Maryland Medicaid Income Limits 2026

Maryland Medicaid, formally called Medical Assistance, covers roughly 1.5 million residents as of 2026, about one in four Marylanders. Maryland expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act on January 1, 2014, eliminating the old requirement that adults had to have dependent children to qualify. Today any Maryland resident ages 19 to 64 with income at or below 138% of the 2026 Federal Poverty Level qualifies for full Medicaid coverage, with no asset test for this MAGI-based group. The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) administers the program through its Medical Care Programs Administration, and enrollment flows through two portals: Maryland Health Connection (marylandhealthconnection.gov) and myMDTHINK (mymdthink.maryland.gov).

Maryland children enjoy the broadest Medicaid and CHIP coverage in the mid-Atlantic region. Children under age 19 qualify for the Maryland Children's Health Program (MCHP) up to 322% of the 2026 Federal Poverty Level, $106,260 per year for a family of four. At that income level, a premium applies through the MCHP Premium tier. Pregnant women qualify for Medicaid up to 264% FPL, with presumptive eligibility ensuring prenatal care begins immediately while the full application is processed. Postpartum Medicaid coverage extends 12 months after delivery under the federal extended postpartum coverage rule that Maryland adopted. The 2026 FPL base figures used here are $15,960 for a household of one and increase by $5,680 per additional person for the 48 contiguous states.

Maryland Medicaid covers the full range of services required under federal law, including inpatient and outpatient hospital care, primary care physician visits, prescription drugs, mental health and substance use disorder treatment, dental care for adults and children, vision care, and long-term services and supports. The program uses managed care organizations (MCOs) for most beneficiaries, meaning enrollees choose a health plan from several state-contracted insurers. Elderly and disabled beneficiaries who meet the older asset-tested rules qualify through a separate pathway and face a $2,500 individual asset limit. Maryland also pursues estate recovery for long-term care costs paid after age 55, consistent with the federal Medicaid estate recovery mandate.

Maryland Medicaid (Medical Assistance) income limits by household size (2026)

Maryland Medicaid income limits by household size (2026). Adult column = ACA expansion threshold (138% FPL, effective February 1, 2026). Children column = Maryland Children's Health Program (MCHP), 322% FPL. Pregnancy column = Maryland pregnant-women Medicaid, 264% FPL. Source: Maryland Department of Health Medical Care Programs Administration, effective February 1, 2026.

Maryland Medicaid (Medical Assistance) eligibility requirements (non-income)

Maryland Medicaid eligibility rests on both financial and non-financial criteria. The income thresholds in the table above are the most-searched factor, but Maryland Medicaid also requires residency, lawful presence or qualifying immigration status, and in some categories an asset test. Here are the core non-income requirements for the main coverage groups.

• Maryland residency. Applicants must live in Maryland with the intent to remain. A fixed address is not required; homeless individuals may use a shelter address or a statement of intent. Maryland does not impose a minimum residency duration before you can apply.
• Citizenship and immigration status. U.S. citizens and certain qualified immigrants qualify immediately. Lawful permanent residents (green-card holders) who arrived after August 22, 1996 must wait five years before qualifying for federally funded Medicaid, though Maryland covers some immigrants during the waiting period using state-only funds. Undocumented immigrants generally do not qualify for full Maryland Medicaid but may receive emergency Medicaid for immediately life-threatening conditions.
• Social Security Number. Every applicant for Medicaid who is a U.S. citizen or qualified immigrant must provide a Social Security Number (SSN) or proof that one has been applied for. Household members who are not applying for coverage themselves are not required to provide an SSN.
• Age and category requirements. The ACA expansion group covers adults ages 19 to 64 who are not pregnant, not enrolled in Medicare, and not otherwise categorically eligible. Children up to age 18 qualify under the Maryland Children's Health Program (MCHP). Pregnant women of any age qualify during pregnancy and for 12 months postpartum. Adults 65 and older and individuals who are blind or disabled qualify through the SSI-related pathway, subject to the $2,500 individual asset limit and $350 monthly income limit for that category.
• Asset test. MAGI-based categories (expansion adults, children, pregnant women) face NO asset test. Maryland follows the federal ACA rule eliminating asset tests for MAGI Medicaid groups, which means checking-account balances, savings, and home equity are irrelevant for these groups. The asset test applies only to the aged, blind, and disabled pathway: $2,500 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple, which is slightly higher than the federal SSI floor ($2,000 individual).
• Other health coverage. Having employer-sponsored insurance does not automatically disqualify you, but Maryland Medicaid may be secondary to other coverage. Individuals enrolled in Medicare Part A or Part B are generally not eligible for the standard ACA expansion Medicaid category; instead, they may qualify for a Medicare Savings Program (see the cross-reference section below). Individuals with access to cost-effective employer-sponsored insurance for dependent children may be enrolled in the Maryland Employer Contribution Program instead of straight MCHP.

What income counts for Maryland Medicaid (Medical Assistance)

Maryland Medicaid uses Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) rules for the expansion adult, children, and pregnant-women categories. MAGI is based on the household's federal tax filing unit, not just the individual. The Maryland Department of Health follows federal MAGI rules set by the ACA. Notably, Maryland does not apply a separate 5% disregard on top of the 138% FPL threshold for adults; the posted 138% limit is the effective limit. Below is what counts and what does not count as income under MAGI for Maryland Medicaid purposes.

Income sources included

• Wages, salaries, and tips (W-2 earnings). All gross wages and salaries from employment, including overtime, bonuses, and tips, count as MAGI income. Maryland does not allow any automatic earned-income deduction for MAGI-based Medicaid categories.
• Self-employment net earnings (Schedule C or Schedule F). Net profit from self-employment, after deducting legitimate business expenses, counts as MAGI income. Gig economy payments (Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, freelance platforms) are treated as self-employment income.
• Social Security retirement and survivor benefits. SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) benefits count as MAGI income because they appear on federal income tax returns. SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is different and is excluded.
• Unemployment compensation. All state and federal unemployment benefits count as MAGI income in the year they are received.
• Interest, dividends, and capital gains. Taxable interest from bank accounts and bonds, dividends from stocks and mutual funds, and net capital gains from asset sales all count as MAGI income.
• Pension, retirement plan distributions, and annuity payments. Taxable distributions from IRAs, 401(k)s, pensions, and annuities count as MAGI income. Roth IRA distributions that are tax-free are not counted.
• Rental and royalty income. Net rental income (after allowable deductions) and royalty payments count as MAGI income.
• Alimony received (pre-2019 agreements). Alimony received under divorce agreements executed before January 1, 2019 counts as MAGI income per pre-TCJA IRS rules. Alimony from agreements signed after December 31, 2018 is not taxable and therefore not counted.

Income sources excluded

• SSI (Supplemental Security Income). SSI payments do not count as MAGI income. SSI recipients have their own Medicaid eligibility pathway through the aged, blind, and disabled category, separate from the MAGI pathway.
• Child support received. Child support payments received are not counted as MAGI income for Medicaid purposes, regardless of the amount.
• Veterans' benefits. VA disability compensation, VA pension, GI Bill education benefits, and other veterans' payments are excluded from MAGI income for Medicaid purposes.
• Workers' compensation. Payments received because of a work-related injury or illness are excluded from MAGI income.
• Gifts and inheritances. Money or property received as a gift or inheritance is not counted as MAGI income, regardless of amount. Gifts are similarly excluded from the non-MAGI ABD pathway as well.
• TANF and most cash assistance. Cash assistance from TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) and most other federal welfare programs is excluded from MAGI income.
• Loan proceeds. Money borrowed (student loans, personal loans, home equity loans) is not income and is excluded from MAGI calculations for Maryland Medicaid.

How to apply for Maryland Medicaid (Medical Assistance) in Maryland

Maryland Medicaid applications are accepted year-round with no open-enrollment deadline. The Maryland Department of Health processes applications through two state systems: Maryland Health Connection (marylandhealthconnection.gov), the official ACA marketplace and Medicaid enrollment portal, and myMDTHINK (mymdthink.maryland.gov), the integrated benefits portal that also handles SNAP, TANF, and other programs. Applications can also be submitted in person at any local Department of Social Services (DSS) office or by phone at 1-855-642-8572 (Maryland Health Connection) or 1-800-332-6347 (DSS). The same application captures Medicaid, MCHP, and marketplace coverage simultaneously.

1. 1. Gather your documents before starting. You will need proof of identity (driver's license, passport, or birth certificate), Social Security Numbers for all household members applying for coverage, proof of Maryland residency (utility bill, lease, bank statement), proof of income for the past 30 days (pay stubs, employer letter, Social Security award letter), and proof of citizenship or qualifying immigration status.
2. 2. Apply online at marylandhealthconnection.gov or at mymdthink.maryland.gov. Create an account, complete the household and income sections, and attach scanned copies of your supporting documents. The online system uses electronic data matching to verify much of the information automatically, so many applicants do not need to mail any documents.
3. 3. Submit your application and note your case number. After submission, Maryland Health Connection or myMDTHINK will generate a confirmation number. Save this number; you will need it if you call to check your application status.
4. 4. Respond promptly to any requests for additional information. Maryland may send a notice asking for missing documents or clarification. You typically have 10 days to respond. Missing this window is one of the most common reasons applications are denied or delayed.
5. 5. Wait for your eligibility determination. Most Maryland Medicaid applications for MAGI-based categories are decided within 45 days. Pregnancy applications are expedited and must be decided within 15 days under federal rules. Applications for the aged, blind, and disabled pathway may take up to 90 days because they require a medical determination. Maryland can apply Medicaid coverage retroactively up to three months before the application date for eligible medical expenses already incurred.
6. 6. Choose a Managed Care Organization (MCO). Once approved, most Maryland Medicaid enrollees must choose a health plan from among the MCOs contracted with the state. Maryland sends an MCO selection notice with the available plans in your area. If you do not choose within the deadline, the state will auto-assign you to an MCO.

Official portal: marylandhealthconnection.gov

Documents needed

• Photo ID for the head of household (Maryland driver's license, state ID card, or U.S. passport)
• Social Security Numbers for every household member applying for coverage (or proof that one has been applied for)
• Proof of Maryland residency (utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with Maryland address, dated within the last 60 days)
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or qualifying immigration status (birth certificate, U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization, or Permanent Resident Card)
• Last 30 days of pay stubs (or a signed employer letter stating salary). Self-employed applicants need their most recent federal tax return (Schedule C or F) or a 12-month profit-and-loss statement.
• Most recent federal income tax return or a signed statement confirming that no return was filed (required if the application covers complex household income situations)
• Proof of any other income: Social Security award letter, unemployment benefit statement, pension or retirement fund statement, child support court order

Processing timeline: Standard Maryland Medicaid applications for MAGI-based categories (adults, children, pregnant women) are processed within 45 days of submission. Pregnancy applications must be decided within 15 days under federal expedited-processing rules. Applications for the aged, blind, and disabled pathway may take up to 90 days because they require a medical determination by the Disability Determination Services unit. Maryland can apply retroactive coverage going back up to three months before the application date for eligible medical expenses already incurred. If you need Medicaid before your application is fully processed, ask about presumptive eligibility, which can authorize temporary coverage immediately for pregnant women and children.

Common reasons applications get denied

• Income above the applicable threshold. The most common denial reason is household income exceeding 138% FPL for the adult expansion category. If denied for income, review whether anyone in the household qualifies for a different category (pregnant women at 264% FPL, children at 322% FPL, or aged/disabled at the SSI-related limits).
• Failure to respond to a 10-day information request. Maryland sends notices asking for additional documentation. Not responding within the window closes the application. If your application is denied for this reason, you can reapply immediately with the missing documents.
• Residency or citizenship documentation gaps. Applicants who cannot provide current proof of Maryland address or qualifying citizenship/immigration status will be denied. Homeless applicants should ask DSS workers about acceptable alternative documentation.
• Federal 5-year bar for certain immigrant categories. Lawful permanent residents who arrived after August 22, 1996 face a federal 5-year bar for federally funded Medicaid. However, Maryland uses state funds to cover some of these individuals during the waiting period; ask about Maryland-funded coverage if you have recently immigrated.
• Enrollment in Medicare. Adults enrolled in Medicare Part A or B are generally not eligible for the standard ACA expansion Medicaid category. Instead, they may qualify for a Medicare Savings Program (QMB, SLMB, or QI). If your application is denied because you have Medicare, ask specifically about Medicare Savings Program enrollment.

If your child's family income is over the Maryland Medicaid limit (but under 322% FPL)

Maryland Children's Health Program (MCHP) covers children under age 19 in households earning up to 322% of the Federal Poverty Level, $106,260 per year for a family of four in 2026. Children in households between 138% FPL and about 212% FPL are covered at no cost. Children in households between roughly 212% and 322% FPL are covered under MCHP Premium, which requires a small monthly premium but provides the same comprehensive benefits. MCHP is Maryland's integrated Medicaid and CHIP program. Compare CHIP and Medicaid income limits across all 50 states to see where Maryland ranks.

Compare CHIP and Medicaid income limits across all 50 states

If you are 65 or older, or on Medicare, with limited income: Maryland Medicare Savings Programs

Maryland runs three Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) for low-income Medicare beneficiaries. The Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) program pays Medicare Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles, and copayments for individuals with income up to $1,235 per month (single) or $1,663 per month (married) in 2026. The Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) program pays the Part B premium for individuals with income between QMB levels and $1,478 per month (single) or $1,992 per month (married). The Qualifying Individual (QI) program assists those just above SLMB limits. All three programs use federal asset limits of $9,090 for a single person and $13,630 for a married couple. Apply for Maryland MSPs through the Maryland Department of Health or your local DSS office. MSPs are separate from, and can be combined with, the standard Maryland Medicaid program.

Read the Medicare eligibility guide

Frequently Asked Questions