Medicaid

What it means

Medicaid covers doctor visits, hospital care, long-term care and other services for eligible low-income adults, children, pregnant people, older adults and people with disabilities. Each state runs its own program within federal rules, so eligibility and benefits differ. In states that expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, most adults with income up to 138% of the federal poverty level can qualify. The Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) covers children in families that earn too much for Medicaid. A 2025 federal law adds work or community engagement requirements for many adults covered through expansion, which states generally must start by January 1, 2027, and more frequent eligibility checks. Since October 1, 2026, a 2025 federal law limits Medicaid and CHIP to certain noncitizens (mainly lawful permanent residents, Cuban and Haitian entrants and COFA migrants), so many other lawfully present groups, such as refugees and asylees, no longer qualify, and many green card holders must still wait five years, with some exceptions. Check with your state Medicaid agency. You can apply any time.

Example

An adult living alone with income below 138% of the poverty level in an expansion state may qualify for Medicaid with no or very low monthly premiums.

Illustrative numbers only. Your situation will differ.