• Feb 19, 2026
• By Cervantes

Medicaid Eligibility Income Limits by State 2024 Medicaid, the joint federal and state health insurance program for low-income individuals and families, remains a critical safety net for millions of Americans

Eligibility is primarily based on income, measured as a percentage of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). However, because states have significant flexibility in designing their programs within federal guidelines, income limits vary widely across the country. This article provides a comprehensive overview of Medicaid income eligibility standards for 2024.

Understanding the Basics:

MAGI and the FPL

Since the Affordable Care Act (ACA), most Medicaid eligibility for children, pregnant women, parents, and adults is determined using the Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) methodology. This standardizes income calculation, making it easier to determine eligibility across programs.

Income limits are expressed as a percentage of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). For 2024, the FPL for the 48 contiguous states and Washington D.C. is:
* ,060 for an individual
* ,440 for a family of two
* ,000 for a family of four

Alaska and Hawaii have higher FPLs due to a higher cost of living.

The Expansion Divide:

A Key Determinant

The most significant factor in eligibility is whether a state has adopted the Medicaid expansion under the ACA.

* Expansion States (41 states + D.C.): In these jurisdictions, adults aged 19-64 are eligible for Medicaid based solely on income, with a standard limit of 138% of the FPL (effectively 138% due to a 5% income disregard). This provides coverage for millions of low-income adults without children or disabilities who were previously ineligible.
* Non-Expansion States (10 states as of 2024): In states that have not expanded Medicaid, eligibility for non-disabled, childless adults is extremely limited or non-existent. Coverage is primarily available for children, pregnant women, parents/caretakers, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities, often with much lower income thresholds.

2024 Income Limit Overview by Category

The following tables illustrate the general income limits for key eligibility groups. These are general guidelines; specific limits can vary, and other rules apply.

For Adults (Aged 19-64)

| State Type | Typical Income Limit (for an individual) | Notes |
| :— | :— | :— |
| Medicaid Expansion State | ~,783 (138% FPL) | Uniform standard across all expansion states. |
| Non-Expansion State | Often – Very Low | In most non-expansion states, non-disabled, childless adults are ineligible regardless of income. For parents, limits can be as low as 16%-40% FPL. |

For Children (via Medicaid or CHIP)

| Eligibility Pathway | Typical Income Limit Range (for a family of four) |
| :— | :— |
| Medicaid for Children | 138% – 212% FPL (,000 – ,080) |
| Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) | Up to 312% FPL or higher (,860+) |

*Note:* All states provide Medicaid to children with household incomes at least up to 138% FPL. Many states extend coverage through CHIP to children in families with incomes well above 200% FPL.

For Pregnant Women

| State Type | Typical Income Limit |
| :— | :— |
| All States | 138% – 220% FPL | Most states offer coverage to pregnant women at higher income levels than for parents or other adults. |

For Seniors & People with Disabilities (SSI-Related Eligibility)
Eligibility for these groups is more complex, involving both income and asset tests. Many individuals qualify through the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program or medically needy pathways that allow for spending down excess income on medical expenses.

State-by-State Snapshot of Key Limits for a Family of Three (2024 Estimates)

The table below provides illustrative examples of the dramatic variation in income limits for a parent in a family of three, highlighting the expansion divide.

| State | Medicaid Expansion Status | Approx. Income Limit for a Parent (Family of 3) | % of FPL |
| :— | :— | :— | :— |
| California | Expanded | ,700 | 138% |
| New York | Expanded | ,700 | 138% |
| Texas | Not Expanded | ,860 | 16% |
| Florida | Not Expanded | ,300 | 24% |
| Wisconsin | Not Expanded* | ,700 | 138% |
| Georgia | Not Expanded | ,720 | 32% |

*Wisconsin uses state funds to cover adults up to 100% FPL, though it has not formally adopted ACA expansion.
Source: Based on Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) data and state plan amendments. Figures are estimates for 2024.

How to Get Accurate Information and Apply

Given the complexity and state-specific nature of Medicaid rules:

Visit [HealthCare.gov](https://www.healthcare.gov/) or your state-based marketplace. The application will automatically assess your eligibility for Medicaid based on your state’s rules.

Each state’s Medicaid office has detailed eligibility information and application portals.

Organizations like the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) and Benefits.gov provide updated tools and state-specific fact sheets.

Conclusion

Medicaid eligibility in 2024 continues to be a patchwork system defined by geography. While the ACA’s expansion provision created a national floor of 138% FPL for adults in participating states, the decision not to expand in several states leaves a significant coverage gap for low-income residents. Understanding your state’s specific income limits and rules is the essential first step in accessing this vital health coverage. As economic conditions and policies evolve, staying informed through official channels is crucial for individuals and families navigating their healthcare options.