Maryland Medicaid Eligibility 2026: Income Limits, Requirements & How to Apply
2026 limits effective February 1, 2026.
Key Takeaways
Your eligibility depends on your income, household size, age, and care needs. Here is what matters most.
- Who runs it: The Maryland Department of Health runs Medicaid. Maryland Health Connection handles most applications for adults, children, and pregnant women.
- No single income rule: A single adult can earn up to $1,835 a month, effective Feb. 1, 2026. Maryland uses separate financial rules for aged, blind, disabled, and certain long-term-care pathways. Other programs, including EID, use different eligibility rules.
- Medicaid alone does not equal home care: You may need a separate medical and functional review before Medicaid pays for a caregiver.
- Home care programs have different rules: Community First Choice and Community Personal Assistance Services have no age limit. The Community Options Waiver starts at 18, has a waitlist, and requires a nursing-facility level of care.
- Family caregivers can get paid: Under Community First Choice and the Community Options Waiver, a relative may be able to work as a paid caregiver.
- Big changes are coming in 2027: Work requirements and 6-month check-ins are expected to begin in January 2027 for some affected members. 2027 income limits are not out yet.
- Cottage Home Care Maryland helps with next steps: Call (667) 400-0648 to talk through your situation.
Maryland Medicaid eligibility depends on a few things. These include your income, household size, age, and whether you are pregnant or have a disability. Some long-term care programs also look at your assets and medical needs. Adults, children, and pregnant women qualify mainly by income. Maryland uses separate income and resource rules for aged, blind, disabled, and certain long-term-care pathways, while some specialized programs use different financial rules. Only the appropriate Maryland eligibility agency can make an official eligibility determination.
This page explains the rules in plain language. It is not a substitute for an official eligibility decision from the state of Maryland.
Table of Contents
What Is Maryland Medicaid?
Medicaid is health coverage. The federal government and each state pay for it together. In Maryland, the Department of Health runs the program. Most people call it "Medical Assistance." It pays for doctor visits, hospital care, and prescriptions. For some people, it also pays for long-term care at home.
Maryland Health Connection is the state's online marketplace. Most adults, children, and pregnant women apply there. Do you already get Supplemental Security Income (SSI)? Then you already have Medicaid. You do not need to apply again.
Many Medicaid members receive care through HealthChoice and choose or are assigned an MCO. This does not apply to every Medicaid beneficiary. Enrollment depends on your coverage category.
Is Maryland Medicaid the Same as Medical Assistance?
Yes. "Maryland Medicaid" and "Medical Assistance" mean the same thing. You may see it called "MA" on paperwork. But general Medicaid coverage is not the same as home care coverage. A person can have full Medicaid and still need a separate review before Medicaid pays for a home caregiver.
Who Is Eligible for Medicaid in Maryland?
To get Medicaid in Maryland, you must live in the state, meet the income limit for your coverage group, and meet any citizenship or immigration rules that apply to that pathway. Special rules and exceptions apply to some children and pregnant applicants. Some groups face extra rules too.
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. There is no single age rule. Children use their own income chart. Adults ages 19 to 64 use a different chart. People age 65 or older and applicants qualifying through disability or long-term-care pathways may use different financial rules depending on the Medicaid program. Home care programs set their own age rules too. We cover those later on this page.
Maryland Medicaid Income Limits for 2026
These monthly income limits come from the Maryland Department of Health. They took effect on February 1, 2026. Does your household have more than eight people? Call Maryland Health Connection for your exact limit.
2026 Monthly Income Limits for Adults, Children, and Pregnant Women
| Household Size |
Adults |
Children |
Pregnant |
| 1 | $1,835 | $4,283 | N/A |
| 2 | $2,490 | $5,809 | $4,763 |
| 3 | $3,142 | $7,332 | $6,011 |
| 4 | $3,795 | $8,855 | $7,260 |
| 5 | $4,449 | $10,381 | $8,511 |
| 6 | $5,102 | $11,904 | $9,760 |
| 7 | $5,755 | $13,427 | $11,009 |
| 8 | $6,409 | $14,954 | $12,260 |
Source: Maryland Department of Health, income limits effective February 1, 2026. You may still qualify even if your income is a bit above these numbers, since some income does not count.
What if My Household Has More Than 8 People?
Call Maryland Health Connection at 855-642-8572. A representative will calculate the correct limit for your exact household size.
Does Maryland Medicaid Have an Asset Limit?
It depends on the pathway. The income-based Maryland Health Connection groups shown above generally do not use an asset test. Aged, blind, disabled, long-term-care, and other specialized Medicaid pathways may have resource limits, and those limits vary by program. Some resources may also be excluded depending on the pathway and your circumstances.
Medicaid Eligibility for Seniors Age 65 and Older
Turning 65 changes how Medicaid looks at your money. Younger adults use an income-only chart. At 65, Maryland reviews both your income and your assets. This falls under the aged, blind, and disabled rules.
2026 Income and Asset Limits for Aged, Blind, or Disabled Applicants
| Household Size |
Monthly Income Limit |
Asset Limit |
| 1 | $350 | $2,500 |
| 2 | $392 | $3,000 |
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. Having Medicare does not stop you from getting Medicaid. Many older Marylanders have both. This is called dual eligibility. Medicaid can cover costs that Medicare does not pay. In some cases, it can also open the door to home care services. See our guide on the difference between Medicare and Medicaid for a fuller breakdown.
Medicare Savings Programs
Is your income too high for full Medicaid? A Medicare Savings Program may still help pay your Medicare premiums and other costs. Maryland offers four of these: QMB, SLMB, QI, and QDWI. Each has its own income and asset test. Call the Medicare Savings Program line at the Maryland Department of Health at 1-800-638-3403 to find out which one might fit.
Medicaid Eligibility for Adults With Disabilities
Maryland uses separate income and resource rules depending on your pathway. Many blind or disabled applicants use the aged, blind, and disabled limits shown above, while others, including working applicants under EID, use different financial rules. In most cases, your disability must meet Social Security's medical rules.
Employed Individuals With Disabilities (EID) Program
The EID Program helps working Marylanders with disabilities. It lets you keep Medicaid even if your paycheck would normally put you over the limit. There is no maximum income limit for this program. You do need to be working. You must be 16 to 64 years old. You must meet Social Security's disability rules. And you must keep your countable assets at or below $10,000. You may pay a small monthly premium based on your income, from $0 up to a share of your countable income.
Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services for People With Disabilities
Beyond basic Medicaid, several programs serve people with disabilities in their home. These include Community First Choice and Community Personal Assistance Services. We explain both in detail later on this page. Each has its own medical and financial rules. Having Medicaid alone does not guarantee a spot.
Medicaid Eligibility for Children
Can Children Get Medicaid in Maryland?
Yes. Children can qualify for Medicaid even when their parents do not. Maryland uses a higher income chart for children than it does for adults, shown in the table above.
Maryland Children's Health Program (MCHP)
MCHP offers free coverage to uninsured children. It fits families who earn too much for Medicaid but not enough for private insurance. To qualify, a child must live in Maryland. The child must meet Maryland's applicable citizenship or immigration requirements; special rules apply to some children. The child must be under 19 and have no other health insurance. The family must meet the income limit for their household size, and provide or apply for a Social Security number. MCHP covers doctor visits, dental care, hospital stays, shots, mental health care, prescriptions, and vision care. It works through one of Maryland's HealthChoice plans. You apply for MCHP the same way you apply for Medicaid, through Maryland Health Connection.
Medicaid and Home-Based Support for Children With Chronic Conditions
Not every child with a chronic condition qualifies for Medicaid-funded home care. Special waivers and HCBS programs for children have their own medical and money rules. These are separate from basic Medicaid or MCHP eligibility. A family should ask their child's care team or the local Department of Social Services which program may fit.
Medicaid Eligibility During Pregnancy in Maryland
Pregnant women use their own income chart, shown in the table above. It is higher than the regular adult limit. Coverage during pregnancy includes prenatal visits, delivery, and postpartum care. Lawfully present noncitizens who are pregnant can enroll in Medicaid. Those who do not qualify may be able to enroll in the Healthy Babies program instead. Talk with Maryland Health Connection as soon as you know you are pregnant. You can apply any time of year.
Medicaid Eligibility for Immigrants and Green Card Holders in Maryland
Federal law requires Medicaid to check every applicant's citizenship or immigration status. Most noncitizens need a qualified immigration status. In many cases, they must also wait five years after getting that status before they can enroll.
Who Can Qualify Before October 1, 2026?
Before that date, a wider group of lawfully present noncitizens counts as "qualified." This includes green card holders, asylees, refugees, Cuban or Haitian entrants, certain parolees, trafficking victims, and others.
What Changes on October 1, 2026?
A new federal law shortens this list for adults. Starting October 1, 2026, only a few groups still qualify. These are green card holders who meet or skip the five-year wait, Cuban and Haitian entrants, and COFA migrants from the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, and Palau. Asylees, refugees, parolees, trafficking victims, and several other groups will no longer qualify for regular Medicaid as adults. This change does not touch children or pregnant people.
Emergency Medicaid for Non-Qualified Noncitizens
Emergency Medicaid is not changing. A noncitizen who does not qualify for full Medicaid may still get coverage for a true medical emergency, including childbirth. Children under 21 who are lawfully present can still get Medicaid. This is true even when a parent does not qualify.
How to Apply for Medicaid in Maryland
Apply Through Maryland Health Connection
Most adults, children, and pregnant women apply through Maryland Health Connection. You can apply online, by phone, or with in-person help. You can apply any time of year, not just during a set enrollment period.
How Seniors, Blind, or Disabled Applicants Apply
Are you 65 or older, blind, disabled, or in need of long-term care? You usually apply through the Department of Human Services instead. Use MD Benefits or your local Department of Social Services. Not sure which route fits? Your local Department of Social Services can point you the right way.
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?
The income charts on this page can give you a rough idea. Only Maryland Health Connection or the Department of Human Services can give you an official decision. Applying is the only sure way to know.
Maryland Medicaid Eligibility Check Online
Did you already apply, or do you have coverage? You can log in at Maryland Health Connection or at benefits.maryland.gov to see your case status. Use the site where you applied.
How Do Providers Verify Maryland Medicaid Eligibility?
Health care providers, including home care agencies, use the Maryland Medicaid Eligibility Verification System (EVS) to check active coverage before care starts. This tool is different from the consumer portals above. Providers use it for billing and coverage checks, not for applying.
Does Maryland Medicaid Cover Home Care?
Yes, but only through specific programs. You must also meet that program's rules. Having Medicaid alone does not make someone eligible for a home caregiver. Maryland's home care programs can cover personal help with bathing, dressing, and other daily tasks. They can also cover nurse monitoring and supports planning. To qualify, most programs need a functional assessment and a level-of-care check. Some also need financial eligibility on top of basic Medicaid.
Maryland Medicaid Home Care Programs
Community First Choice (CFC)
Community First Choice is a Maryland Medicaid benefit. It pays for personal care so people can stay in their own home instead of a nursing facility. The Maryland Department of Health says CFC has no age limit. To qualify, you must already have full Medicaid. You must need an institutional level of care. And you must live in the community, not a facility. CFC lets you choose a home care agency, or a qualified family member or friend, as your paid caregiver. CFC does not use the Community Options Waiver Services Registry or an enrollment-cap waitlist. Eligibility, assessment, and service authorization must still be completed before services begin.
Community Personal Assistance Services (CPAS)
CPAS also has no age limit. It fits people who need help with at least one daily task, like bathing or dressing. It does not require the higher, institutional level of care that CFC requires. You must have Medicaid and live in the community. Like CFC, CPAS covers personal assistance, supports planning, and nurse monitoring.
Community Options Waiver
The Community Options Waiver is also called the Home and Community-Based Options Waiver. It helps people who need nursing-facility level care stay in the community instead. Applicants must be at least 18 years old. They must also meet income and asset limits. Unlike CFC and CPAS, this waiver has a waitlist. It is called the Services Registry. Call Maryland Access Point at 844-627-5465 to get on the list. Are you already in a nursing facility, with Medicaid paying for at least 30 days of care? You may be able to apply without waiting.
Which Maryland Medicaid Home Care Program May Fit My Situation?
Full Medicaid, needs institutional-level care, any age
Learn about Community First Choice
Full Medicaid, needs help with daily tasks but not institutional-level care
Learn about Community Personal Assistance Services
Age 18+, needs nursing-facility level of care, willing to wait on a list
Learn about the Community Options Waiver
Working with a disability, income too high for regular Medicaid
Learn about the Employed Individuals with Disabilities (EID) Program
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?
In many cases, yes. Under Community First Choice and the Community Options Waiver, a relative or trusted person can sometimes work as a paid caregiver. They must meet the program's caregiver rules. The arrangement must also get approved the right way. Not every relative qualifies. Cottage Home Care does not decide who is approved. That decision belongs to the state and its supports planning agency. Does this option interest you? Read our guide on how to get paid as a family caregiver, or call Cottage Home Care Maryland to walk through what the process usually looks like. Call (667) 400-0648 to ask.
Medicaid and Home Care After Surgery or a Hospital Stay
Does Medicaid Automatically Pay for a Caregiver After Hospital Discharge?
No. A hospital stay or surgery does not trigger Medicaid-funded home care by itself. Short-term recovery needs are usually different from the ongoing help covered by CFC, CPAS, or the Community Options Waiver.
When Long-Term Personal Assistance May Be an Option
Does someone's need for help with bathing, dressing, or moving around continue well past recovery? Then it may be worth looking into one of Maryland's home care programs. That still needs its own assessment. For some programs, it also needs its own financial review. It is not an automatic result of the surgery or hospital stay itself. See our guide on home care after surgery for more on what typically comes next.
How to Get Maryland Medicaid Home Care Started
- Confirm your Medicaid status. Make sure you have active, full Medicaid coverage.
- Identify the program that may apply. Use the comparison above as a starting point.
- Contact the right office. Reach out to your local Aging and Disability office or Maryland Access Point at 844-627-5465.
- Complete an assessment. A nurse or care coordinator will review your health, daily needs, and living situation.
- Receive a decision. The state will approve, adjust, or deny the request, and set a plan of care if approved.
- Choose a home care provider. Once approved, you can select an agency or, where allowed, a qualified family caregiver.
- Start services. Care begins once the plan and provider are confirmed.
Every case moves at its own pace. Timelines depend on your assessment, your county, and how many people are waiting. Cottage Home Care Maryland can help you understand where you stand and what usually comes next. Call (667) 400-0648.
Maryland Medicaid Phone Numbers and Official Contacts
Maryland Health Connection
Applications for adults, children, pregnant women
855-642-8572
Department of Human Services (MD Benefits)
Aged, blind, disabled, and long-term care cases
800-332-6347
Maryland Access Point (MAP)
CFC, CPAS, Community Options Waiver referrals
844-627-5465
MDH Long Term Services and Supports
CFC and CPAS program questions
410-767-1739
Eligibility Determination Division
EID Program status
800-226-2142
Cottage Home Care Maryland
Home care guidance and next steps
(667) 400-0648
What Happens After You Apply for Maryland Medicaid?
After you submit your application, the state may ask for documents. These help verify your income, household, or citizenship status. Once your file is complete, Maryland gives you a decision. If approved, many members choose or are assigned a HealthChoice MCO, depending on their coverage category. Coverage starts based on your approval date. Most Medicaid cases renew once a year. This is changing for some adults starting in 2027, which we cover next.
What If My Maryland Medicaid Application Is Denied?
A denial is not always the end of the road. Here is what to do next:
- 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
A denial under one path does not mean you cannot qualify under another.
Maryland Medicaid Changes Coming in 2027
Are Maryland Medicaid Income Limits for 2027 Available Yet?
As of September 2026, Maryland has not published the income limits for 2027 yet. This page will get updated once official figures come out. Do not trust any 2027 income number you see elsewhere until Maryland confirms it.
Medicaid Work Requirements Beginning in 2027
Beginning in January 2027, certain Maryland Medicaid members may need to complete at least 80 hours per month of approved work, job training, education, or community-engagement activities to keep coverage. This mainly targets adults ages 19 to 64 in the Affordable Care Act expansion group. Maryland has not yet published every implementation detail, including the full exemption list, covered below.
Six-Month Medicaid Renewals for Some Adults
Certain ACA expansion adults are also expected to move from yearly renewals to renewals every six months, beginning around the same time. This would mean more frequent paperwork for affected members to keep coverage active.
Who May Be Exempt?
Federal guidance points to a few exemptions. These include people who are pregnant, medically frail, caring for a young child, or who already meet a disability standard. Maryland has not yet published complete implementation details. Check back closer to 2027, or ask Maryland Health Connection directly.
Maryland Medicaid and Home Care Near You
Medicaid Home Care Across Maryland's 23 Counties and Baltimore City
Cottage Home Care Maryland serves families across all 23 Maryland counties plus Baltimore City. This includes Allegany, Anne Arundel, and Baltimore County, all the way to Montgomery, Prince George's, Washington, Wicomico, and Worcester, and every county in between. Each county has its own local Aging and Disability office. These offices connect residents to Community First Choice, Community Personal Assistance Services, and the Community Options Waiver. Do you live in Cumberland, Frostburg, LaVale, or anywhere else in Allegany County? The same statewide Medicaid rules apply to you. Maryland Access Point at 844-627-5465 can connect you with your local office.
How Cottage Home Care Maryland Can Help
Cottage Home Care Maryland is a licensed, Medicaid-approved home care provider ready to help. Our team knows how to apply and understands the full Maryland enrollment process, so you always know what comes next. We help you understand your options and take the next practical step with confidence. The state of Maryland makes the final eligibility decision, and we stand beside you through every step of that process.
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?+
Eligibility depends on your income, household size, age, and whether you need long-term care. The only sure way to know is to apply through Maryland Health Connection or the Department of Human Services. Call Cottage Home Care Maryland at (667) 400-0648 if you want help thinking through your next step.
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 immigrants qualify as "qualified noncitizens." A federal law change narrows this list for adults starting October 1, 2026. Children and pregnant people are not affected by that change. Emergency Medicaid stays available regardless of status.
How do I apply for Medicaid in Maryland?+
Most adults, children, and pregnant women apply through Maryland Health Connection. Seniors and people with disabilities generally apply through the Department of Human Services or their local Department of Social Services instead.
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?+
It can, through programs like Community First Choice, Community Personal Assistance Services, and the Community Options Waiver. But general Medicaid eligibility alone does not guarantee home care. Call (667) 400-0648 to talk through your options.
Can Maryland Medicaid pay a family member to provide care?+
In some cases, yes, under Community First Choice and the Community Options Waiver. The family member must meet the program's caregiver rules. Cottage Home Care Maryland can help explain the process at (667) 400-0648.
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 does not use a Services Registry waitlist like the Community Options Waiver. Eligibility, assessment, and authorization must still be completed before services begin.
What is the Community Options Waiver?+
It is a Medicaid waiver for adults 18 and older who need a nursing-facility level of care. It lets them receive that care at home or in the community instead of in a nursing home.
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?+
Beginning in January 2027, certain ACA expansion adults are expected to face new work or community engagement requirements and to renew coverage every six months instead of once a year. Maryland has not yet published every implementation detail.
What are Maryland Medicaid income limits for 2027?+
As of September 2026, Maryland has not published 2027 income limits yet. This page will be updated once official figures are released.
What happens if Maryland denies my Medicaid application?+
Read the denial notice. Correct or provide any missing information. Ask about your appeal rights. A denial under one path does not always rule out another.
Official Maryland Medicaid Resources
Sabine DurgaramDPS/RN
