Medicaid Eligibility Income Limits by State 2024 Medicaid, the joint federal and state health insurance program, provides essential coverage for millions of low-income Americans, including children, pregnant women, elderly adults, and individuals with disabilities

Jan 30, 2026
By Cervantes

Medicaid Eligibility Income Limits by State 2024 Medicaid, the joint federal and state health insurance program, provides essential coverage for millions of low-income Americans, including children, pregnant women, elderly adults, and individuals with disabilities

A critical component of eligibility is income, measured as a percentage of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). However, these income limits are not uniform across the United States. With the 2024 Federal Poverty Guidelines now in effect, here is a comprehensive overview of Medicaid eligibility income limits by state.

Understanding the Basics:

FPL and Eligibility Pathways

For 2024, the Federal Poverty Level for a single-person household in the contiguous 48 states and D.C. is ,060. For a family of four, it is ,200. These figures are slightly higher for Alaska and Hawaii.

Medicaid eligibility primarily flows through two key pathways under the Affordable Care Act (ACA):

1. Medicaid Expansion (ACA Expansion)::

For adults aged 19-64, states have the option to expand Medicaid to individuals with incomes up to 138% of the FPL (,783 for an individual, ,996 for a family of four in 2024).

2. Traditional Medicaid::

For children, pregnant women, parents/caretakers, and the aged/blind/disabled, states set their own income limits, which are often much lower than 138% FPL and vary significantly.

State-by-State Breakdown for 2024

The landscape is divided into two groups: Expansion States and Non-Expansion States.

Medicaid Expansion States (41 states + D.C.)

In these states, the primary income limit for non-disabled, non-elderly adults is 138% of the FPL. This provides a consistent floor of coverage.

* Adult Eligibility (19-64): ~138% FPL
* Children: Often eligible through Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) at much higher income levels, frequently 200-300% FPL or more.
* Pregnant Women: Typically eligible at higher limits, often 185-200% FPL or more.
* Aged/Blind/Disabled: Follows Supplemental Security Income (SSI) rules or state-specific medically needy pathways, which are often more restrictive.

Examples of 2024 Individual Income Limits (138% FPL):
* California, New York, Ohio, etc.: ~,783
* Alaska: ~,995 (due to higher FPL)
* Hawaii: ~,889 (due to higher FPL)

Non-Expansion States (10 states as of 2024)

In states that have not adopted Medicaid expansion, eligibility for able-bodied adults without children is extremely limited, often . For parents/caretakers, the limits are a small fraction of the poverty level.

* Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Wisconsin, Wyoming.
* Note: Wisconsin provides coverage up to 100% FPL for childless adults, but does not have traditional expansion.

In these states, a “coverage gap” exists where adults with incomes too high for traditional Medicaid but below 100% FPL are ineligible for both Medicaid and subsidized ACA marketplace plans.

Examples of 2024 Income Limits for Parents in Non-Expansion States:
* Texas: 17% FPL (~,260 for a family of three)
* Alabama: 18% FPL (~,013 for a family of three)
* Georgia: 35% FPL (~,920 for a family of three)

Key Eligibility Factors Beyond Income

1. Household Size::

Income limits increase with the number of people in the household.

2. Categorical Eligibility::

Individuals must also belong to an eligible group (child, parent, pregnant, elderly, disabled).

3. Asset Tests::

For certain pathways (especially Aged/Blind/Disabled), states may impose limits on countable assets like bank accounts. Most expansion adult eligibility does not have an asset test.

4. Medically Needy Programs::

Many states offer “medically needy” pathways for individuals with high medical expenses who can “spend down” their income to qualify.

5. 5-Year Waiting Period::

Lawfully present immigrants may be subject to a 5-year waiting period unless they are pregnant or a child.

How to Apply and Verify Your Eligibility

Income limits are guidelines, and final eligibility is determined by a state agency. The most accurate way to check your eligibility is to:

1. Apply::

Submit an application through your state’s Medicaid agency or the Health Insurance Marketplace at [HealthCare.gov](https://www.healthcare.gov/).

2. Use Screening Tools::

Many state agencies and non-profits offer online pre-screening tools.

3. Contact Help Directly::

Seek assistance from a certified enrollment counselor or navigator in your community.

Conclusion

Medicaid eligibility in 2024 remains a patchwork system defined by geography. While a majority of states offer coverage to adults with incomes up to 138% of the poverty level, significant disparities persist in the non-expansion states, leaving many low-income individuals without access to affordable health insurance. Understanding your state’s specific rules is the crucial first step toward accessing coverage. Given the complexity and frequent updates to state policies, consulting directly with your state Medicaid agency is always recommended for the most current and personalized information.

*Disclaimer: This article provides general information based on 2024 Federal Poverty Guidelines and typical state policies. Official income limits and eligibility rules are determined and updated by each state’s Medicaid agency. Always confirm details with your state’s official resources.*