Medicaid for Pregnant Women: Income Limits and How to Apply

What is Medicaid?

Medicaid is free or low-cost health coverage run by each state with federal funding. While every state offers Medicaid to pregnant women, the income limits and what's covered can differ.

Income limits for pregnant women

Your state's income limit depends on whether your state expanded Medicaid. In expanded states, most pregnant adults can qualify with income up to about 138% of the federal poverty level.

The 2026 federal poverty guideline is $15,960 a year for one person. For reference, 138% of that is about $22,025 a year. (State income levels come from Medicaid.gov and reflect state decisions as of December 1, 2023.)

In non-expanded states, income limits are usually lower and may be around 50% to 100% of the federal poverty level, though this varies.

These are general guidelines. Your state may have different rules, so check with your state's Medicaid agency to find your exact income limit.

What does Medicaid cover for pregnant women?

Medicaid covers prenatal care, labor and delivery, postpartum care, and other pregnancy-related services. Coverage continues after birth in most states.

How to apply

You can apply in two ways:

• Through your state Medicaid agency: Visit your state's Medicaid website or go to your local Medicaid office. You can also call your state agency.
• Through HealthCare.gov: Go to HealthCare.gov and complete an application. It will be sent to your state Medicaid agency to process.

You can apply anytime of year—there's no deadline. Applying is free.

What you'll need to apply

Have these documents ready when you apply:

• Proof of citizenship or immigration status
• Proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer)
• Proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement)
• Your Social Security number (or proof you don't have one)

Requirements vary by state. Your state agency will tell you what you specifically need.

Timeline

[VERIFY: typical processing time for Medicaid applications for pregnant women]

After you apply, your state will review your application and mail or email you a decision.

Other programs that may help

WIC (Women, Infants & Children): If you qualify for Medicaid, you may also qualify for WIC, which provides healthy foods, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support. WIC serves pregnant women and women up to 6 months after pregnancy (up to 1 year if breastfeeding). Learn more at our WIC page.

CHIP: Some states cover pregnant people through CHIP (the Children's Health Insurance Program) if they earn too much for Medicaid. Ask your state if this applies to you.

Questions?

Contact your state Medicaid agency directly—they can answer questions about your specific situation. Only the state agency decides if you qualify.