Massachusetts Medicaid, known as MassHealth, provides free or low-cost health coverage to residents who meet income and other eligibility requirements. The program serves adults, children, pregnant women, seniors, and people with disabilities under different coverage categories, each with its own income threshold. In 2026, MassHealth updated its income limits effective March 1, 2026, based on the new Federal Poverty Level (FPL) guidelines. If you applied before March 1 and were denied, it is worth reapplying under the new figures.
Massachusetts has fully expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, so adults up to age 64 can qualify at incomes up to 138% FPL. This is one of the more generous Medicaid programs in the country, and the state also offers supplemental programs for seniors, people with disabilities, and families.
MassHealth Income Limits by Program (2026)
The table below shows the major MassHealth coverage categories, who they cover, the income limit as a percentage of the Federal Poverty Level, and the approximate monthly income limit for a single-person household. Larger households have higher limits.
| Program | Who It Covers | Income Limit (FPL) | Monthly Limit (1 person) |
|---|
| MassHealth Standard / CarePlus | Adults age 19 to 64 | 133% FPL | approximately $1,770/month |
| MassHealth Family Assistance | Children under 19 | 300% FPL | approximately $3,990/month |
| MassHealth for Pregnant Women | Pregnant women | 200% FPL | approximately $2,608/month |
| Medicare Savings Program (QMB) | Medicare enrollees | 190% FPL | approximately $2,527/month |
| Medicare Savings Program (SLMB/QI) | Medicare enrollees | 225% FPL | approximately $2,993/month |
| CommonHealth | Adults/children with disabilities | No income ceiling | No limit |
| Long-Term Care / Waiver Programs | Seniors needing care | 300% FBR | approximately $2,982/month |
| MassHealth Aged Blind Disabled | Elderly and disabled adults | 100% FBR | approximately $1,330/month (single) |
Note: FBR stands for Federal Benefit Rate and applies to SSI-linked programs. FPL applies to most other coverage categories. Figures shown are effective March 1, 2026.
Income Limits by Household Size
MassHealth uses household size to adjust income limits upward. The following table shows approximate monthly income limits for adults under the standard expansion category (133% FPL), which is the largest MassHealth coverage group.
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit (133% FPL) | Annual Income Limit |
|---|
| 1 | approximately $1,770 | approximately $21,240 |
| 2 | approximately $2,396 | approximately $28,752 |
| 3 | approximately $3,022 | approximately $36,264 |
| 4 | approximately $3,648 | approximately $43,776 |
| 5 | approximately $4,274 | approximately $51,288 |
For children's programs (300% FPL), pregnant women (200% FPL), and Medicare Savings Programs, the limits scale similarly by household size. Exact figures are published by MassHealth each March.
Who Qualifies for MassHealth in 2026
To qualify for MassHealth, you must meet all of the following general requirements:
- Be a Massachusetts resident
- Be a U.S. citizen, national, or qualified immigrant
- Meet the income limit for your coverage category
- Be in the applicable age group for the program you are applying for
Income is measured using Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) methodology for most programs, including coverage for adults, children, and pregnant women. MAGI counts taxable income and certain deductions. For seniors and people with disabilities in long-term care programs, a different standard applies and assets are also counted.
Asset Limits
Most MassHealth programs do not have an asset test. However, long-term care programs do:
- Single applicant in a nursing home: $2,000 in countable assets
- Married couple (one applying): the non-applicant spouse may keep up to $162,660 (the Community Spouse Resource Allowance in 2026)
- Primary home is generally exempt if a spouse or dependent child lives there
For home equity, a $1,130,000 limit applies in 2026 for applicants who are not living with an exempt family member.
MassHealth Program Categories Explained
Standard and CarePlus
These are the main coverage options for adults age 19 to 64 who do not have Medicare. Standard provides comprehensive benefits including doctor visits, hospital care, mental health services, and prescription drugs. CarePlus is a managed care option with similar benefits. Both require income below approximately 133% FPL.
MassHealth Family Assistance
This program covers children under 19 whose families earn too much for Standard coverage but below 300% FPL. It may require cost-sharing in the form of premiums or copays depending on household income.
Coverage for Pregnant Women
Pregnant women qualify at up to 200% FPL. The unborn child is counted as a household member, which increases the effective income limit. Coverage begins from the date of application and includes prenatal care, delivery, and postpartum care.
CommonHealth
CommonHealth is available to adults and children with disabilities regardless of income. It allows people who work and earn above standard Medicaid income limits to keep coverage. Premiums may apply based on earned income.
Medicare Savings Programs
If you have Medicare, MassHealth can help pay your Medicare premiums, deductibles, and copays through the Medicare Savings Programs. The income limits are higher than standard Medicaid: up to 190% FPL for the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) program, and up to 225% FPL for the Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) and Qualifying Individual (QI) programs.
Long-Term Care and Home and Community-Based Waivers
Seniors who need nursing home care or home-based care through a waiver program are evaluated differently. Income and assets are both considered, and the income limit is set at 300% of the Federal Benefit Rate (approximately $2,982/month in 2026 for a single person). These programs also involve complex spousal protection rules.
How to Apply for MassHealth in 2026
There are four ways to apply:
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Online at MAhealthconnector.org -- This is the fastest method. You can create an account, complete an application, and receive a determination, often within minutes for straightforward cases.
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By phone -- Call MassHealth Customer Service at (800) 841-2900. Representatives are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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By mail -- Download and complete a paper application from mass.gov and mail it to the address on the form.
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In person at a MassHealth enrollment center -- Bring documents with you for same-day processing where possible.
What Documents You Will Need
When applying, have the following ready:
- Proof of Massachusetts residency (utility bill, lease, or similar)
- Proof of identity (driver's license, state ID, passport, or birth certificate)
- Proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or an employer letter)
- Social Security numbers for all household members applying
- Immigration documents if applicable
After You Apply
MassHealth is required to process most applications within 45 days for non-disability cases and 90 days for disability-based applications. If approved, coverage typically begins from the date of application. In some cases, retroactive coverage for up to three months before the application date may be available.
MassHealth and the Health Connector
If your income is above MassHealth limits, you may still qualify for subsidized coverage through the Massachusetts Health Connector. The Health Connector offers premium tax credits for households earning between 138% and 400% FPL, and Massachusetts offers additional state subsidies up to 500% FPL for some residents.
The distinction matters because:
- MassHealth: free or very low cost, no monthly premiums for most members
- Health Connector: marketplace plans with income-based premium subsidies
If your income is close to the MassHealth limit, it is worth checking both options to see which gives you better coverage at lower cost.
What MassHealth Covers
Once enrolled, MassHealth provides a broad range of benefits:
- Doctor and specialist visits
- Hospital and emergency care
- Prescription drugs
- Mental health and substance use treatment
- Dental care (for adults, coverage varies by plan)
- Vision services
- Preventive care and screenings
- Home health and long-term care (for qualifying members)
Coverage details vary slightly by plan type. Members enrolled in a managed care plan through MassHealth should confirm their specific benefits with their plan.
Check Your Eligibility
Income limits are one part of the picture. The Benefits Navigator screener checks your full situation against MassHealth criteria and other programs you may qualify for at the same time.
Check your eligibility now at the Benefits Navigator screener
You can also visit the Massachusetts benefits page for more details on state-specific programs available to residents.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income limit for MassHealth in 2026?
For most adults age 19 to 64, the income limit is 133% of the Federal Poverty Level, which is approximately $1,770 per month for a single person effective March 1, 2026. Children qualify at higher limits, up to 300% FPL. Pregnant women qualify at 200% FPL.
When did MassHealth update its income limits for 2026?
MassHealth updates its income limits on March 1 each year, not January 1. The 2026 income limits became effective March 1, 2026, and will remain in place until February 28, 2027.
Does MassHealth have an asset test?
For most coverage categories including adults, children, and pregnant women, there is no asset test. Asset limits apply only to long-term care programs such as nursing home Medicaid and home and community-based waivers.
Can immigrants get MassHealth?
Yes. Qualified immigrants, including lawful permanent residents (green card holders), refugees, asylees, and certain other categories, are eligible for MassHealth. Massachusetts also provides some state-funded coverage to certain immigrants who do not qualify for federally-funded Medicaid.
What if my income is slightly above the MassHealth limit?
You may qualify for the Health Connector with premium subsidies. Massachusetts offers state subsidies that extend help up to 500% FPL in some cases. CommonHealth is also an option if you have a disability, with no income ceiling.
How long does MassHealth approval take?
Most applications are processed within 45 days. Disability-based applications may take up to 90 days. Online applications through MAhealthconnector.org can sometimes result in faster determinations.
Can I get MassHealth if I have Medicare?
Yes. If you have Medicare and meet income requirements, the Medicare Savings Programs through MassHealth can pay your Medicare Part B premium and potentially other out-of-pocket costs. The income limit for QMB, the most common Medicare Savings Program, is 190% FPL.
Is there a waiting period for MassHealth?
Generally no. Coverage begins from the date of application when approved. Retroactive coverage for up to three months before the application date is also possible in some situations.
