What is the monthly income limit for Medicaid in Ohio?

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The monthly income limit for standard expansion Medicaid in Ohio is $1,835 for a single-person household (138% of the Federal Poverty Level).

Income limits change based on your household size and the specific category of coverage you need. You can review official eligibility guidelines or apply through the Ohio Department of Medicaid.

Income Limits by Category (2026 Guidelines)

  • Adults (Ages 19–64, no dependents): 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), starting at $1,835 per month for an individual.
  • Pregnant Individuals: 205% of the FPL, starting at $2,726 per month for a household of one.
  • Children (Up to age 18): 211% of the FPL, starting at $2,806 per month for a household of one.
  • Parents and Caretaker Relatives: Up to approximately 90% to 100% of the FPL (roughly $1,304 per month for a single person).
  • Aged, Blind, or Disabled (Long-Term Care / Waivers): Up to $2,982 per month for institutional or waiver care programs like PASSPORT.

How much money can you make and still receive Medicaid in Ohio?

In Ohio, the amount of money you can make and still qualify for Medicaid depends on your household size and your specific eligibility category (such as a standard adult, pregnant individual, child, or senior/disabled individual).

The 2026 Ohio Medicaid income limits are based on gross monthly income before taxes:

1. Standard Adults (Ages 19–64)

For the MAGI-based adult expansion group, the gross income limit is 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). There is no asset or resource limit for this category.

  • 1 Person: $1,835 / month (~$22,025 / year)
  • 2 People: $2,399 / month
  • 3 People: $3,028 / month
  • 4 People: $3,658 / month (~$45,540 / year)
  • (+$652 per additional household member)

2. Pregnant Individuals

Pregnant women qualify at higher income thresholds, set at 205% of the FPL. The unborn baby counts as a household member. Coverage continues up to 12 months postpartum.

  • 1 Person: $2,726 / month
  • 2 People: $3,715 / month
  • 3 People: $4,690 / month
  • 4 People: $5,665 / month

3. Children (Ages 0–18)

Children are eligible under the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) pathways up to 211% of the FPL.

  • 1 Person: $2,806 / month
  • 2 People: $3,804 / month
  • 3 People: $4,804 / month
  • 4 People: $5,802 / month

4. Seniors (Ages 65+) and Individuals with Disabilities (ABD)

For the Aged, Blind, and Disabled pathway, eligibility has different financial rules and includes an asset limit (generally $2,000 for a single person):

  • Regular ABD Medicaid: $994 / month for a single individual ($1,491 for couples).
  • Long-Term Care / Waiver Programs (e.g., PASSPORT): The limit is higher at $2,982 / month for a single applicant. Ohio uses a "Medically Needy spend-down" pathway to help people qualify if their income is slightly above this mark.
  • Medicaid Buy-In for Workers with Disabilities (MBIWD): Working individuals with disabilities can earn significantly more—up to 250% of the FPL ($3,325/month for an individual)—and still retain coverage.

You can check your estimated eligibility directly on the official Ohio Benefits Portal or by calling the Ohio Medicaid Consumer Hotline at 800-324-8680.

What income is too high for Medicaid?

For most adults in states that expanded Medicaid, any household income above 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) is too high for standard adult Medicaid.

In 2026, 138% of the FPL equals about $1,481 per month (or roughly $17,773 per year) for a single individual. For a family of three, it is about $2,530 per month (or roughly $30,302 per year).

General Income Limits

  • Expanded States: Adults under 65 usually qualify if income is at or below 138% FPL.
  • Non-Expansion States: Limits are often much lower. Adults without children, disabilities, or pregnancy often do not qualify at all if they make over a few hundred dollars a month.
  • Children and Pregnant Individuals: Income limits are much higher, often ranging from 200% to over 300% of the FPL, depending on the state.
  • Long-Term Care / Seniors (65+): Gross monthly limits for nursing homes or home care are typically capped around $2,982 per month for an individual in many states, though excess income can sometimes be placed into a special trust.

What If Your Income Is Too High?

  • Marketplace Insurance: If you make too much for Medicaid, you may qualify for tax credits to buy a plan on HealthCare.gov.
  • Spend-Down Programs: Some states let you subtract high medical bills from your income to reach the eligibility limit.

What is the income limit for Medicaid in Ohio in 2026?

In 2026, the standard income limit for non-elderly adults (ages 19–64) under Ohio's Medicaid expansion is 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), which translates to $22,025 per year ($1,835 per month) for a single individual.

Income Limits by Household Size (138% FPL)

For adults aged 19–64 qualifying through the ACA expansion, the annual and approximate monthly limits are:

  • 1 Person: $22,025 per year (~$1,835/month)
  • 2 People: $29,863 per year (~$2,489/month)
  • 3 People: $37,702 per year (~$3,142/month)
  • 4 People: $45,540 per year (~$3,795/month)

Limits for Other Groups

Income thresholds vary depending on your specific category:

  • Pregnant Individuals: Up to 205% FPL (~$2,726/month for a single person).
  • Children (Ages 0–18): Up to 211% FPL (~$2,806/month for a single person).
  • Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD) / Long-Term Care: Separate non-MAGI rules apply, with long-term care and waiver programs (like PASSPORT) often capping eligibility around $2,982 per month for a single applicant.

You can review official updates and detailed charts directly through the Ohio Medicaid Portal.

Will Medicaid income limits increase in 2026?

Yes, Medicaid income limits increased for 2026 because the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) guidelines were adjusted upward. You can check specific state guidelines and estimate your eligibility using the Medicaid Income Limits 2026 Calculator.

Key 2026 Income Changes

  • Federal Poverty Guidelines: For the contiguous U.S. and D.C., the 2026 baseline FPL increased to $15,960 for an individual and $33,000 for a family of four.
  • Medicaid Expansion: In states that expanded Medicaid, the standard income limit (138% of the FPL) rose to roughly $22,025 per year for a single person and $45,540 for a family of four.
  • State Variations: Exact income caps vary by state, and programs for specific groups—like long-term care or older adults—feature separate caps (such as $2,982 per month for long-term care in some states). You should also review notifications from Michigan Medicine regarding localized policy updates.

How to Apply for Medicaid in Ohio (Only Way)

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How much money can you have in the bank to qualify for Medicaid in Ohio?

How much money you can have in the bank depends entirely on the type of Ohio Medicaid coverage you are applying for.

For Aged, Blind, and Disabled (ABD) Medicaid or Long-Term Care Medicaid, a single applicant cannot have more than $2,000 in countable assets. However, for standard Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) Medicaid, there is no asset or bank account limit whatsoever.

The detailed limits across different programs are broken down below:

1. Aged, Blind, Disabled (ABD) & Long-Term Care Medicaid

If you are 65 or older, blind, or disabled, or if you are applying for nursing home care or home-based waiver programs (such as PASSPORT), strict resource tests apply.

Application StatusCountable Asset Limit
Single Applicant$2,000
Married Couple (Both applying)$3,000 combined
Married Couple (Only one spouse applying)$2,000 for the applicant spouse. Under the Community Spouse Resource Allowance (CSRA), the non-applying spouse can keep 50% of the couple's shared assets, up to a maximum of $162,660 (with a minimum baseline of $32,532).

2. Regular Adult Expansion Medicaid (MAGI)

If you are an adult under age 65 without a disability, qualification is based strictly on your household income relative to the Federal Poverty Level.

  • Asset Test: There is no asset limit.
  • Bank Accounts: You can have any amount of money in the bank, as long as your monthly income falls within the state's guidelines (up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level).

Countable vs. Exempt Assets

When evaluating the $2,000 limit, the state only tracks "countable" assets.

  • Countable Assets: Money in checking and savings accounts, cash, certificates of deposit (CDs), stocks, bonds, and real estate other than your primary home.
  • Exempt Assets (Not Counted): Your primary residence (up to $752,000 in home equity), one personal vehicle, personal belongings/furniture, and certain irrevocable prepaid burial plans.

Important Precautions

If you are over the asset limit for long-term care, do not simply give your money away to family members to qualify. Ohio enforces a strict 60-month (5-year) look-back period. The state reviews all financial records from the past 5 years, and transferring assets for less than fair market value will trigger penalties that delay your Medicaid coverage. Instead, individuals often choose to "spend down" their money legally on exempt categories like paying off existing debt, medical bills, or completing home modifications.

You can review complete, up-to-date program terms and submit applications online through the Ohio Benefits Portal or by referencing information provided directly via the Ohio Department of Medicaid.

Does social security count as income for Medicaid?

Yes, standard Social Security benefits count as income for Medicaid eligibility. However, the exact rules depend entirely on the specific type of Social Security benefit you receive.

Types of Benefits That Count

If you receive any of the following benefits, Medicaid will include them in your monthly income calculations, even if they are not considered taxable by the IRS:

  • Social Security Retirement Benefits
  • Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
  • Social Security Survivor’s or Dependent Benefits

The Major Exception: SSI

  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI) does not count as income. SSI is a separate, needs-based program for low-income individuals who are elderly, blind, or disabled. In most states, receiving SSI actually qualifies you for Medicaid automatically.

How Medicaid Evaluates Your Income

Medicaid pathways look at income in two distinct ways depending on your eligibility category:

  1. MAGI Medicaid (Under Age 65 / Households): For most adults, parents, and children, eligibility is determined using Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI). Under MAGI rules, your gross Social Security benefits are added directly to your household income total. (Exception: A child’s or tax dependent's Social Security check is generally excluded unless their personal income is high enough that they are legally required to file a tax return).
  2. Non-MAGI Medicaid (Aged, Blind, Disabled, or Long-Term Care): If you are 65 or older, blind, or disabled, you fall into "Non-MAGI" pathways. Your standard Social Security check still counts as monthly income, but your state will also factor in an asset/resource limit (such as savings and property).

What if Your Social Security Puts You Over the Limit?

Because Medicaid is administered locally, income limits fluctuate significantly depending on your state and whether your state adopted the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Medicaid expansion. If your Social Security benefit puts you slightly over your state's threshold, you may still qualify through alternative state options like "Spend-Down" programs (Medically Needy programs) or by setting up a Qualified Income Trust (Miller Trust), depending on your local regulations.

To check the exact income limits for your household size, review the guidelines on your state's official Medicaid Agency Website.

What can I do if I make too much money for Medicaid?

If you make too much money for Medicaid, you can explore alternative pathways like health insurance marketplaces, spend-down programs, or trusts depending on your situation.

Explore Health Insurance Marketplace Plans

  • Check Subsidies: If your income is just above the Medicaid limit, you may qualify for heavily subsidized health insurance plans through HealthCare.gov.
  • Adjust Taxable Income: Lower your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) by contributing to pre-tax retirement accounts or health savings accounts (HSAs).

Use a Medicaid Spend-Down Program

  • Deduct Medical Bills: Many states offer a "medically needy" or spend-down program. You can subtract your ongoing medical expenses from your income until it reaches the state's Medicaid eligibility limit.
  • Submit Receipts: You pay for approved medical costs or care out-of-pocket until you hit the threshold, and Medicaid covers the rest during that budget period.

Set Up a Qualified Income Trust (Miller Trust)

  • For Long-Term Care: If you need nursing home or home-based care and your income is over the limit for long-term care Medicaid, certain states let you put excess income into an irrevocable trust.
  • Designate Funds: The money placed into the trust is used to help pay for your medical and care costs to maintain eligibility.

Look Into Other Specialized Programs

  • Medicaid Buy-In: Many states let working individuals with disabilities buy into Medicaid through a monthly premium.
  • Medicare Savings Programs: If you have Medicare alongside higher income, you might qualify for partial help with out-of-pocket costs.

What will disqualify you from Medi-Cal?

Exceeding income limits, having excess assets (for seniors or people with disabilities), or failing to meet residency and renewal requirements will disqualify you from Medi-Cal.

Income Limits

  • Adults (Ages 19–64): Household income above 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) can disqualify you from free coverage, though higher earners may qualify for a "share of cost" or Covered California.
  • Aged, Blind, and Disabled: Strict monthly income caps apply depending on your specific category.

Asset Limits (Seniors 65+ and Disabled Individuals)

  • Excess Property/Cash: For non-MAGI programs (seniors and disabled individuals), countable assets over $130,000 for a single person or $195,000 for a couple will disqualify you.
  • Asset Transfers: Transferring assets for less than fair market value within the 30-month look-back period can trigger penalties and loss of long-term care coverage.

Residency and Documentation

  • State Residency: You must be a resident of California. Moving out of state permanently disqualifies you.
  • Failure to Renew: Not responding to annual eligibility checks or failing to report household changes within 10 days can result in termination.
  • Immigration Status Rules: New enrollment restrictions apply to certain undocumented adults under current state guidelines.

You can check your status or ask questions through the Medi-Cal Helpline.

How much money can you have in the bank and still qualify for Medi-Cal?

The rules depend on which type of Medi-Cal program you are applying for, as California reinstated asset limits for certain groups:

  • No Asset Limit: For MAGI Medi-Cal (which covers most low-income adults under 65, children, and pregnant women), there is no asset limit. You can have any amount of money in the bank as long as you meet the program's household income requirements.
  • $130,000 Limit: For Non-MAGI Medi-Cal (which covers adults aged 65+, individuals with disabilities, and long-term care or nursing home residents), the countable asset limit is $130,000 for a single person.

Current Non-MAGI Asset Thresholds

If you are in a category that requires an asset test, the total value of your countable assets (including bank accounts, cash, and investments) must be below these thresholds:

Household SizeReinstated Asset Limit
1 Person$130,000
2 People (Couples)$195,000
Each Additional MemberAdd $65,000 per person (up to 10 people max)

Note: According to the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), these specific thresholds will remain in effect until June 30, 2027, at which point the state is scheduled to lower the limits.

What Counts vs. What Is Exempt

When checking your bank accounts, Medi-Cal only looks at "countable" assets. Many major assets do not count toward your limit:

  • Exempt Assets (Do Not Count): Your primary home (the home you live in), one vehicle, personal household goods, and certain retirement accounts (like IRAs/401ks if they are actively distributing periodic payments). Money saved in a state-approved CalABLE account is also entirely exempt up to $529,000.
  • Countable Assets (Do Count): Checking accounts, savings accounts, certificates of deposit (CDs), cash on hand, second homes, and secondary vehicles.

If you are applying for or renewing long-term care Medi-Cal and your bank accounts put you over the limit, it is highly recommended to speak with an elder law attorney or a certified Medi-Cal planner. They can help guide you through legal "spend-down" strategies or look-back rules regarding asset transfers.