Medicaid Eligibility Tool: Free Ways to Check If You Qualify
Reviewed October 5, 2026. The fastest free Medicaid eligibility tool is the screener on HealthCare.gov: you enter your household size, state and income, and it tells you whether you might qualify for Medicaid, CHIP or savings on a Marketplace plan. Other good options are USA.gov’s Benefit Finder and your state’s own benefits website. These tools only estimate. The official decision comes from your state Medicaid agency after you apply, and you can apply any time of year.
Quick answer: HealthCare.gov notes that eligibility depends on “income, household size, family status (like pregnancy or caring for young children), disability, age, and other factors.” If a tool says you probably don’t qualify but you’re close, apply anyway. HealthCare.gov advises that “even if your state hasn’t expanded Medicaid, you should fill out an application.”
Free Medicaid eligibility tools
| Tool | What it does | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| HealthCare.gov screener | Uses household size, state and income to show whether you might qualify for Medicaid, CHIP or Marketplace savings | Adults and families under 65 |
| USA.gov Benefit Finder | Asks about your situation and points you to federal and state benefits you may be eligible for, with links on how to apply | Checking Medicaid alongside food, housing and other help |
| Your state Medicaid or benefits website | Many states offer a screening quiz, and the application itself gives the official answer | A decision based on your state’s exact rules |
| State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) | Free, unbiased counselors who help people with Medicare check Medicaid, Medicare Savings Programs and Extra Help | People 65+ or on Medicare |
Sources: HealthCare.gov and USA.gov Benefit Finder. Be cautious of private “eligibility checker” sites that ask for your Social Security number or charge a fee. Official screeners are free.
Quick self-check: 2026 income guide for adults
In states that expanded Medicaid, most adults ages 19 to 64 qualify with income up to 138% of the federal poverty level. Here’s what that works out to using the 2026 HHS poverty guidelines for the 48 contiguous states and DC (Federal Register). These are Medicare365 calculations; your state may update its figures on a different date.
| Household size | 138% FPL, monthly | 138% FPL, yearly |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,835 | $22,025 |
| 2 | $2,489 | $29,863 |
| 3 | $3,142 | $37,702 |
| 4 | $3,795 | $45,540 |
| 5 | $4,448 | $53,378 |
| 6 | $5,101 | $61,217 |
Children, pregnant women and people with disabilities often qualify at different income levels. States that haven’t expanded Medicaid generally don’t cover most adults without children, no matter how low their income. For state-specific charts, see our Utah Medicaid income limits and North Carolina Medicaid income limits guides.
What eligibility tools ask
- Your state and ZIP code
- Household size, usually based on who you file taxes with
- Monthly or yearly income before taxes
- Ages of people in the household
- Whether anyone is pregnant, has a disability or is enrolled in Medicare
- For some older adults and people with disabilities, savings and other assets
Eligibility tools for people 65 and older
The HealthCare.gov screener is built for people under 65. If you’re 65 or older, or have Medicare, your Medicaid eligibility usually follows aged, blind and disabled rules with asset limits. You may also qualify for programs that lower Medicare costs even if you don’t qualify for full Medicaid:
- Medicare Savings Programs, which can pay your Part B premium
- Extra Help, which lowers drug costs
- Medicaid for nursing home care, with its own income and asset rules
- Medicaid spend down in states with medically needy programs
After the tool: how to apply
- Apply through your state online, by phone, by mail or in person. See how to find your state’s Medicaid portal.
- Or apply through HealthCare.gov, which sends your information to your state if you appear eligible for Medicaid.
- Gather proof of identity, income and residency.
- Watch for your decision notice and any requests for more information.
Rules changing in 2027
Starting around January 1, 2027, many expansion adults must also meet a work or community engagement requirement and renew every six months. Online screeners may not reflect these rules yet. Read what the 2025 Medicaid changes mean.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an official Medicaid eligibility calculator?
HealthCare.gov offers a free screener that shows whether you might qualify for Medicaid, CHIP or Marketplace savings. Only your state can make the final decision.
Do eligibility tools save my information?
Screeners on official sites like HealthCare.gov ask only for basic details to estimate eligibility. Avoid unofficial sites that ask for your Social Security number just to check.
Can I apply even if the tool says I don’t qualify?
Yes. Tools give estimates, and HealthCare.gov encourages people to apply even in states that haven’t expanded Medicaid.
When can I apply for Medicaid?
Any time of year. There’s no open enrollment period for Medicaid.
This article is general information and includes Medicare365 calculations. It isn’t an eligibility decision. Medicare365 is not affiliated with or endorsed by any state Medicaid agency or U.S. government agency.