Maryland Medicaid: Income Limits, Eligibility and How to Apply
Last verified:
Medicaid in Maryland is run by the Maryland Department of Health. Maryland adopted the Affordable Care Act expansion in 2014, so an adult under 65 qualifies on income alone at or below 138% of the poverty guideline: $1,835 a month for one person in 2026. Children are covered through Maryland Children's Health Program, and the application is at www.marylandhealthconnection.gov or 855-642-8572. Every figure below is dated 2026-09-23.
| Program | Maryland Medicaid (Medical Assistance; HealthChoice) |
|---|---|
| Children | Maryland Children's Health Program |
| Agency | Maryland Department of Health |
| Apply | www.marylandhealthconnection.gov · 855-642-8572 |
| Expansion | Yes, since 2014 |
| Adult income limit, 2026 | $22,025 a year for one person; $45,540 for four |
| Work requirement | federal deadline January 1, 2027 |
Who qualifies in Maryland
Adults 19 to 64 not on Medicare qualify at or below 138% of poverty (133% plus a 5% disregard), on household modified adjusted gross income, with no asset test. The 2026 figures:
| Household size | Annual income at 138% | Monthly | 100% of poverty (marketplace floor) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $22,025 | $1,835 | $15,960 |
| 2 | $29,863 | $2,489 | $21,640 |
| 3 | $37,702 | $3,142 | $27,320 |
| 4 | $45,540 | $3,795 | $33,000 |
| 5 | $53,378 | $4,448 | $38,680 |
Computed from the 2026 HHS poverty guidelines (January 15, 2026).
Children (Maryland Children's Health Program), pregnant women, parents, seniors and people with disabilities use other limits that Maryland sets above the federal minimums.
How Maryland compares
Maryland expanded on the first day it could, January 1, 2014, with the original group of states. On the work requirement it is not among the early starters (Arkansas, Iowa, Montana, Nebraska), so members have until January 1, 2027. Maryland uses the plain "Medicaid" name, so the card and letters say what they are.
How to apply for Maryland Medicaid
- Apply online at www.marylandhealthconnection.gov, or call 855-642-8572. HealthCare.gov also takes Medicaid applications and forwards them to Maryland. There is no enrollment period; any day works.
- Report this month's income.
A Maryland Medicaid case also qualifies you for a free phone (Maryland carriers, paperwork) and shares documents with Maryland SNAP.
What changes in Maryland
Maryland has not announced a start date for the federal work requirement, so it takes effect on the federal deadline, January 1, 2027. Six-month renewals for expansion adults begin with renewals scheduled on or after January 1, 2027. The nationwide changes are on the hub with CMS sources.
Maryland specifics
- Applications run through Maryland Health Connection, the state marketplace.
- Offices serve Baltimore, Columbia, Germantown and every county; hospitals and health centers also employ enrollment assisters.
Whether Maryland Medicaid pays for dental or weight-loss drugs is Maryland's choice; see does Medicaid cover.
Common questions
What is the Medicaid income limit in Maryland for 2026?
$22,025 a year for one adult, $29,863 for two and $45,540 for four (138% of the 2026 poverty guideline); children go higher through Maryland Children's Health Program.
Does Maryland have a Medicaid work requirement?
From January 1, 2027, the federal deadline; Maryland has not set an earlier date. It applies to expansion adults 19 to 64 at 80 hours a month, with exemptions listed on the hub.
Sources
- Maryland Medicaid: state program page
- HHS: 2026 poverty guidelines
- HealthCare.gov: Medicaid expansion and you (138%)
- Federal Register: community engagement interim final rule (June 3, 2026)
- CMS: 2025 law section-by-section overview
Gov-Grants.org is an independent guide, not a carrier and not a government agency. We never charge fees, and every fact above links to its source with the date we checked it. Program details change; confirm on the official site before applying.