Medicaid Eligibility Calculator (2024)
Likely Eligible
"; statusMessage += "Based on your income of $" + annualIncome.toLocaleString() + " and a household size of " + householdSize + ", you are likely eligible for Medicaid."; } else if (!isIncomeEligible) { resultDiv.style.backgroundColor = "#fff3e0"; resultDiv.style.border = "1px solid #ef6c00"; statusMessage = "Potentially Ineligible (Income)
"; statusMessage += "Your income exceeds the estimated 2024 limit of $" + thresholdUsed.toLocaleString() + " for your state category."; } else if (!isAssetEligible) { resultDiv.style.backgroundColor = "#fff3e0"; resultDiv.style.border = "1px solid #ef6c00"; statusMessage = "Potentially Ineligible (Assets)
"; statusMessage += "While your income qualifies, your reported assets of $" + assets.toLocaleString() + " exceed the common limit for Aged, Blind, and Disabled (ABD) programs."; } statusMessage += "Note: This is an estimate based on 2024 FPL guidelines. Actual eligibility depends on specific state rules, deductions, and documentation."; resultDiv.innerHTML = statusMessage; }Understanding Medicaid Eligibility Requirements
Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that provides health coverage to millions of Americans, including low-income adults, children, pregnant women, elderly adults, and people with disabilities. Because the program is managed by states, eligibility criteria can vary significantly depending on where you live.
1. MAGI vs. Non-MAGI Programs
Most applicants under age 65 are evaluated based on Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI). This standard was established by the Affordable Care Act and focuses primarily on your taxable income and household size without looking at your bank accounts or property. However, if you are 65 or older, blind, or disabled (ABD), you are usually evaluated under "Non-MAGI" rules, which include an Asset Test.
2. Medicaid Expansion States
Under the ACA, many states expanded Medicaid to cover nearly all adults with incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). In states that did not expand Medicaid, eligibility is often much stricter and may be limited to specific groups like parents with very low income or those with disabilities.
3. The Asset Test (Aged, Blind, and Disabled)
For seniors and those requiring long-term care (nursing homes), Medicaid looks at "countable resources."
- Countable Assets: Cash, savings accounts, stocks, bonds, and secondary real estate.
- Exempt Assets: Your primary residence (up to certain equity limits), one vehicle, personal effects, and some burial funds.
Example Calculation
Suppose you are a single individual living in a Medicaid Expansion State (like California or New York) in 2024:
- 2024 FPL for 1 Person: $15,060
- Eligibility Threshold (138%): $15,060 × 1.38 = $20,782
- Outcome: If your annual income is $19,000, you likely qualify for full Medicaid coverage.
Common Questions (FAQ)
What income counts?
Typically, wages, tips, self-employment income, unemployment compensation, and Social Security benefits count toward MAGI.
What happens if I'm just over the limit?
If your income is slightly too high for Medicaid, you may qualify for significant subsidies (Premium Tax Credits) to purchase a private plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace.
Are the limits different in Alaska or Hawaii?
Yes. This calculator uses the guidelines for the 48 contiguous states. Alaska and Hawaii have higher FPL thresholds due to the higher cost of living.