Who’s eligible for Medicaid?
Medicaid eligibility rules are different in each state. The federal government helps pay for Medicaid programs in each state. That means if a person meets the criteria in their state, they can enroll in Medicaid.
People who are eligible for Medicaid include:
- Children under age 18 in families with very low income
- Children in foster care
- People who are pregnant and have very low income
- Certain parents or caretakers with very low income
- Most older adults (ages 65 and over) who receive assistance through the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program
- People with disabilities who receive assistance through the SSI program
What is the income limit for Medicaid?
Medicaid income limits vary from state to state. Household size also impacts income eligibility.1
The Affordable Care Act established Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI), a new way to determine income eligibility for Medicaid.
The MAGI method is based on adjusted gross income, plus tax-exempt interest. Assets and resources are not counted. This includes bank accounts, homes or vehicles. Certain income like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and child support are also not considered.
You may be eligible if your MAGI income is at or below a set percentage of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). The percentage depends on the state you live in.
Check the income calculator to see if you qualify.
Is there a Medicaid work requirement?
In 2025, the president signed a bill that changed the Medicaid program. The bill put a new Medicaid work requirement into place. This starts on January 1, 2027. The new rules are for people aged 19–64 who enroll in Medicaid. They’ll need to show that they are working 80 hours per month. Or show they are doing other qualifying activities. This can include paid work, educational programs, job training or community service.
People who are medically frail, pregnant or postpartum, or parents and caretakers of children 13 or younger do not have to meet the work requirements.
What is Medicaid expansion?
Medicaid expansion was part of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which was a law signed in 2010. The goal of the ACA was to help make health insurance more affordable for people with low incomes.
Medicaid expansion began in 2014. Each state decided individually whether to adopt the expansion. Your eligibility may depend on whether your state has expanded its program.
Does Medicaid eligibility vary by state?
Each state has different eligibility requirements for Medicaid. These are based on income, household size, disability, family status or other factors.
To find out if you're eligible, visit the website for Medicaid in your state. Then check the eligibility requirements.
Choose your state to see available plans near you.
What type of plan am I eligible for?
Answer a few quick questions to see what type of UnitedHealthcare Community plan might work for you.
What type of plan am I eligible for?
Answer a few quick questions to see what type of UnitedHealthcare Community plan might work for you.
Medicaid renewal
Medicaid renewal is also called Medicaid redetermination. This is when the state checks if you still qualify to get Medicaid benefits.
Medicare and Medicaid disability
People with low incomes who have disabilities or chronic conditions are eligible for Medicaid. Find out about Medicare and Medicaid disability requirements.
If I get a dual health plan, do I lose my Medicaid benefits?
People who have both Medicaid and Medicare can get a dual health plan. This lets you keep all your Medicaid benefits, plus get extra Medicare benefits too.