If you live in Maryland and need affordable health coverage, Medicaid (officially called Medical Assistance in Maryland) could be the answer. Maryland is one of the states that expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, which means more residents qualify for free or low-cost health insurance than in many other states. Whether you are an adult, a parent, pregnant, or applying on behalf of your children, this guide covers everything you need to know about Maryland Medicaid eligibility in 2026, including the latest income limits, how to apply, and what benefits you can expect.
Not sure if you qualify? Check your eligibility in minutes with our free screener to see what programs you may be eligible for in Maryland.
What Is Maryland Medicaid?
Maryland Medicaid, known as Medical Assistance, is a joint federal and state program that provides free or low-cost health coverage to eligible residents. The program is administered by the Maryland Department of Health and covers a wide range of medical services including doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, mental health services, preventive care, and more.
Maryland delivers most Medicaid services through its HealthChoice managed care program. When you enroll, you choose a managed care organization (MCO) to coordinate your care. If you do not choose one within 28 days, you will be automatically assigned to an MCO.
As of late 2025, over 1.4 million Marylanders were enrolled in Medicaid or the Maryland Children's Health Program (MCHP), making it one of the largest sources of health coverage in the state.
For a broader look at all the assistance programs available in the state, visit our Maryland Benefits Overview.
Maryland Medicaid Income Limits for 2026
Eligibility for Maryland Medicaid is primarily based on your household income measured against the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Maryland updates its income limits each year. The most recent update took effect on February 1, 2026.
Maryland has some of the most generous income thresholds in the country, especially for children and pregnant individuals.
Adults (Ages 19 to 64)
Adults qualify at up to 138% of the FPL (this includes a built-in 5% income disregard).
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,835 |
| 2 | $2,490 |
| 3 | $3,142 |
| 4 | $3,795 |
| 5 | $4,449 |
| 6 | $5,102 |
| 7 | $5,755 |
| 8 | $6,409 |
Children (Ages 0 to 18)
Children qualify at up to 322% of the FPL through Medicaid and the Maryland Children's Health Program (MCHP).
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $4,283 |
| 2 | $5,809 |
| 3 | $7,332 |
| 4 | $8,855 |
| 5 | $10,381 |
| 6 | $11,904 |
| 7 | $13,427 |
| 8 | $14,954 |
Pregnant Individuals
Pregnant individuals qualify at up to 264% of the FPL, and coverage continues for 12 months after the baby is born.
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 2 | $4,763 |
| 3 | $6,011 |
| 4 | $7,260 |
| 5 | $8,511 |
| 6 | $9,760 |
| 7 | $11,009 |
| 8 | $12,260 |
Aged, Blind, or Disabled Individuals
If you are age 65 or older, blind, or have a disability, different rules apply. As of February 2026:
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit | Asset Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $350 | $2,500 |
| 2 | $392 | $3,000 |
Note that you may still qualify even if your income or assets slightly exceed these limits. Maryland allows certain deductions and exceptions when calculating eligibility.
Employed Individuals with Disabilities (EID) Program
Maryland offers a special program for working individuals with disabilities. The EID program has no maximum income limit. The asset limit is $10,000 for a single individual.
All income figures above are sourced from the Maryland Department of Health, effective February 1, 2026.
How to Determine Your Eligibility
Maryland uses Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) rules to determine eligibility for most Medicaid categories (adults, children, and pregnant individuals). Here is what counts:
- Adjusted Gross Income from your tax return
- Tax-exempt Social Security benefits
- Tax-exempt foreign income and interest
MAGI-based eligibility does not include an asset or resource test for most groups. That means your savings, home value, and vehicle are generally not counted.
For aged, blind, and disabled applicants, Maryland uses different income counting rules and does apply asset limits.
Your household size is typically based on your tax filing household, though there are exceptions if you do not file taxes.
The fastest way to get a quick estimate of your eligibility is to use our free benefits screener. It checks Medicaid along with 10 other programs in just a few minutes.
How to Apply for Maryland Medicaid
You can apply for Maryland Medicaid at any time during the year. There is no open enrollment period for Medicaid. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Gather Your Documents
Before you start, have the following ready:
- Social Security numbers for everyone in your household
- Proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, or employer letters)
- Proof of Maryland residency (utility bill, lease, or mail)
- Identification (driver's license, state ID, or passport)
- Immigration documents (if applicable)
- Information about any current health insurance
Step 2: Choose Your Application Method
Online (Recommended)
- Visit MarylandHealthConnection.gov to create an account and apply
- You can also download the Enroll MHC mobile app to apply from your phone or tablet
By Phone
- Call Maryland Health Connection at 1-855-642-8572 (TTY: 1-855-642-8573)
- Representatives can help you complete your application over the phone
In Person
- Visit your local Department of Social Services office or local health department
- Find office locations at dhs.maryland.gov/local-offices
By Mail
- Call 1-800-456-8900 to request a paper application be mailed to you
Step 3: Complete and Submit Your Application
Fill out all required fields accurately. Maryland Health Connection uses a single application to check your eligibility for Medicaid, MCHP, and marketplace insurance plans with subsidies, so you only need to apply once.
Step 4: Respond to Any Requests
Maryland may ask for additional documents to verify your information. Respond promptly to avoid delays. You can upload documents through the Maryland Health Connection website or app.
Step 5: Choose Your Managed Care Organization
If approved, you will receive a letter with instructions to choose an MCO through the HealthChoice program. Compare options and select the plan that best fits your needs.
What Does Maryland Medicaid Cover?
Maryland Medicaid provides comprehensive health coverage, including:
- Doctor visits and specialist care
- Hospital stays (inpatient and outpatient)
- Prescription drugs
- Mental health and substance abuse services
- Preventive care and screenings
- Lab tests and X-rays
- Maternity and newborn care
- Dental services (limited for adults, comprehensive for children)
- Vision care
- Transportation to medical appointments
- Home and community-based services for those who qualify
Most services are provided at no cost to Medicaid enrollees. Some adults may have small copayments for certain services, but these are minimal.
Special Medicaid Programs in Maryland
Maryland Children's Health Program (MCHP)
MCHP extends health coverage to children in families with higher incomes who do not qualify for traditional Medicaid. Children up to age 19 in families earning up to 322% of the FPL may qualify.
Postpartum Coverage Extension
Maryland provides 12 months of postpartum Medicaid coverage after the birth of a child. This extended coverage ensures new mothers maintain access to health care during the critical postpartum period.
Medicare Savings Programs
If you have Medicare, you may qualify for help paying your Medicare premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance through Maryland's Medicare Savings Programs. Visit the Maryland Department of Health website for income and asset limits.
Long-Term Care Medicaid
Maryland helps pay for nursing home care and home and community-based services for individuals who meet medical and financial eligibility requirements. Long-term care Medicaid has stricter income and asset rules than standard Medicaid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for Maryland Medicaid at any time?
Yes. Unlike marketplace health insurance plans, Medicaid has no open enrollment period. You can apply at any time during the year. If you qualify, your coverage can begin as early as the date of your application, and Maryland may provide up to three months of retroactive coverage.
How long does it take to get approved?
Maryland typically processes Medicaid applications within 45 days. For applicants who qualify based on disability, the processing time may be up to 90 days. You can check your application status online at MarylandHealthConnection.gov.
What if my income is too high for Medicaid?
If your income exceeds Medicaid limits, you may still qualify for subsidized health insurance through the Maryland Health Connection marketplace. The same application checks eligibility for both Medicaid and marketplace plans with premium tax credits. You can also use our free screener to explore other programs you might qualify for.
Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to qualify?
U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and certain qualified immigrants can receive full Medicaid benefits. Some immigrants with specific statuses may qualify for emergency Medicaid only. Maryland does not provide Medicaid to undocumented immigrants, though some may qualify for emergency services.
Will applying for Medicaid affect my immigration status?
Receiving Medicaid generally does not affect immigration applications for most people. However, if you are concerned about public charge rules, consult with an immigration attorney for advice specific to your situation.
What is the difference between Medicaid and MCHP?
Medicaid and MCHP are closely related. MCHP is Maryland's Children's Health Insurance Program, which covers children in families that earn too much to qualify for traditional Medicaid but still need affordable coverage. Both programs are administered through Maryland Health Connection and provide similar benefits for children.
Can I have Medicaid and employer insurance at the same time?
Yes, in some cases. If you have employer-sponsored insurance, Medicaid can serve as secondary coverage and may help pay for costs your employer plan does not cover.
How do I renew my Maryland Medicaid coverage?
Maryland reviews your eligibility annually. You will receive a renewal notice before your coverage period ends. Many renewals are processed automatically using available data. If additional information is needed, you must respond by the deadline to maintain your coverage.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Apply as soon as possible. If you think you might qualify, apply right away. Coverage can be retroactive up to three months.
- Be accurate. Provide correct information about your income and household size to avoid delays.
- Check your mail and online account regularly. Maryland may request additional documentation.
- Ask for help if you need it. Navigators and certified application counselors are available at no cost to help you through the process. Call 1-855-642-8572 to connect with assistance.
- Report changes. If your income, household size, or address changes, report it to Maryland Health Connection promptly to keep your coverage current.
Next Steps
Ready to find out if you qualify for Maryland Medicaid or other assistance programs? Use our free eligibility screener to check your eligibility for Medicaid, SNAP, LIHEAP, and more in just a few minutes. It is completely free, confidential, and takes less than five minutes.
You can also explore all available programs on our Maryland Benefits Overview page.
