Check Your Medicaid Eligibility
Fill out the form below to see if you qualify for Medicaid coverage.
Medicaid Eligibility 2026: Complete Guide to Free Health Insurance
Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that provides free or low-cost health coverage to millions of Americans, including eligible low-income adults, children, pregnant women, elderly adults, and people with disabilities. Because each state manages its own Medicaid program within federal guidelines, the rules can vary significantly depending on where you live.
Medicaid Expansion vs. Non-Expansion States
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) allowed states to "expand" their Medicaid programs to cover all adults whose income is below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), regardless of whether they have children or a disability. Currently, the vast majority of US states have expanded Medicaid.
If you live in an Expansion State:
You automatically qualify for Medicaid based solely on income. For 2026, a single adult making up to roughly $20,783 per year qualifies. A family of four making up to $43,056 per year qualifies.
What Does Medicaid Cover?
Federal law requires states to provide certain "mandatory" benefits. Most states also choose to provide "optional" benefits. Standard mandatory benefits include:
- Inpatient and outpatient hospital services
- Physician services
- Laboratory and x-ray services
- Home health services
How to Apply for Medicaid
You can apply for Medicaid at any time of the year—there is no Open Enrollment period for Medicaid. You can apply through Healthcare.gov (the Health Insurance Marketplace) or directly through your state's Medicaid agency website.
About Medicaid
What is Medicaid?
Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that provides free or low-cost health coverage to millions of Americans, including some low-income people, families and children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with disabilities.
- Free or low-cost health coverage
- Covers doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions
- No monthly premiums for most people
- Low or no copayments for services
- Comprehensive health benefits
Eligibility Categories
Medicaid eligibility is based on several factors:
- Children: Up to 138% of Federal Poverty Level
- Pregnant Women: Up to 138% FPL in expansion states
- Adults: Up to 138% FPL in expansion states only
- Disabled: Up to 100% FPL in most states
- Seniors: Up to 100% FPL in most states
2025 Federal Poverty Level
Medicaid income limits are based on the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). For 2025:
$1,240
1 Person Monthly
$1,677
2 People Monthly
$2,114
3 People Monthly
$2,551
4 People Monthly
$2,988
5 People Monthly
$3,425
6 People Monthly
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between Medicaid and Medicare?
Medicaid is a needs-based program for low-income individuals and families, while Medicare is primarily for people 65 and older regardless of income. Medicaid covers more services and has lower out-of-pocket costs.
Can I have both Medicaid and private insurance?
Yes, you can have both. Medicaid will typically pay for costs that your private insurance doesn't cover, such as copayments, deductibles, and services not covered by your private plan.
How do I apply for Medicaid?
You can apply for Medicaid in several ways:
- Online through Healthcare.gov
- Through your state's Medicaid office
- In person at a local office
- By phone with your state's hotline
What documents do I need to apply?
You'll typically need:
- Proof of identity and citizenship
- Social Security numbers
- Proof of income
- Proof of residency
Find Benefits Near You
Select your city below to see hyper-local government assistance offices, exact income limits, and localized application guides. Or use our ZIP Code Locator Tool for your specific neighborhood.
- New York, NY (10001)
- Los Angeles, CA (90001)
- Chicago, IL (60601)
- Houston, TX (77001)
- Phoenix, AZ (85001)
- Philadelphia, PA (19101)
- San Antonio, TX (78201)
- San Diego, CA (92101)
- Dallas, TX (75201)
- San Jose, CA (95101)
- Austin, TX (73301)
- Jacksonville, FL (32099)
- Fort Worth, TX (76101)
- Columbus, OH (43201)
- Indianapolis, IN (46201)
- Charlotte, NC (28201)
- San Francisco, CA (94101)
- Seattle, WA (98101)
- Denver, CO (80201)
- Washington, DC (20001)
- Boston, MA (02101)
- El Paso, TX (79901)
- Nashville, TN (37201)
- Detroit, MI (48201)
- Portland, OR (97201)
- Memphis, TN (38101)
- Louisville, KY (40201)
- Baltimore, MD (21201)
- Milwaukee, WI (53201)
- Albuquerque, NM (87101)