West Virginia Medicaid: Income Limits, Eligibility and How to Apply
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Medicaid in West Virginia is run by the West Virginia Bureau for Medical Services. West Virginia 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 WVCHIP, and the application is at wvpath.wv.gov or 877-716-1212. Every figure below is dated 2026-09-23.
| Program | West Virginia Medicaid |
|---|---|
| Children | WVCHIP |
| Agency | West Virginia Bureau for Medical Services |
| Apply | wvpath.wv.gov · 877-716-1212 |
| 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 |
| Plans | Most members are in a Mountain Health Trust managed care plan. |
Who qualifies in West 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 (WVCHIP), pregnant women, parents, seniors and people with disabilities use other limits that West Virginia sets above the federal minimums.
How West Virginia compares
West Virginia 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. West Virginia uses the plain "Medicaid" name, so the card and letters say what they are.
How to apply for West Virginia Medicaid
- Apply online at wvpath.wv.gov, or call 877-716-1212. HealthCare.gov also takes Medicaid applications and forwards them to West Virginia. There is no enrollment period; any day works.
- Report this month's income. Choose a plan when asked, or one is assigned.
A West Virginia Medicaid case also qualifies you for a free phone (West Virginia carriers, paperwork) and shares documents with West Virginia SNAP.
What changes in West Virginia
West 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.
West Virginia specifics
- Offices serve Charleston, Huntington, Morgantown and every county; hospitals and health centers also employ enrollment assisters.
Whether West Virginia Medicaid pays for dental or weight-loss drugs is West Virginia's choice; see does Medicaid cover.
Common questions
What is the Medicaid income limit in West 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 WVCHIP.
Does West Virginia have a Medicaid work requirement?
From January 1, 2027, the federal deadline; West 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
- West 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
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.