Medicare Ratings Guide

Author: Dr. Patricia Chen

  • Medicaid Eligibility in Mississippi 2026: Income Limits, Requirements & How to Apply

    Medicaid in Mississippi: 2026 Income Limits

    Medicaid Program Single Person Married Couple
    Nursing Home / Institutional Medicaid $2,982/month $5,964/month
    HCBS Waiver (home-based care) $2,982/month $5,964/month
    Regular Medicaid (Aged, Blind, Disabled) $994/month $1,491/month
    ACA Expansion (working-age adults) Not available (state not expanded) Not available

    Medicaid Expansion Status in Mississippi

    Mississippi has not expanded Medicaid, meaning most adults without dependent children do not qualify for Medicaid regardless of income. Only parents earning up to 21% FPL ($5,737/year for a family of three) may qualify.

    Who Qualifies for Medicaid in Mississippi?

    Medicaid in Mississippi covers several distinct groups, each with different income and eligibility requirements. The major categories are: seniors (65+), people with disabilities, pregnant women, children, and low-income adults (limited eligibility in non-expansion states).

    Medicaid for Seniors (65+) in Mississippi

    Seniors in Mississippi may qualify for Medicaid to cover nursing home care, home-based care, or to supplement Medicare coverage. The income limit for Regular Medicaid (Aged, Blind, and Disabled) in Mississippi is $994/month for a single person. For nursing home care, the limit is $2,982/month.

    Medicaid for People with Disabilities in Mississippi

    People with disabilities who receive SSDI or SSI may qualify for Medicaid in Mississippi. SSI recipients automatically qualify for Medicaid in most states. SSDI recipients must wait 24 months for Medicare, during which Medicaid may provide coverage if income is below $994/month.

    How to Apply for Medicaid in Mississippi

    You can apply for Medicaid in Mississippi through the following channels:

    • Online: Through Mississippi’s state Medicaid portal or HealthCare.gov
    • Phone: Call Mississippi’s Medicaid office directly
    • In person: Visit your local Department of Social Services or Medicaid office
    • Mail: Download and mail a paper application

    Medicaid and Medicare Dual Eligibility in Mississippi

    Individuals who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid are called “dual eligibles.” In Mississippi, dual eligible individuals receive comprehensive coverage: Medicare covers most medical services, while Medicaid covers Medicare premiums, deductibles, copays, and additional services like long-term care. There are approximately 122,400 dual-eligible individuals in Mississippi.

    Medicaid Asset Limits in Mississippi

    In addition to income limits, Medicaid for long-term care in Mississippi has asset limits. For a single applicant, the countable asset limit is typically $2,000. For a married couple where one spouse needs nursing home care, the community spouse may keep up to $157,920 in countable assets (the Community Spouse Resource Allowance, or CSRA, for 2026). The primary home, one vehicle, personal belongings, and certain other assets are typically exempt.

  • Medicaid Eligibility in Minnesota 2026: Income Limits, Requirements & How to Apply

    Medicaid in Minnesota: 2026 Income Limits

    Medicaid Program Single Person Married Couple
    Nursing Home / Institutional Medicaid $2,982/month $5,964/month
    HCBS Waiver (home-based care) $2,982/month $5,964/month
    Regular Medicaid (Aged, Blind, Disabled) $1,118/month $1,677/month
    ACA Expansion (working-age adults) 138% FPL = $1,831/month 138% FPL = $2,480/month

    Medicaid Expansion Status in Minnesota

    Minnesota has fully expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, meaning adults earning up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level ($22,025/year for an individual) qualify for Medicaid coverage.

    Who Qualifies for Medicaid in Minnesota?

    Medicaid in Minnesota covers several distinct groups, each with different income and eligibility requirements. The major categories are: seniors (65+), people with disabilities, pregnant women, children, and low-income adults (if the state has expanded Medicaid).

    Medicaid for Seniors (65+) in Minnesota

    Seniors in Minnesota may qualify for Medicaid to cover nursing home care, home-based care, or to supplement Medicare coverage. The income limit for Regular Medicaid (Aged, Blind, and Disabled) in Minnesota is $1,118/month for a single person. For nursing home care, the limit is $2,982/month.

    Medicaid for People with Disabilities in Minnesota

    People with disabilities who receive SSDI or SSI may qualify for Medicaid in Minnesota. SSI recipients automatically qualify for Medicaid in most states. SSDI recipients must wait 24 months for Medicare, during which Medicaid may provide coverage if income is below $1,118/month.

    How to Apply for Medicaid in Minnesota

    You can apply for Medicaid in Minnesota through the following channels:

    • Online: Through Minnesota’s state Medicaid portal or HealthCare.gov
    • Phone: Call Minnesota’s Medicaid office directly
    • In person: Visit your local Department of Social Services or Medicaid office
    • Mail: Download and mail a paper application

    Medicaid and Medicare Dual Eligibility in Minnesota

    Individuals who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid are called “dual eligibles.” In Minnesota, dual eligible individuals receive comprehensive coverage: Medicare covers most medical services, while Medicaid covers Medicare premiums, deductibles, copays, and additional services like long-term care. There are approximately 212,400 dual-eligible individuals in Minnesota.

    Medicaid Asset Limits in Minnesota

    In addition to income limits, Medicaid for long-term care in Minnesota has asset limits. For a single applicant, the countable asset limit is typically $2,000. For a married couple where one spouse needs nursing home care, the community spouse may keep up to $157,920 in countable assets (the Community Spouse Resource Allowance, or CSRA, for 2026). The primary home, one vehicle, personal belongings, and certain other assets are typically exempt.

  • Medicaid Eligibility in Michigan 2026: Income Limits, Requirements & How to Apply

    Medicaid in Michigan: 2026 Income Limits

    Medicaid Program Single Person Married Couple
    Nursing Home / Institutional Medicaid $2,982/month $5,964/month
    HCBS Waiver (home-based care) $2,982/month $5,964/month
    Regular Medicaid (Aged, Blind, Disabled) $994/month $1,491/month
    ACA Expansion (working-age adults) 138% FPL = $1,831/month 138% FPL = $2,480/month

    Medicaid Expansion Status in Michigan

    Michigan has fully expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, meaning adults earning up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level ($22,025/year for an individual) qualify for Medicaid coverage.

    Who Qualifies for Medicaid in Michigan?

    Medicaid in Michigan covers several distinct groups, each with different income and eligibility requirements. The major categories are: seniors (65+), people with disabilities, pregnant women, children, and low-income adults (if the state has expanded Medicaid).

    Medicaid for Seniors (65+) in Michigan

    Seniors in Michigan may qualify for Medicaid to cover nursing home care, home-based care, or to supplement Medicare coverage. The income limit for Regular Medicaid (Aged, Blind, and Disabled) in Michigan is $994/month for a single person. For nursing home care, the limit is $2,982/month.

    Medicaid for People with Disabilities in Michigan

    People with disabilities who receive SSDI or SSI may qualify for Medicaid in Michigan. SSI recipients automatically qualify for Medicaid in most states. SSDI recipients must wait 24 months for Medicare, during which Medicaid may provide coverage if income is below $994/month.

    How to Apply for Medicaid in Michigan

    You can apply for Medicaid in Michigan through the following channels:

    • Online: Through Michigan’s state Medicaid portal or HealthCare.gov
    • Phone: Call Michigan’s Medicaid office directly
    • In person: Visit your local Department of Social Services or Medicaid office
    • Mail: Download and mail a paper application

    Medicaid and Medicare Dual Eligibility in Michigan

    Individuals who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid are called “dual eligibles.” In Michigan, dual eligible individuals receive comprehensive coverage: Medicare covers most medical services, while Medicaid covers Medicare premiums, deductibles, copays, and additional services like long-term care. There are approximately 410,400 dual-eligible individuals in Michigan.

    Medicaid Asset Limits in Michigan

    In addition to income limits, Medicaid for long-term care in Michigan has asset limits. For a single applicant, the countable asset limit is typically $2,000. For a married couple where one spouse needs nursing home care, the community spouse may keep up to $157,920 in countable assets (the Community Spouse Resource Allowance, or CSRA, for 2026). The primary home, one vehicle, personal belongings, and certain other assets are typically exempt.

  • Medicaid Eligibility in Massachusetts 2026: Income Limits, Requirements & How to Apply

    Medicaid in Massachusetts: 2026 Income Limits

    Medicaid Program Single Person Married Couple
    Nursing Home / Institutional Medicaid $2,982/month $5,964/month
    HCBS Waiver (home-based care) $2,982/month $5,964/month
    Regular Medicaid (Aged, Blind, Disabled) $1,118/month $1,677/month
    ACA Expansion (working-age adults) 138% FPL = $1,831/month 138% FPL = $2,480/month

    Medicaid Expansion Status in Massachusetts

    Massachusetts has fully expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, meaning adults earning up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level ($22,025/year for an individual) qualify for Medicaid coverage.

    Who Qualifies for Medicaid in Massachusetts?

    Medicaid in Massachusetts covers several distinct groups, each with different income and eligibility requirements. The major categories are: seniors (65+), people with disabilities, pregnant women, children, and low-income adults (if the state has expanded Medicaid).

    Medicaid for Seniors (65+) in Massachusetts

    Seniors in Massachusetts may qualify for Medicaid to cover nursing home care, home-based care, or to supplement Medicare coverage. The income limit for Regular Medicaid (Aged, Blind, and Disabled) in Massachusetts is $1,118/month for a single person. For nursing home care, the limit is $2,982/month.

    Medicaid for People with Disabilities in Massachusetts

    People with disabilities who receive SSDI or SSI may qualify for Medicaid in Massachusetts. SSI recipients automatically qualify for Medicaid in most states. SSDI recipients must wait 24 months for Medicare, during which Medicaid may provide coverage if income is below $1,118/month.

    How to Apply for Medicaid in Massachusetts

    You can apply for Medicaid in Massachusetts through the following channels:

    • Online: Through Massachusetts’s state Medicaid portal or HealthCare.gov
    • Phone: Call Massachusetts’s Medicaid office directly
    • In person: Visit your local Department of Social Services or Medicaid office
    • Mail: Download and mail a paper application

    Medicaid and Medicare Dual Eligibility in Massachusetts

    Individuals who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid are called “dual eligibles.” In Massachusetts, dual eligible individuals receive comprehensive coverage: Medicare covers most medical services, while Medicaid covers Medicare premiums, deductibles, copays, and additional services like long-term care. There are approximately 255,600 dual-eligible individuals in Massachusetts.

    Medicaid Asset Limits in Massachusetts

    In addition to income limits, Medicaid for long-term care in Massachusetts has asset limits. For a single applicant, the countable asset limit is typically $2,000. For a married couple where one spouse needs nursing home care, the community spouse may keep up to $157,920 in countable assets (the Community Spouse Resource Allowance, or CSRA, for 2026). The primary home, one vehicle, personal belongings, and certain other assets are typically exempt.

  • Medicaid Eligibility in Maryland 2026: Income Limits, Requirements & How to Apply

    Medicaid in Maryland: 2026 Income Limits

    Medicaid Program Single Person Married Couple
    Nursing Home / Institutional Medicaid $2,982/month $5,964/month
    HCBS Waiver (home-based care) $2,982/month $5,964/month
    Regular Medicaid (Aged, Blind, Disabled) $994/month $1,491/month
    ACA Expansion (working-age adults) 138% FPL = $1,831/month 138% FPL = $2,480/month

    Medicaid Expansion Status in Maryland

    Maryland has fully expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, meaning adults earning up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level ($22,025/year for an individual) qualify for Medicaid coverage.

    Who Qualifies for Medicaid in Maryland?

    Medicaid in Maryland covers several distinct groups, each with different income and eligibility requirements. The major categories are: seniors (65+), people with disabilities, pregnant women, children, and low-income adults (if the state has expanded Medicaid).

    Medicaid for Seniors (65+) in Maryland

    Seniors in Maryland may qualify for Medicaid to cover nursing home care, home-based care, or to supplement Medicare coverage. The income limit for Regular Medicaid (Aged, Blind, and Disabled) in Maryland is $994/month for a single person. For nursing home care, the limit is $2,982/month.

    Medicaid for People with Disabilities in Maryland

    People with disabilities who receive SSDI or SSI may qualify for Medicaid in Maryland. SSI recipients automatically qualify for Medicaid in most states. SSDI recipients must wait 24 months for Medicare, during which Medicaid may provide coverage if income is below $994/month.

    How to Apply for Medicaid in Maryland

    You can apply for Medicaid in Maryland through the following channels:

    • Online: Through Maryland’s state Medicaid portal or HealthCare.gov
    • Phone: Call Maryland’s Medicaid office directly
    • In person: Visit your local Department of Social Services or Medicaid office
    • Mail: Download and mail a paper application

    Medicaid and Medicare Dual Eligibility in Maryland

    Individuals who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid are called “dual eligibles.” In Maryland, dual eligible individuals receive comprehensive coverage: Medicare covers most medical services, while Medicaid covers Medicare premiums, deductibles, copays, and additional services like long-term care. There are approximately 190,800 dual-eligible individuals in Maryland.

    Medicaid Asset Limits in Maryland

    In addition to income limits, Medicaid for long-term care in Maryland has asset limits. For a single applicant, the countable asset limit is typically $2,000. For a married couple where one spouse needs nursing home care, the community spouse may keep up to $157,920 in countable assets (the Community Spouse Resource Allowance, or CSRA, for 2026). The primary home, one vehicle, personal belongings, and certain other assets are typically exempt.

  • Medicaid Eligibility in Maine 2026: Income Limits, Requirements & How to Apply

    Medicaid in Maine: 2026 Income Limits

    Medicaid Program Single Person Married Couple
    Nursing Home / Institutional Medicaid $2,982/month $5,964/month
    HCBS Waiver (home-based care) $2,982/month $5,964/month
    Regular Medicaid (Aged, Blind, Disabled) $1,014/month $1,521/month
    ACA Expansion (working-age adults) 138% FPL = $1,831/month 138% FPL = $2,480/month

    Medicaid Expansion Status in Maine

    Maine has fully expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, meaning adults earning up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level ($22,025/year for an individual) qualify for Medicaid coverage.

    Who Qualifies for Medicaid in Maine?

    Medicaid in Maine covers several distinct groups, each with different income and eligibility requirements. The major categories are: seniors (65+), people with disabilities, pregnant women, children, and low-income adults (if the state has expanded Medicaid).

    Medicaid for Seniors (65+) in Maine

    Seniors in Maine may qualify for Medicaid to cover nursing home care, home-based care, or to supplement Medicare coverage. The income limit for Regular Medicaid (Aged, Blind, and Disabled) in Maine is $1,014/month for a single person. For nursing home care, the limit is $2,982/month.

    Medicaid for People with Disabilities in Maine

    People with disabilities who receive SSDI or SSI may qualify for Medicaid in Maine. SSI recipients automatically qualify for Medicaid in most states. SSDI recipients must wait 24 months for Medicare, during which Medicaid may provide coverage if income is below $1,014/month.

    How to Apply for Medicaid in Maine

    You can apply for Medicaid in Maine through the following channels:

    • Online: Through Maine’s state Medicaid portal or HealthCare.gov
    • Phone: Call Maine’s Medicaid office directly
    • In person: Visit your local Department of Social Services or Medicaid office
    • Mail: Download and mail a paper application

    Medicaid and Medicare Dual Eligibility in Maine

    Individuals who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid are called “dual eligibles.” In Maine, dual eligible individuals receive comprehensive coverage: Medicare covers most medical services, while Medicaid covers Medicare premiums, deductibles, copays, and additional services like long-term care. There are approximately 68,400 dual-eligible individuals in Maine.

    Medicaid Asset Limits in Maine

    In addition to income limits, Medicaid for long-term care in Maine has asset limits. For a single applicant, the countable asset limit is typically $2,000. For a married couple where one spouse needs nursing home care, the community spouse may keep up to $157,920 in countable assets (the Community Spouse Resource Allowance, or CSRA, for 2026). The primary home, one vehicle, personal belongings, and certain other assets are typically exempt.

  • Medicaid Eligibility in Louisiana 2026: Income Limits, Requirements & How to Apply

    Medicaid in Louisiana: 2026 Income Limits

    Medicaid Program Single Person Married Couple
    Nursing Home / Institutional Medicaid $2,982/month $5,964/month
    HCBS Waiver (home-based care) $2,982/month $5,964/month
    Regular Medicaid (Aged, Blind, Disabled) $994/month $1,491/month
    ACA Expansion (working-age adults) 138% FPL = $1,831/month 138% FPL = $2,480/month

    Medicaid Expansion Status in Louisiana

    Louisiana has fully expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, meaning adults earning up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level ($22,025/year for an individual) qualify for Medicaid coverage.

    Who Qualifies for Medicaid in Louisiana?

    Medicaid in Louisiana covers several distinct groups, each with different income and eligibility requirements. The major categories are: seniors (65+), people with disabilities, pregnant women, children, and low-income adults (if the state has expanded Medicaid).

    Medicaid for Seniors (65+) in Louisiana

    Seniors in Louisiana may qualify for Medicaid to cover nursing home care, home-based care, or to supplement Medicare coverage. The income limit for Regular Medicaid (Aged, Blind, and Disabled) in Louisiana is $994/month for a single person. For nursing home care, the limit is $2,982/month.

    Medicaid for People with Disabilities in Louisiana

    People with disabilities who receive SSDI or SSI may qualify for Medicaid in Louisiana. SSI recipients automatically qualify for Medicaid in most states. SSDI recipients must wait 24 months for Medicare, during which Medicaid may provide coverage if income is below $994/month.

    How to Apply for Medicaid in Louisiana

    You can apply for Medicaid in Louisiana through the following channels:

    • Online: Through Louisiana’s state Medicaid portal or HealthCare.gov
    • Phone: Call Louisiana’s Medicaid office directly
    • In person: Visit your local Department of Social Services or Medicaid office
    • Mail: Download and mail a paper application

    Medicaid and Medicare Dual Eligibility in Louisiana

    Individuals who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid are called “dual eligibles.” In Louisiana, dual eligible individuals receive comprehensive coverage: Medicare covers most medical services, while Medicaid covers Medicare premiums, deductibles, copays, and additional services like long-term care. There are approximately 160,200 dual-eligible individuals in Louisiana.

    Medicaid Asset Limits in Louisiana

    In addition to income limits, Medicaid for long-term care in Louisiana has asset limits. For a single applicant, the countable asset limit is typically $2,000. For a married couple where one spouse needs nursing home care, the community spouse may keep up to $157,920 in countable assets (the Community Spouse Resource Allowance, or CSRA, for 2026). The primary home, one vehicle, personal belongings, and certain other assets are typically exempt.

  • Medicaid Eligibility in Kentucky 2026: Income Limits, Requirements & How to Apply

    Medicaid in Kentucky: 2026 Income Limits

    Medicaid Program Single Person Married Couple
    Nursing Home / Institutional Medicaid $2,982/month $5,964/month
    HCBS Waiver (home-based care) $2,982/month $5,964/month
    Regular Medicaid (Aged, Blind, Disabled) $994/month $1,491/month
    ACA Expansion (working-age adults) 138% FPL = $1,831/month 138% FPL = $2,480/month

    Medicaid Expansion Status in Kentucky

    Kentucky has fully expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, meaning adults earning up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level ($22,025/year for an individual) qualify for Medicaid coverage.

    Who Qualifies for Medicaid in Kentucky?

    Medicaid in Kentucky covers several distinct groups, each with different income and eligibility requirements. The major categories are: seniors (65+), people with disabilities, pregnant women, children, and low-income adults (if the state has expanded Medicaid).

    Medicaid for Seniors (65+) in Kentucky

    Seniors in Kentucky may qualify for Medicaid to cover nursing home care, home-based care, or to supplement Medicare coverage. The income limit for Regular Medicaid (Aged, Blind, and Disabled) in Kentucky is $994/month for a single person. For nursing home care, the limit is $2,982/month.

    Medicaid for People with Disabilities in Kentucky

    People with disabilities who receive SSDI or SSI may qualify for Medicaid in Kentucky. SSI recipients automatically qualify for Medicaid in most states. SSDI recipients must wait 24 months for Medicare, during which Medicaid may provide coverage if income is below $994/month.

    How to Apply for Medicaid in Kentucky

    You can apply for Medicaid in Kentucky through the following channels:

    • Online: Through Kentucky’s state Medicaid portal or HealthCare.gov
    • Phone: Call Kentucky’s Medicaid office directly
    • In person: Visit your local Department of Social Services or Medicaid office
    • Mail: Download and mail a paper application

    Medicaid and Medicare Dual Eligibility in Kentucky

    Individuals who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid are called “dual eligibles.” In Kentucky, dual eligible individuals receive comprehensive coverage: Medicare covers most medical services, while Medicaid covers Medicare premiums, deductibles, copays, and additional services like long-term care. There are approximately 183,600 dual-eligible individuals in Kentucky.

    Medicaid Asset Limits in Kentucky

    In addition to income limits, Medicaid for long-term care in Kentucky has asset limits. For a single applicant, the countable asset limit is typically $2,000. For a married couple where one spouse needs nursing home care, the community spouse may keep up to $157,920 in countable assets (the Community Spouse Resource Allowance, or CSRA, for 2026). The primary home, one vehicle, personal belongings, and certain other assets are typically exempt.

  • Medicaid Eligibility in Kansas 2026: Income Limits, Requirements & How to Apply

    Medicaid in Kansas: 2026 Income Limits

    Medicaid Program Single Person Married Couple
    Nursing Home / Institutional Medicaid No income limit No income limit
    HCBS Waiver (home-based care) No income limit No income limit
    Regular Medicaid (Aged, Blind, Disabled) $994/month $1,491/month
    ACA Expansion (working-age adults) Not available (state not expanded) Not available

    Medicaid Expansion Status in Kansas

    Kansas has not expanded Medicaid, meaning most adults without dependent children do not qualify for Medicaid regardless of income. Only parents earning up to 38% FPL ($10,382/year for a family of three) may qualify.

    Who Qualifies for Medicaid in Kansas?

    Medicaid in Kansas covers several distinct groups, each with different income and eligibility requirements. The major categories are: seniors (65+), people with disabilities, pregnant women, children, and low-income adults (limited eligibility in non-expansion states).

    Medicaid for Seniors (65+) in Kansas

    Seniors in Kansas may qualify for Medicaid to cover nursing home care, home-based care, or to supplement Medicare coverage. The income limit for Regular Medicaid (Aged, Blind, and Disabled) in Kansas is $994/month for a single person. For nursing home care, the limit is no set income limit, but nearly all income must go toward the cost of care.

    Medicaid for People with Disabilities in Kansas

    People with disabilities who receive SSDI or SSI may qualify for Medicaid in Kansas. SSI recipients automatically qualify for Medicaid in most states. SSDI recipients must wait 24 months for Medicare, during which Medicaid may provide coverage if income is below $994/month.

    How to Apply for Medicaid in Kansas

    You can apply for Medicaid in Kansas through the following channels:

    • Online: Through Kansas’s state Medicaid portal or HealthCare.gov
    • Phone: Call Kansas’s Medicaid office directly
    • In person: Visit your local Department of Social Services or Medicaid office
    • Mail: Download and mail a paper application

    Medicaid and Medicare Dual Eligibility in Kansas

    Individuals who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid are called “dual eligibles.” In Kansas, dual eligible individuals receive comprehensive coverage: Medicare covers most medical services, while Medicaid covers Medicare premiums, deductibles, copays, and additional services like long-term care. There are approximately 111,600 dual-eligible individuals in Kansas.

    Medicaid Asset Limits in Kansas

    In addition to income limits, Medicaid for long-term care in Kansas has asset limits. For a single applicant, the countable asset limit is typically $2,000. For a married couple where one spouse needs nursing home care, the community spouse may keep up to $157,920 in countable assets (the Community Spouse Resource Allowance, or CSRA, for 2026). The primary home, one vehicle, personal belongings, and certain other assets are typically exempt.

  • Medicaid Eligibility in Iowa 2026: Income Limits, Requirements & How to Apply

    Medicaid in Iowa: 2026 Income Limits

    Medicaid Program Single Person Married Couple
    Nursing Home / Institutional Medicaid $2,982/month $5,964/month
    HCBS Waiver (home-based care) $2,982/month $5,964/month
    Regular Medicaid (Aged, Blind, Disabled) $994/month $1,491/month
    ACA Expansion (working-age adults) 138% FPL = $1,831/month 138% FPL = $2,480/month

    Medicaid Expansion Status in Iowa

    Iowa has fully expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, meaning adults earning up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level ($22,025/year for an individual) qualify for Medicaid coverage.

    Who Qualifies for Medicaid in Iowa?

    Medicaid in Iowa covers several distinct groups, each with different income and eligibility requirements. The major categories are: seniors (65+), people with disabilities, pregnant women, children, and low-income adults (if the state has expanded Medicaid).

    Medicaid for Seniors (65+) in Iowa

    Seniors in Iowa may qualify for Medicaid to cover nursing home care, home-based care, or to supplement Medicare coverage. The income limit for Regular Medicaid (Aged, Blind, and Disabled) in Iowa is $994/month for a single person. For nursing home care, the limit is $2,982/month.

    Medicaid for People with Disabilities in Iowa

    People with disabilities who receive SSDI or SSI may qualify for Medicaid in Iowa. SSI recipients automatically qualify for Medicaid in most states. SSDI recipients must wait 24 months for Medicare, during which Medicaid may provide coverage if income is below $994/month.

    How to Apply for Medicaid in Iowa

    You can apply for Medicaid in Iowa through the following channels:

    • Online: Through Iowa’s state Medicaid portal or HealthCare.gov
    • Phone: Call Iowa’s Medicaid office directly
    • In person: Visit your local Department of Social Services or Medicaid office
    • Mail: Download and mail a paper application

    Medicaid and Medicare Dual Eligibility in Iowa

    Individuals who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid are called “dual eligibles.” In Iowa, dual eligible individuals receive comprehensive coverage: Medicare covers most medical services, while Medicaid covers Medicare premiums, deductibles, copays, and additional services like long-term care. There are approximately 129,600 dual-eligible individuals in Iowa.

    Medicaid Asset Limits in Iowa

    In addition to income limits, Medicaid for long-term care in Iowa has asset limits. For a single applicant, the countable asset limit is typically $2,000. For a married couple where one spouse needs nursing home care, the community spouse may keep up to $157,920 in countable assets (the Community Spouse Resource Allowance, or CSRA, for 2026). The primary home, one vehicle, personal belongings, and certain other assets are typically exempt.