Montana Medicaid: Income Limits, Eligibility and How to Apply
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Medicaid in Montana is run by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services. Montana adopted the Affordable Care Act expansion in 2016, 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 Healthy Montana Kids, and the application is at apply.mt.gov or 800-362-8312. Every figure below is dated 2026-09-23.
| Program | Montana Medicaid |
|---|---|
| Children | Healthy Montana Kids |
| Agency | Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services |
| Apply | apply.mt.gov · 800-362-8312 |
| Expansion | Yes, since 2016 |
| Adult income limit, 2026 | $22,025 a year for one person; $45,540 for four |
| Work requirement | July 1, 2026 (checked at your next redetermination) |
Who qualifies in Montana
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 (Healthy Montana Kids), pregnant women, parents, seniors and people with disabilities use other limits that Montana sets above the federal minimums.
How Montana compares
Montana expanded in 2016, later than most; only 9 states have done so since. It is also one of 4 states (Arkansas, Iowa, Montana, Nebraska) starting the work requirement before the federal deadline. Montana uses the plain "Medicaid" name, so the card and letters say what they are.
How to apply for Montana Medicaid
- Apply online at apply.mt.gov, or call 800-362-8312. HealthCare.gov also takes Medicaid applications and forwards them to Montana. There is no enrollment period; any day works.
- Report this month's income.
A Montana Medicaid case also qualifies you for a free phone (Montana carriers, paperwork) and shares documents with Montana SNAP.
What changes in Montana
Montana has set its own start for the federal work requirement: July 1, 2026 (checked at your next redetermination). 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.
Montana specifics
- Montana introduced its community engagement requirement on July 1, 2026, ahead of the federal deadline; compliance is checked at the member's next renewal.
- Offices serve Billings, Missoula, Great Falls and every county; hospitals and health centers also employ enrollment assisters.
Whether Montana Medicaid pays for dental or weight-loss drugs is Montana's choice; see does Medicaid cover.
Common questions
What is the Medicaid income limit in Montana 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 Healthy Montana Kids.
Does Montana have a Medicaid work requirement?
Yes: Montana has set July 1, 2026 (checked at your next redetermination), for expansion adults 19 to 64 (80 hours a month, with exemptions listed on the hub).
Sources
- Montana 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
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