Maryland Medicaid covers hundreds of thousands of residents through HealthChoice, the state's managed care program. The income limits for 2026 vary by coverage category, household size, and age. Whether you are a working adult, parent, pregnant, or over 65 with a disability, the thresholds are different and knowing which category applies to you is the first step. This guide breaks down the 2026 income limits, who qualifies, what documents you need, and how to apply.
Who Medicaid Covers in Maryland
Maryland expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, which means low-income adults ages 19 to 64 qualify regardless of whether they have children. The state also covers children through the Maryland Children's Health Program (MCHP), pregnant individuals, and people who are aged, blind, or disabled through separate eligibility tracks.
Coverage is delivered primarily through HealthChoice, Maryland's managed care organization model. Enrollees choose a managed care plan that coordinates their care, covers doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions, mental health services, and more.
Maryland Medicaid Income Limits 2026
The limits below are monthly gross income figures effective February 1, 2026. Maryland uses Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) rules for adults, children, and pregnant individuals. There is no asset test for these groups.
Adults Ages 19 to 64
Adults qualify at 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
| 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 (Maryland Children's Health Program)
Children under 19 qualify at 322% FPL, one of the more generous thresholds in the country.
| 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 are counted as a household of at least two for income calculation purposes and qualify at 250% FPL.
| 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 65+, Blind, or Disabled (ABD Medicaid)
This track has much lower income limits and uses different eligibility rules, including an asset test.
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit | Asset Limit |
|---|
| 1 | $350 | $2,500 |
| 2 | $392 | $3,000 |
Note: The $350 limit for ABD Medicaid operates through a medically needy spenddown pathway. Individuals with higher incomes may still qualify after deducting medical expenses from their income to get below the threshold.
Long-Term Care and Waiver Programs
Individuals applying for nursing facility care or Home and Community Based Services waivers face a separate income standard. The limit for waiver programs is $2,982 per month. Nursing home applicants contribute nearly all income toward their cost of care, keeping only a personal needs allowance of $106 per month.
Asset limits for long-term care applicants are $2,500 for a single applicant. Maryland enforces a 60-month (5-year) look-back period examining asset transfers prior to application.
Employed Individuals with Disabilities (EID)
Maryland's EID program has no maximum income limit. Asset limits apply at $10,000 for single individuals. This program allows working people with disabilities to earn more without losing coverage.
What Counts as Income
Maryland uses MAGI rules for most Medicaid categories, which means the following count as income:
- Wages, salaries, and tips
- Self-employment income (net of business expenses)
- Social Security benefits (including disability payments)
- Pension and retirement income
- Alimony received
- Rental income (net of expenses)
- Unemployment compensation
The following generally do not count toward MAGI income:
- Child support received
- Gifts and inheritances
- Veterans benefits
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments
For ABD Medicaid and long-term care, the income rules differ and may use older methodologies. Contact the local Department of Social Services for a precise calculation if you fall into these categories.
How Household Size Is Counted
For MAGI-based Medicaid (adults, children, pregnant), household size follows tax rules. Generally, your household includes yourself, your spouse if you file jointly, and any dependents you claim. A pregnant individual counts the unborn child as part of the household.
For ABD Medicaid and long-term care, household size is typically counted as the applicant alone or as a married couple.
Required Documents
Gather these before applying to speed up the process:
- Proof of identity (driver's license, state ID, passport, or birth certificate)
- Proof of Maryland residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement with current address)
- Social Security number for all household members applying
- Proof of income for the past 30 days (pay stubs, employer letter, benefit award letters)
- Immigration documents if applicable (green card, visa, employment authorization)
- Proof of pregnancy if applying in that category (letter from a healthcare provider)
You do not need to provide documents that Maryland can verify electronically, such as tax records or Social Security income. The application will flag what you need to submit manually.
How to Apply for Maryland Medicaid
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Before starting a formal application, use the free screener at benefitsusa.org/screener to see whether you are likely to qualify based on your income and household size. This takes about three minutes and covers Medicaid along with other programs you might qualify for.
Step 2: Choose Your Application Method
Maryland accepts Medicaid applications through several channels:
Online. Apply through Maryland Health Connection at marylandhealthconnection.gov. This is the fastest route for most applicants. Create an account, answer questions about your household and income, and submit.
By phone. Call Maryland Health Connection at 855-642-8572. Representatives are available Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and can complete the application over the phone with you.
In person. Visit your local Department of Social Services office or a local health department. Bring all required documents. Find your nearest office through the Maryland Department of Human Services website.
By mail. Request a paper application by calling 1-800-456-8900. Complete it and mail it to your local Department of Social Services.
Step 3: Complete the Application
The application collects basic information: names and birthdates for all household members, Social Security numbers, income details, residency information, and immigration status if applicable. For pregnant individuals, you will indicate your due date.
Step 4: Submit Supporting Documents
If the application flags documents that need verification, upload them through your online account or deliver them in person or by mail. Missing documents are the most common reason for delays.
Step 5: Wait for a Decision
Most Medicaid applications are processed within 30 to 45 days. If you are in an emergency or urgent health situation, ask about expedited processing. Pregnant individuals and individuals in immediate need may receive faster determinations.
Step 6: Choose a HealthChoice Plan
If approved, you will receive a notice from the state and be asked to choose a HealthChoice managed care organization. If you do not select a plan within the required timeframe, one will be assigned to you. Plans available in Maryland include CareFirst Community Health Plan Maryland, Jai Medical Systems, Kaiser Permanente, Maryland Physicians Care, Priority Partners, and United Healthcare Community Plan.
Step 7: Use Your Coverage
Once enrolled, you will receive a member ID card from your managed care plan. Use this to access covered services. Coverage typically begins on the first day of the month following approval or sometimes retroactively.
Coverage Start Date and Retroactive Coverage
Maryland Medicaid can sometimes pay for covered services up to three months before your application date if you were eligible during that period. This is called retroactive coverage and can be useful if you had medical expenses before applying. Ask about this when your application is processed.
Renewals
Medicaid eligibility is not permanent. Maryland reviews your eligibility annually. You will receive a renewal notice by mail before your renewal date. Respond promptly or your coverage may be terminated even if you still qualify. You can also update your information at any time through your Maryland Health Connection account if your income or household changes during the year.
What Medicaid Covers in Maryland
Maryland HealthChoice covers a broad range of services at no cost or low cost to enrollees:
- Doctor and specialist visits
- Preventive care and immunizations
- Emergency room care
- Hospital stays
- Mental health and substance use treatment
- Prescription drugs
- Dental care (limited for adults, comprehensive for children)
- Vision care
- Maternity and newborn care
- Long-term services and supports through waiver programs
Adult dental coverage under Maryland Medicaid is more limited than children's coverage. Check with your HealthChoice plan for the specific dental services covered.
If You Earn Too Much for Medicaid
If your income is above the Medicaid limit for adults (138% FPL), you may qualify for subsidized health insurance through the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange. Premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions are available for people earning between 100% and 400% FPL. Use the benefitsusa.org/screener to see which programs you qualify for across Medicaid and marketplace plans.
Maryland Medicaid and Other Benefits
Medicaid eligibility often overlaps with other programs. If you qualify for Medicaid, you may also qualify for:
- SNAP (food assistance)
- WIC if you are pregnant or have young children
- LIHEAP for energy assistance
- Maryland Children's Health Program if you have children who exceed Medicaid limits
Check your full eligibility picture at benefitsusa.org/states/maryland or use the free screener to see all programs at once.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income limit for Medicaid in Maryland in 2026?
For a single adult ages 19 to 64, the income limit is $1,835 per month or approximately $22,020 per year. For a family of four with adults, the limit is $3,795 per month. Children qualify up to $8,855 per month for a family of four. Pregnant individuals in a family of four qualify up to $7,260 per month.
Does Maryland Medicaid have an asset test?
For adults, children, and pregnant individuals, there is no asset test. You only need to meet the income limit. For aged, blind, or disabled applicants and long-term care applicants, asset limits apply at $2,500 for a single individual.
How long does it take to get approved for Medicaid in Maryland?
Most applications are processed within 30 to 45 days. Pregnant individuals and those with urgent medical needs may receive faster decisions. Submitting all required documents at the time of application helps avoid delays.
Can I apply for Maryland Medicaid if I am undocumented?
Undocumented individuals generally do not qualify for full Medicaid coverage. However, emergency Medicaid covers emergency medical services regardless of immigration status. Children and pregnant individuals may have additional options depending on their specific immigration status.
What if I have a job but still cannot afford health insurance?
Maryland Medicaid covers working adults as long as income stays below 138% FPL. If you work and have a disability, the Employed Individuals with Disabilities program has no income cap. If your earnings exceed the Medicaid limit, you may qualify for subsidized marketplace coverage through Maryland Health Connection.
Do I have to pay anything for Maryland Medicaid?
Most Medicaid enrollees pay nothing or very low amounts. Some adults may face small copayments for certain services, but copayments are capped and do not apply to emergency care, preventive services, or pregnancy care. Children pay nothing.
What happens if my income goes up after I enroll?
Report income changes to Maryland Health Connection as soon as they happen. If your income rises above the Medicaid limit, you may transition to a subsidized marketplace plan. Maryland has a system to help people transition smoothly between Medicaid and marketplace coverage so there is no gap in coverage.
Can I get Maryland Medicaid if I am self-employed?
Yes. Self-employed individuals can qualify. Income is calculated as net earnings, meaning total revenue minus allowable business expenses. Keep records of your business income and expenses to document your net income on the application.
Is there a waiting period for Maryland Medicaid?
There is no waiting period. Once approved, coverage typically begins the first of the month following your approval or sometimes earlier if retroactive coverage applies.
How do I renew my Maryland Medicaid coverage?
Maryland will send a renewal notice before your annual renewal date. You can renew online through your Maryland Health Connection account, by phone, in person, or by mail. Respond by the deadline to avoid a gap in coverage.
