MD Medicaid Eligibility 2026: Income Limits & Rules

Maryland Medicaid can help pay for health care when you meet the rules for your group. The rules look at income, family size, and sometimes age, disability, or savings. For most single adults ages 19 to 64, the 2026 monthly income limit is $1,835. Your limit may be higher if you have children or are pregnant.

Need help bathing, dressing, or moving safely at home? Medicaid may pay for personal care through a separate program, but you will need a care review first. This guide explains the income charts, how to apply, and how to ask for home care. For benefits and managed-care plans, see our general Maryland Medicaid guide.

Table of Contents

What Is Maryland Medicaid?

Maryland Medicaid is also called Medical Assistance, or MA. It helps eligible people pay for care, such as doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescriptions. Some people also qualify for personal care at home. You must meet the rules for your Medicaid group, and home care often needs a second review.

For most adults under 65, children, and pregnant people, Maryland Health Connection is the place to apply. Older adults and many people who qualify through disability use MD Benefits or a local social services office. People receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) generally already qualify for Medicaid.

Many people get medical services through a HealthChoice managed care plan. Others have different coverage arrangements. Check your enrollment notice to see which applies to you.

Is Maryland Medicaid the Same as Medical Assistance?

Yes. Maryland Medicaid and Medical Assistance mean the same state health program. But having a Medicaid card does not mean home care is approved. Personal assistance has its own care rules and review.

Who Is Eligible for Medicaid in Maryland?

You must live in Maryland and meet the financial rules for your coverage group. Citizenship or immigration rules also apply, with special protections for some children and pregnant people. Some programs check disability, age, savings, or the need for daily care.

Basic Maryland Medicaid Eligibility Requirements

• Live in Maryland
• Meet the citizenship or immigration requirements that apply to your Medicaid pathway; special rules and exceptions apply to some children and pregnant applicants
• Meet the income limit for your coverage group
• For some programs, meet a technical rule, such as a certain age or disability
• For aged, blind, disabled, or long-term care applicants, meet an asset limit as well as an income limit
• For long-term care and HCBS programs, meet a medical level-of-care requirement

Is There One Medicaid Eligibility Age in Maryland?

No. Medicaid has different groups for children, adults, seniors, and people with disabilities. For example, the standard adult income chart applies to many people ages 19 to 64. Home care programs use separate rules: CFC and CPAS have no minimum age, while the Community Options Waiver starts at age 18.

Maryland Medicaid Income Limits for 2026

The figures below come from Maryland Department of Health income charts effective February 1, 2026. The right number depends on your coverage group and household size. Some income is not counted. If you are close to a limit, apply rather than guessing.

2026 Monthly Income Limits for Adults, Children, and Pregnant Women (Marketplace)

Source: Maryland Department of Health, effective February 1, 2026. Some income may not count. For pregnant households of eight, Maryland Health Connection currently lists a slightly different figure. Call 855-642-8572 if you are near that limit.

What if My Household Has More Than 8 People?

Maryland Health Connection has a limit for larger families too. Call 855-642-8572 and tell them your household size.

Does Maryland Medicaid Have an Asset Limit?

For most adults and families who use the standard income-based chart, Medicaid does not test your bank savings. But people applying because of age, blindness, disability, or long-term-care needs may face an asset limit. Some assets are not counted. Check the rules for your exact program before you rule yourself out.

Medicaid Eligibility for Seniors Age 65 and Older

People age 65 or older usually apply under rules that look at both income and countable assets. The limits are different from those used for most adults ages 19 to 64. Having Medicare does not stop you from applying for Medicaid too.

2026 Income and Asset Limits for Aged, Blind, or Disabled Applicants

Source: Maryland Department of Health, effective February 1, 2026. You may still qualify with higher income or assets, since some amounts do not count. For households larger than two, call the Department of Human Services for your exact figure.

Maryland uses separate income and resource rules for aged, blind, disabled, and certain long-term-care pathways. Is your income too high for this table? Other pathways, including EID for working people with disabilities, use different financial rules. It is worth applying rather than guessing.

Can You Have Medicare and Medicaid in Maryland?

Yes. You can have both Medicare and Medicaid if you meet each program’s rules. This is called dual eligibility. Medicaid may help with some costs Medicare does not cover. But it does not approve personal care at home by itself. See the Medicare vs. Medicaid guide for the differences.

Medicare Savings Programs

If you have Medicare but do not qualify for full Medicaid, a Medicare Savings Program may still help with premiums and some other costs. Maryland lists QMB, SLMB, QI, and QDWI. Call 800-638-3403 to ask which program may fit.

Medicaid Eligibility for Adults With Disabilities

Adults with disabilities may qualify under different Medicaid rules. Some use the aged, blind, or disabled program. Working adults may have another option called EID. The state will review the income, assets, disability, and work facts needed for the program you choose.

Employed Individuals With Disabilities (EID) Program

Maryland’s Employed Individuals with Disabilities (EID) Program helps people who work and have a qualifying disability. You must be at least 16 but younger than 65, have paid work, meet Social Security disability rules, and live in Maryland. EID has no maximum income limit, but countable assets generally must be $10,000 or less. A monthly premium may apply. For help with an EID application, call 800-226-2142.

Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services for People With Disabilities

If you need hands-on help at home, ask whether Community First Choice (CFC) or Community Personal Assistance Services (CPAS) fits your needs. These programs check daily care needs as well as Medicaid coverage. You do not need to guess which one applies. A state assessment helps decide.

Medicaid Eligibility for Children

Can Children Get Medicaid in Maryland?

Yes. Maryland uses higher income limits for children than for most adults. A child may qualify even if their parent does not. Use the children’s column in the 2026 income table and apply through Maryland Health Connection.

Maryland Children's Health Program (MCHP)

The Maryland Children’s Health Program (MCHP) gives health coverage to eligible uninsured children under age 19. It can help when a family earns too much for standard Medicaid but still meets MCHP rules. Covered services include checkups, dental care, hospital care, shots, and prescriptions. Apply through Maryland Health Connection.

Medicaid and Home-Based Support for Children With Chronic Conditions

A child may need more care at home than a routine medical visit can provide. Maryland has special programs for some children with serious health needs. Each has its own medical rules. Ask your child’s doctor and local social services office which assessment or program may apply.

Medicaid Eligibility During Pregnancy in Maryland

Pregnant people use a higher Medicaid income limit than most adults. Maryland covers pregnancy care, delivery, and other needed health services. Maryland’s Healthy Babies Program also provides a path to coverage for eligible pregnant Maryland residents regardless of immigration status. Apply as soon as you can through Maryland Health Connection.

Medicaid Eligibility for Immigrants and Green Card Holders in Maryland

Immigration status can affect Medicaid eligibility. New federal rules took effect October 1, 2026. Green card holders may qualify if they meet, or are exempt from, the five-year rule. Some children and pregnant people have different protections. If you are unsure, ask Maryland Health Connection to review your status before you assume you cannot qualify.

Who Can Still Qualify After October 1, 2026?

Maryland lists U.S. citizens, eligible green card holders, Cuban and Haitian entrants, and Compact of Free Association (COFA) migrants among groups that may qualify. People must still meet Medicaid income and other rules. Children under 21 may be exempt from the five-year wait, and eligible pregnant Maryland residents can apply regardless of immigration status.

Which Immigration Rules Changed on October 1, 2026?

Since October 1, 2026, several adult groups that once had Medicaid eligibility no longer qualify under the changed rules. These include many refugees, asylees, people granted parole, and certain trafficking or abuse survivors. Rules for children and pregnant people may differ. Read the state’s current immigration guidance or call 855-642-8572 for help with your own case.

Emergency Medicaid for Non-Qualified Noncitizens

Even if you cannot get full Medicaid, Maryland may cover care for a qualifying medical emergency, including childbirth, if you meet the other rules. This is limited emergency coverage, not a full health plan. Ask your local health department or social services office what documents you need.

How to Apply for Medicaid in Maryland

Apply Through Maryland Health Connection

Most adults ages 19 to 64, children, and pregnant people can apply through Maryland Health Connection. Apply online, by phone at 855-642-8572, or ask for in-person help. You can apply for Medicaid any time of year.

How Seniors, Blind, or Disabled Applicants Apply

If you are age 65 or older, blind, disabled, or applying for some long-term-care programs, you can use MD Benefits or your local Department of Social Services. Call 800-332-6347 if you need help finding the right office.

What Documents May Be Needed?

Requirements vary by program, but you may be asked for:

• Proof of identity
• Proof of Maryland residency
• Social Security information
• Household and income information, such as pay stubs or benefit statements
• Bank statements or other asset information, for aged, blind, disabled, or long-term care applications

How to Check Maryland Medicaid Eligibility

Can I Check Eligibility Before Applying?

Yes. Start with the income and savings tables on this page. Then check which coverage group fits you. This gives you an estimate, not an approval. Only the state can decide your application.

Maryland Medicaid Eligibility Check Online

If you applied through Maryland Health Connection, sign into your account there to see notices and tasks. If you used MD Benefits, check the MD Benefits portal. Keep your contact details current so you do not miss a request for papers.

How Do Providers Verify Maryland Medicaid Eligibility?

Approved providers can check a person’s Medicaid coverage through Maryland’s Eligibility Verification System (EVS). It is a provider tool, not a place where families submit an application. The agency may still need a separate approved plan before personal care begins.

Does Maryland Medicaid Cover Home Care?

Yes, Medicaid can pay for personal care at home through certain Maryland programs. Help may include bathing, dressing, and moving safely. But your Medicaid card alone does not approve those services. The state reviews the care you need and which program applies.

Maryland Medicaid Home Care Programs

Community First Choice (CFC)

Maryland’s Community First Choice (CFC) can cover personal care and support at home. There is no age limit. To qualify, you must have full Medicaid, live in the community, and be assessed as needing an institutional level of care. Some eligible relatives or trusted people may serve as paid caregivers if they meet the program’s worker rules. CFC has no enrollment waitlist, but assessment and service approval still take time.

Community Personal Assistance Services (CPAS)

Community Personal Assistance Services (CPAS) may fit someone with full Medicaid who needs help with at least one daily activity, such as bathing or dressing. It has no age limit and does not require the institutional level of care used for CFC. The state reviews the need for help and approves the care plan.

Community Options Waiver

The Community Options Waiver supports adults age 18 or older who need a nursing-facility level of care. Financial rules also apply. The waiver has a Services Registry waitlist. To join it, call Maryland Access Point at 844-627-5465. If Medicaid has paid for at least 30 days of care in a nursing facility, you may have a different application route. Ask the facility social worker for help.

Which Maryland Medicaid Home Care Program May Fit My Situation?

This is a starting point, not a guarantee. Only Maryland's official assessment process can confirm which program fits your case. For a deeper look at how these two programs compare, see our guide on the Community Options Waiver versus Community First Choice.

Can a Family Member Be Paid to Provide Care in Maryland?

Sometimes. If the person needing care qualifies for an approved Medicaid program, a family member or trusted person may be able to work as a paid caregiver. The worker must meet all required checks and program rules. The state must approve the services and hours first. To learn about restrictions and caregiver steps, read our Maryland paid family caregiver guide. You can also call Cottage at (667) 400-0648 to discuss your situation.

Medicaid and Home Care After Surgery or a Hospital Stay

Does Medicaid Automatically Pay for a Caregiver After Hospital Discharge?

No. A hospital discharge or surgery does not, by itself, approve long-term Medicaid personal care. Ask the discharge team what help is needed now. If your relative also has lasting trouble with daily tasks, ask about a home care assessment.

When Long-Term Personal Assistance May Be an Option

If a person still needs help with bathing, dressing, or getting around after recovery, ask about CFC or CPAS. The state will review their care needs and Medicaid status. For home safety and recovery planning, see our home care after surgery guide.

How to Get Maryland Medicaid Home Care Started

1. Check your Medicaid coverage. If you do not have Medicaid yet, use the application route for your age and coverage group.
2. Ask which home care program may fit. Tell the state or local office what daily tasks are hard for you.
3. Contact the official program team. Maryland Access Point is at 844-627-5465. You can also ask your local social services office.
4. Complete an assessment. A nurse or care coordinator will review your health, daily needs, and living situation.
5. Review the written decision. The state will tell you if you qualify and which services or hours it approves.
6. Discuss caregiver options. If approved, ask about using an agency caregiver or an eligible family member, where the program allows.
7. Set up approved services. Complete the provider steps and confirm a start date with the agency.

If you feel unsure about the paperwork, Cottage can help you make a list of questions and needed details. We can explain what to ask the state and what happens once care is approved. Call (667) 400-0648.

Maryland Medicaid Phone Numbers and Official Contacts

What Happens After You Apply for Maryland Medicaid?

Maryland may ask for proof of income, address, or other facts. Check messages in the same portal where you applied. If approved, you will get a notice with the start date for your coverage and any next steps. Some members enroll in a HealthChoice plan. Personal care at home still needs separate approval when the program requires it.

What If My Maryland Medicaid Application Is Denied?

If Maryland denies your application or home care request, read the notice. It should tell you why and how to appeal. Missing papers may be easy to fix, but do not miss the deadline. Follow the appeal steps for the type of decision you received.

• Read the denial notice carefully to find the stated reason
• Submit any missing or corrected information as soon as possible
• Ask about your right to an appeal or fair hearing
• Ask whether a different Medicaid pathway might fit your situation
• Look into other coverage options, such as Maryland Health Connection marketplace plans, while you sort out next steps

For most non-plan Medicaid decisions, the state says you usually have 90 days to ask for a fair hearing. If a HealthChoice managed care plan denied a service, its appeal process is different. The notice tells you what to do. Read the official Medicaid appeal instructions and act promptly.

Maryland Medicaid Changes Coming in 2027

Are Maryland Medicaid Income Limits for 2027 Available Yet?

As of October 2026, Maryland has not posted its 2027 Medicaid income tables. Use the 2026 figures above for the current year. Check the state’s income limits page before using a number for 2027.

Medicaid Work Requirements Beginning in 2027

Starting January 2027, some Maryland adults ages 19 to 64 will need to meet a monthly work or community activity rule to keep Medicaid. The rule generally calls for 80 hours of approved work, school, job training, or community service. People who qualify for an exemption do not have to meet the rule. Maryland says it will notify affected members.

Six-Month Medicaid Renewals for Some Adults

Some adults will have to renew Medicaid every six months instead of once a year. If this applies to you, Maryland will send a notice. Keep your mailing address, phone number, and account information current so you can respond in time.

Who May Be Exempt?

Some people may be exempt, including pregnant people, people with a qualifying disability or serious health condition, and certain caregivers of young children. The state will check whether an exemption applies to your case. See Maryland’s 2026–2027 Medicaid changes for current guidance.

Maryland Medicaid and Home Care Near You

Medicaid Home Care Across Maryland's 23 Counties and Baltimore City

Maryland Medicaid rules apply across the state’s 23 counties and Baltimore City. Local offices can help you find the right place to apply or request a care assessment. If you are looking for a provider after approval, Cottage Home Care Maryland explains its local care services, including options for families in Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, and Baltimore County. For state program referrals, call Maryland Access Point at 844-627-5465.

How Cottage Home Care Maryland Can Help

You may be trying to care for a parent, keep up with work, and understand Medicaid forms at the same time. Cottage Home Care Maryland can explain personal care options, help you list the daily tasks your relative needs help with, discuss caregiver arrangements, and guide you on which program office to contact. If care is approved, ask our team how to arrange services through Cottage. The state decides Medicaid eligibility and approved hours. You can check Cottage’s listed RSA license and contact details on its Maryland contact page.

Call Cottage Home Care Maryland: (667) 400-0648

Maryland Medicaid Eligibility FAQs

What is the income limit for Medicaid in Maryland in 2026?+

For a single adult in the income-based Maryland Health Connection group, the 2026 limit is $1,835 a month, effective February 1, 2026. Children and pregnant applicants use higher limits. Aged, blind, disabled, and other specialized Medicaid pathways use separate financial rules.

How do I know if I qualify for Medicaid in Maryland?+

Compare your income with the 2026 chart for your group. Check age, disability, and savings rules if they apply. Then submit an application through the right Maryland office. The state makes the final decision.

What is the Maryland Medicaid eligibility age?+

There is no single age. Children, adults 19 to 64, and seniors 65 and older each use different income rules. Home care programs set their own age limits too.

Can I have Medicare and Medicaid at the same time in Maryland?+

Yes. Having Medicare does not disqualify you from Medicaid. Many seniors have both, which is called dual eligibility. Cottage Home Care Maryland can help you understand how this affects your home care options at (667) 400-0648.

Can seniors over 65 qualify for Maryland Medicaid?+

Yes. Maryland has specific income and resource rules for applicants age 65 and older, and other Medicaid pathways may apply depending on the person's circumstances. Applying through the appropriate Maryland eligibility channel is the only way to receive an official determination.

Does Maryland Medicaid check your bank account?+

For the income-based Maryland Health Connection groups, bank balances generally are not part of the financial eligibility test. Aged, blind, disabled, long-term-care, and some specialized Medicaid pathways may review countable resources, including bank accounts.

Is there an asset limit for Maryland Medicaid?+

It depends on the Medicaid pathway. The income-based Maryland Health Connection groups generally do not use an asset test, while aged, blind, disabled, long-term-care, and some specialized programs have resource limits that vary by program.

Can I qualify for Medicaid if my income is above the listed limit?+

Possibly. Some income does not count. Certain deductions and programs can still make you eligible, even if your gross income looks higher than the chart. Applying is the best way to find out.

Can my child qualify for Medicaid if I do not?+

Yes. Children use a higher income chart than adults. A child can qualify for Medicaid or MCHP even when a parent's income is too high for adult Medicaid.

Can immigrants qualify for Maryland Medicaid?+

Some can. Maryland’s Medicaid immigration rules changed October 1, 2026. Eligible green card holders, some Cuban and Haitian entrants, and COFA migrants may qualify. Children and pregnant people have extra protections. Ask the state to check your status.

How do I apply for Medicaid in Maryland?+

Most adults under 65, children, and pregnant people apply through Maryland Health Connection. Many people age 65 or older, blind, or disabled use MD Benefits or their local social services office.

Can I apply for Maryland Medicaid online?+

Yes, most applicants can start online at Maryland Health Connection. Some aged, blind, or disabled applications are handled through MD Benefits or a local office instead.

What is the Maryland Medicaid eligibility phone number?+

Call Maryland Health Connection at 855-642-8572, or the DHS Call Center at 800-332-6347 for aged, blind, disabled, and long-term care questions.

How do providers verify Maryland Medicaid eligibility?+

Providers use the Maryland Medicaid Eligibility Verification System (EVS), separate from the consumer application portals, mainly for billing and coverage confirmation.

Does Maryland Medicaid pay for home care?+

Yes, through programs such as CFC and CPAS if the person meets the care rules. Medicaid coverage alone is not an approved care plan. Cottage can explain how to ask for a home care assessment.

Can Maryland Medicaid pay a family member to provide care?+

Sometimes. An eligible relative may be able to provide approved personal care if the program and worker rules allow it. The state must approve services and hours first. Ask Cottage which steps to check.

What is Community First Choice in Maryland?+

It is a Medicaid benefit for people who need an institutional level of care. It pays for personal care and support at home. It has no age limit and no enrollment cap.

Is there a waiting list for Community First Choice?+

No. CFC has no enrollment waitlist. But the state must still confirm full Medicaid, assessed level of care, and approved services before personal care starts.

What is the Community Options Waiver?+

It is a Maryland Medicaid waiver for adults age 18 or older who need nursing-facility level of care and meet financial and other rules. It offers community care and uses a Services Registry waitlist for many applicants.

Does the Community Options Waiver have a waitlist?+

Yes. It uses a Services Registry waitlist. Call Maryland Access Point at 844-627-5465 to add your name.

Can someone recovering from surgery qualify for Medicaid home care?+

Not automatically. Short-term recovery is different from the ongoing need required by Maryland's home care programs. An assessment can confirm whether an ongoing option applies.

What changes are coming to Maryland Medicaid in 2027?+

Starting in January 2027, some adults will need 80 hours a month of qualifying work or other activities, unless exempt. Some also will renew Medicaid every six months. Maryland will send notices to affected members.

What are Maryland Medicaid income limits for 2027?+

As of October 2026, official 2027 income tables were not yet published. Use the current 2026 limits and check the Maryland Department of Health site for updates.

What happens if Maryland denies my Medicaid application?+

Read the notice and look for the deadline to ask for a review or appeal. Submit missing information promptly. The process differs for a Medicaid eligibility decision and a managed care plan decision.

Official Maryland Medicaid Resources

• Maryland Department of Health, Medicaid Eligibility
• Maryland Medicaid Income and Asset Limits
• Maryland Health Connection
• MD Benefits (Department of Human Services)
• Community First Choice
• Community Options Waiver
• Employed Individuals with Disabilities (EID) Program
• Maryland Children's Health Program (MCHP)
• HealthChoice Managed Care Organizations