Virginia Medicaid: Income Limits, Eligibility and How to Apply
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Medicaid in Virginia is run by the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services. Virginia adopted the Affordable Care Act expansion in 2019, 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 FAMIS, and the application is at commonhelp.virginia.gov or 855-242-8282. Every figure below is dated 2026-09-23.
| Program | Virginia Medicaid (Cardinal Care) |
|---|---|
| Children | FAMIS |
| Agency | Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services |
| Apply | commonhelp.virginia.gov · 855-242-8282 |
| Expansion | Yes, since 2019 |
| Adult income limit, 2026 | $22,025 a year for one person; $45,540 for four |
| Work requirement | federal deadline January 1, 2027 |
| Plans | Most members are in a Cardinal Care Managed Care plan. |
Who qualifies in Virginia
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 (FAMIS), pregnant women, parents, seniors and people with disabilities use other limits that Virginia sets above the federal minimums.
How Virginia compares
Virginia expanded in 2019, later than most; only 7 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. Virginia uses the plain "Medicaid" name, so the card and letters say what they are.
How to apply for Virginia Medicaid
- Apply online at commonhelp.virginia.gov, or call 855-242-8282. HealthCare.gov also takes Medicaid applications and forwards them to Virginia. There is no enrollment period; any day works.
- Report this month's income. Choose a plan when asked, or one is assigned.
A Virginia Medicaid case also qualifies you for a free phone (Virginia carriers, paperwork) and shares documents with Virginia SNAP.
What changes in Virginia
Virginia 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.
Virginia specifics
- Offices serve Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk and every county; hospitals and health centers also employ enrollment assisters.
Whether Virginia Medicaid pays for dental or weight-loss drugs is Virginia's choice; see does Medicaid cover.
Common questions
What is the Medicaid income limit in Virginia 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 FAMIS.
Does Virginia have a Medicaid work requirement?
From January 1, 2027, the federal deadline; Virginia 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
- Virginia 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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