Maryland Medicaid (HealthChoice) · Updated August 22, 2026

Who Qualifies for Medicaid in Maryland (2026)

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To qualify for Maryland Medicaid (HealthChoice) in 2026 you must be a Maryland resident, a U.S. citizen or qualifying immigrant, and fit into a covered group with income under that group's limit. Because Maryland expanded Medicaid, most adults under 65 qualify on income alone.

Who is covered

Adults 19–64

138% of FPL
Single
$1,835/mo
Family of 3
$3,142/mo

ACA expansion adults; no asset test

Parents & caretakers

138% of FPL
Single
$1,835/mo
Family of 3
$3,142/mo

Parents covered under expansion group

Children (Medicaid/CHIP)

322% of FPL
Single
$4,283/mo
Family of 3
$7,331/mo

Upper limit incl. CHIP; younger age bands may differ. KFF 2025 survey - confirm with state

Pregnant women

264% of FPL
Single
$3,511/mo
Family of 3
$6,010/mo

Includes CHIP pregnancy/unborn-child coverage where offered. KFF 2025 survey - confirm with state

Seniors, blind & disabled

100% of FPL
Single
$1,330/mo
Family of 3
$2,277/mo

SSI-related; most states use SSI limit (~74% FPL) or 100% FPL. CA, AZ and a few others have no asset test

Requirements checklist

  1. Residency. You live in Maryland and intend to stay. No minimum length of residence.
  2. Citizenship or immigration status. U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (usually after 5 years), refugees, asylees and certain other categories. Emergency Medicaid is available regardless of status.
  3. Income. Under the limit for your group; see Maryland income limits.
  4. Assets (seniors and disabled only). Under $2,000 for an individual; see asset limits.
  5. Social Security number for each applicant (not required for non-applicant household members).

Groups with special rules

  • Former foster youth are covered to age 26 regardless of income.
  • Women diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer through a screening program.
  • People receiving SSI are automatically eligible in most states.
  • Medically needy. If offered, lets people with high medical bills qualify after a spend-down.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get Medicaid in Maryland if I work?
Yes. Employment does not disqualify you; only income does. Many workers, especially part-time and hourly, fall under the $1,835/month single-adult limit.
Do I qualify for Maryland Medicaid if I have no income?
Yes, adults 19–64 with zero income qualify under the expansion group.
Can non-citizens get Maryland Medicaid?
Lawful permanent residents generally qualify after five years; refugees and asylees qualify immediately. Undocumented immigrants qualify only for emergency services, though some states cover children regardless of status.
How do I check if I qualify?
Use the eligibility calculator on this site for a quick estimate, then apply through the official state link; the agency makes the final determination.

Sources

Limits are calculated from the federal poverty guidelines using the percentage Maryland applies to each group, and rounded to the nearest dollar. Your state agency makes the final determination.