate only. States count income in their own ways (most use the income on your tax return), and only your state Medicaid agency can decide whether you qualify. Applying is free.
Quick check
Which of these usually does not count as income for Medicaid?
Sources: Medicaid expansion & what it means for you, HealthCare.gov; Federal poverty level (FPL), HealthCare.gov; What to include as income, HealthCare.gov.