What if I make too much for Medicaid?

It depends on your state, your age, and your situation. You may still qualify for Medicaid or for another program that helps pay for health coverage.

The income limit rule

Each state sets its own Medicaid income limit. In states that expanded Medicaid, most adults aged 19–64 qualify if they earn up to 138% of the federal poverty level. That means if you're a single person earning $15,960 a year (for 2026), you qualify in expansion states. For a family of four earning up to $33,000 a year, you would also qualify.

But your state may have a different limit, or you may be in a group with a different income rule. Medicaid covers children, pregnant people, older adults, and people with disabilities, and each group has its own income limits.

If you earn too much

Don't stop applying. Even if your income is above the Medicaid limit in your state, you may qualify for:

• ACA Marketplace Premium Tax Credits — These help pay your monthly insurance premiums if you buy coverage through HealthCare.gov. You can qualify with higher income than Medicaid.
• Cost-sharing reductions — Extra help paying copays and deductibles if you qualify for tax credits.
• Medicaid in your specific situation — Some groups (like pregnant people or children) have higher income limits than other adults.

What to do next

Apply for Medicaid through your state Medicaid agency or through HealthCare.gov, which sends your application to your state. Applying is free, and only your state decides if you qualify. You can apply any time of year.

Use our benefits screener to see what you might qualify for based on your income and situation.