2025 Medicaid Eligibility: A State-by-State Income Breakdown

Medicaid is a crucial program that helps low-income individuals, seniors, and people with disabilities.

Eligibility requirements vary by state, marital status, and the type of care you need.

In 2025, income limits for Medicaid differ across states, but there are ways to qualify even if your income seems too high.

Let’s take a look at the Medicaid income limits across the U.S. to help you understand how to qualify and get the coverage you need.

 

Institutional Medicaid / Nursing Homes (2025)

Institutional Medicaid provides coverage for long-term care, such as nursing home services.

The income limits for institutional Medicaid are generally higher than for regular Medicaid.

For most states, the income limits are:

• $2,901/month for a single person
• $5,802/month for married couples applying together

Here’s a breakdown of how it works in different states:

 

States with the Same Income Limits for Institutional Medicaid & Medicaid Waivers

These states have the same income limits for both institutional Medicaid (nursing home care) and Medicaid Waivers (home and community-based services):

• Alabama
• Alaska
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• Colorado
• Georgia
• Idaho
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Michigan
• Mississippi
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Mexico
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Vermont
• Virginia
• Washington, D.C.
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

Income Limits:

• $2,901/month for a single person
• $5,802/month for married (both applying)
• $2,901/month per applicant if only one spouse applies

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States with Different Medicaid Income Limits

In these states, the income limits may differ based on the type of Medicaid or the applicant’s situation.

• Kansas

  • Institutional Medicaid/Nursing Homes: No strict income limit, but any income over $62/month goes toward the cost of care.
  • Medicaid Waivers/Home and Community-Based Services: No limit, but income over $2,901/month goes toward the cost of care.
  • Regular Medicaid/Elderly and Disabled: $475/month for all applicants.

• Massachusetts

  • Institutional Medicaid/Nursing Homes: No strict income limit; income over $72.80/month goes toward care.
  • Medicaid Waivers/Home and Community-Based Services: $2,901/month for single, $5,802/month for married (both applying).
  • Regular Medicaid/Elderly and Disabled: $1,255/month for single, $1,704/month for married.

• Maryland

  • Institutional Medicaid/Nursing Homes: Income cannot exceed the cost of nursing home care.
  • Medicaid Waivers/Home and Community-Based Services: $2,901/month for single, $5,802/month for married (both applying).
  • Regular Medicaid/Elderly and Disabled: $350/month for single, $392/month for married.

• Missouri

  • Institutional Medicaid/Nursing Homes: All available income less $50/month goes toward care.
  • Medicaid Waivers/Home and Community-Based Services: Varies by type of waiver.
  • Regular Medicaid/Elderly and Disabled: Varies by age, blindness, and disability status.

 

Other States with Varying Limits

Some states have different income limits depending on the type of Medicaid and the specific case.

For these states, you’ll need to check with your local Medicaid office for more details:

• Montana
• Nebraska
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Utah

 

Don’t Miss Out on Medicaid Benefits

Income limits for Medicaid vary, but don’t be discouraged if you think you don’t qualify.

Options like Miller Trusts and spend-down programs can help you qualify even if your income exceeds the limits.

For more information and to apply, visit your state’s Medicaid website or the federal Medicaid portal at Medicaid.gov.

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