Utah Medicaid: Income Limits, Eligibility and How to Apply
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Medicaid in Utah is run by the Utah Department of Health and Human Services. Utah adopted the Affordable Care Act expansion in 2020, full expansion after a 2018 ballot initiative, 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 Utah CHIP, and the application is at jobs.utah.gov/mycase or 866-435-7414. Every figure below is dated 2026-09-23.
| Program | Utah Medicaid (Adult Expansion) |
|---|---|
| Children | Utah CHIP |
| Agency | Utah Department of Health and Human Services |
| Apply | jobs.utah.gov/mycase · 866-435-7414 |
| Expansion | Yes, since 2020 |
| Adult income limit, 2026 | $22,025 a year for one person; $45,540 for four |
| Work requirement | January 1, 2027 |
Who qualifies in Utah
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 (Utah CHIP), pregnant women, parents, seniors and people with disabilities use other limits that Utah sets above the federal minimums.
How Utah compares
Utah expanded in 2020, later than most; only 4 states have done so since. On the work requirement it is not among the early starters (Arkansas, Iowa, Montana, Nebraska), so members have until January 1, 2027. Utah uses the plain "Medicaid" name, so the card and letters say what they are.
How to apply for Utah Medicaid
- Apply online at jobs.utah.gov/mycase, or call 866-435-7414. HealthCare.gov also takes Medicaid applications and forwards them to Utah. There is no enrollment period; any day works.
- Report this month's income.
A Utah Medicaid case also qualifies you for a free phone (Utah carriers, paperwork) and shares documents with Utah SNAP.
What changes in Utah
Utah has set its own start for the federal work requirement: 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.
Utah specifics
- Utah says the 80-hour-a-month requirement starts January 1, 2027.
- Offices serve Salt Lake City, West Valley City, West Jordan and every county; hospitals and health centers also employ enrollment assisters.
Whether Utah Medicaid pays for dental or weight-loss drugs is Utah's choice; see does Medicaid cover.
Common questions
What is the Medicaid income limit in Utah 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 Utah CHIP.
Does Utah have a Medicaid work requirement?
Yes: Utah has set January 1, 2027, for expansion adults 19 to 64 (80 hours a month, with exemptions listed on the hub).
Sources
- Utah 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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