Medicare Ratings Guide

Author: Dr. Patricia Chen

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

    Medicaid in Indiana: 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) $1,330/month $1,995/month
    ACA Expansion (working-age adults) 138% FPL = $1,831/month 138% FPL = $2,480/month

    Medicaid Expansion Status in Indiana

    Indiana 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 Indiana?

    Medicaid in Indiana 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 Indiana

    Seniors in Indiana 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 Indiana is $1,330/month for a single person. For nursing home care, the limit is $2,982/month.

    Medicaid for People with Disabilities in Indiana

    People with disabilities who receive SSDI or SSI may qualify for Medicaid in Indiana. 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 $1,330/month.

    How to Apply for Medicaid in Indiana

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

    • Online: Through Indiana’s state Medicaid portal or HealthCare.gov
    • Phone: Call Indiana’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 Indiana

    Individuals who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid are called “dual eligibles.” In Indiana, 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 248,400 dual-eligible individuals in Indiana.

    Medicaid Asset Limits in Indiana

    In addition to income limits, Medicaid for long-term care in Indiana 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 Illinois 2026: Income Limits, Requirements & How to Apply

    Medicaid in Illinois: 2026 Income Limits

    Medicaid Program Single Person Married Couple
    Nursing Home / Institutional Medicaid $1,330/month $2,660/month
    HCBS Waiver (home-based care) $1,330/month $2,660/month
    Regular Medicaid (Aged, Blind, Disabled) $1,330/month $1,995/month
    ACA Expansion (working-age adults) 138% FPL = $1,831/month 138% FPL = $2,480/month

    Medicaid Expansion Status in Illinois

    Illinois 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 Illinois?

    Medicaid in Illinois 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 Illinois

    Seniors in Illinois 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 Illinois is $1,330/month for a single person. For nursing home care, the limit is $1,330/month.

    Medicaid for People with Disabilities in Illinois

    People with disabilities who receive SSDI or SSI may qualify for Medicaid in Illinois. 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 $1,330/month.

    How to Apply for Medicaid in Illinois

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

    • Online: Through Illinois’s state Medicaid portal or HealthCare.gov
    • Phone: Call Illinois’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 Illinois

    Individuals who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid are called “dual eligibles.” In Illinois, 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 446,400 dual-eligible individuals in Illinois.

    Medicaid Asset Limits in Illinois

    In addition to income limits, Medicaid for long-term care in Illinois 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 Idaho 2026: Income Limits, Requirements & How to Apply

    Medicaid in Idaho: 2026 Income Limits

    Medicaid Program Single Person Married Couple
    Nursing Home / Institutional Medicaid $3,002/month $6,004/month
    HCBS Waiver (home-based care) $3,002/month $6,004/month
    Regular Medicaid (Aged, Blind, Disabled) $1,047/month $1,570/month
    ACA Expansion (working-age adults) 138% FPL = $1,831/month 138% FPL = $2,480/month

    Medicaid Expansion Status in Idaho

    Idaho 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 Idaho?

    Medicaid in Idaho 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 Idaho

    Seniors in Idaho 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 Idaho is $1,047/month for a single person. For nursing home care, the limit is $3,002/month.

    Medicaid for People with Disabilities in Idaho

    People with disabilities who receive SSDI or SSI may qualify for Medicaid in Idaho. 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 $1,047/month.

    How to Apply for Medicaid in Idaho

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

    • Online: Through Idaho’s state Medicaid portal or HealthCare.gov
    • Phone: Call Idaho’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 Idaho

    Individuals who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid are called “dual eligibles.” In Idaho, 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 61,200 dual-eligible individuals in Idaho.

    Medicaid Asset Limits in Idaho

    In addition to income limits, Medicaid for long-term care in Idaho 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 Hawaii 2026: Income Limits, Requirements & How to Apply

    Medicaid in Hawaii: 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) $1,530/month $2,295/month
    ACA Expansion (working-age adults) 138% FPL = $1,831/month 138% FPL = $2,480/month

    Medicaid Expansion Status in Hawaii

    Hawaii 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 Hawaii?

    Medicaid in Hawaii 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 Hawaii

    Seniors in Hawaii 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 Hawaii is $1,530/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 Hawaii

    People with disabilities who receive SSDI or SSI may qualify for Medicaid in Hawaii. 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 $1,530/month.

    How to Apply for Medicaid in Hawaii

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

    • Online: Through Hawaii’s state Medicaid portal or HealthCare.gov
    • Phone: Call Hawaii’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 Hawaii

    Individuals who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid are called “dual eligibles.” In Hawaii, 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 52,200 dual-eligible individuals in Hawaii.

    Medicaid Asset Limits in Hawaii

    In addition to income limits, Medicaid for long-term care in Hawaii 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 Georgia 2026: Income Limits, Requirements & How to Apply

    Medicaid in Georgia: 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 Georgia

    Georgia has partially expanded Medicaid. Adults earning up to 100% FPL may qualify, but the state has not adopted full ACA expansion to 138% FPL.

    Who Qualifies for Medicaid in Georgia?

    Medicaid in Georgia 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 Georgia

    Seniors in Georgia 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 Georgia is $994/month for a single person. For nursing home care, the limit is $2,982/month.

    Medicaid for People with Disabilities in Georgia

    People with disabilities who receive SSDI or SSI may qualify for Medicaid in Georgia. 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 Georgia

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

    • Online: Through Georgia’s state Medicaid portal or HealthCare.gov
    • Phone: Call Georgia’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 Georgia

    Individuals who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid are called “dual eligibles.” In Georgia, 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 331,200 dual-eligible individuals in Georgia.

    Medicaid Asset Limits in Georgia

    In addition to income limits, Medicaid for long-term care in Georgia 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 Florida 2026: Income Limits, Requirements & How to Apply

    Medicaid in Florida: 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) $1,171/month $1,756/month
    ACA Expansion (working-age adults) Not available (state not expanded) Not available

    Medicaid Expansion Status in Florida

    Florida has not expanded Medicaid, meaning most adults without dependent children do not qualify for Medicaid regardless of income. Only parents earning up to 26% FPL ($7,103/year for a family of three) may qualify.

    Who Qualifies for Medicaid in Florida?

    Medicaid in Florida 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 Florida

    Seniors in Florida 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 Florida is $1,171/month for a single person. For nursing home care, the limit is $2,982/month.

    Medicaid for People with Disabilities in Florida

    People with disabilities who receive SSDI or SSI may qualify for Medicaid in Florida. 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 $1,171/month.

    How to Apply for Medicaid in Florida

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

    • Online: Through Florida’s state Medicaid portal or HealthCare.gov
    • Phone: Call Florida’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 Florida

    Individuals who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid are called “dual eligibles.” In Florida, 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 882,000 dual-eligible individuals in Florida.

    Medicaid Asset Limits in Florida

    In addition to income limits, Medicaid for long-term care in Florida 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 Delaware 2026: Income Limits, Requirements & How to Apply

    Medicaid in Delaware: 2026 Income Limits

    Medicaid Program Single Person Married Couple
    Nursing Home / Institutional Medicaid $2,485/month $4,970/month
    HCBS Waiver (home-based care) $2,485/month $4,970/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 Delaware

    Delaware 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 Delaware?

    Medicaid in Delaware 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 Delaware

    Seniors in Delaware 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 Delaware is $994/month for a single person. For nursing home care, the limit is $2,485/month.

    Medicaid for People with Disabilities in Delaware

    People with disabilities who receive SSDI or SSI may qualify for Medicaid in Delaware. 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 Delaware

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

    • Online: Through Delaware’s state Medicaid portal or HealthCare.gov
    • Phone: Call Delaware’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 Delaware

    Individuals who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid are called “dual eligibles.” In Delaware, 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 37,800 dual-eligible individuals in Delaware.

    Medicaid Asset Limits in Delaware

    In addition to income limits, Medicaid for long-term care in Delaware 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 Connecticut 2026: Income Limits, Requirements & How to Apply

    Medicaid in Connecticut: 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) $1,413/month $2,120/month
    ACA Expansion (working-age adults) 138% FPL = $1,831/month 138% FPL = $2,480/month

    Medicaid Expansion Status in Connecticut

    Connecticut 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 Connecticut?

    Medicaid in Connecticut 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 Connecticut

    Seniors in Connecticut 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 Connecticut is $1,413/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 Connecticut

    People with disabilities who receive SSDI or SSI may qualify for Medicaid in Connecticut. 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 $1,413/month.

    How to Apply for Medicaid in Connecticut

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

    • Online: Through Connecticut’s state Medicaid portal or HealthCare.gov
    • Phone: Call Connecticut’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 Connecticut

    Individuals who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid are called “dual eligibles.” In Connecticut, 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 Connecticut.

    Medicaid Asset Limits in Connecticut

    In addition to income limits, Medicaid for long-term care in Connecticut 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 Colorado 2026: Income Limits, Requirements & How to Apply

    Medicaid in Colorado: 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 Colorado

    Colorado 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 Colorado?

    Medicaid in Colorado 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 Colorado

    Seniors in Colorado 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 Colorado is $994/month for a single person. For nursing home care, the limit is $2,982/month.

    Medicaid for People with Disabilities in Colorado

    People with disabilities who receive SSDI or SSI may qualify for Medicaid in Colorado. 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 Colorado

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

    • Online: Through Colorado’s state Medicaid portal or HealthCare.gov
    • Phone: Call Colorado’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 Colorado

    Individuals who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid are called “dual eligibles.” In Colorado, 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 165,600 dual-eligible individuals in Colorado.

    Medicaid Asset Limits in Colorado

    In addition to income limits, Medicaid for long-term care in Colorado 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 California 2026: Income Limits, Requirements & How to Apply

    Medicaid in California: 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) $1,836/month $2,754/month
    ACA Expansion (working-age adults) 138% FPL = $1,831/month 138% FPL = $2,480/month

    Medicaid Expansion Status in California

    California 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 California?

    Medicaid in California 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 California

    Seniors in California 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 California is $1,836/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 California

    People with disabilities who receive SSDI or SSI may qualify for Medicaid in California. 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 $1,836/month.

    How to Apply for Medicaid in California

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

    • Online: Through California’s state Medicaid portal or HealthCare.gov
    • Phone: Call California’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 California

    Individuals who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid are called “dual eligibles.” In California, 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 1,224,000 dual-eligible individuals in California.

    Medicaid Asset Limits in California

    In addition to income limits, Medicaid for long-term care in California 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.