Medicaid in Massachusetts

Medicaid income limits in dollars

Medicaid limits are expressed as percentages of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). These are the 2026 FPL figures that apply in Massachusetts:

Household size100% FPL138% FPL200% FPL400% FPL
1$15,960$22,025$31,920$63,840
2$21,640$29,863$43,280$86,560
3$27,320$37,702$54,640$109,280
4$33,000$45,540$66,000$132,000
5$38,680$53,378$77,360$154,720
6$44,360$61,217$88,720$177,440
7$50,040$69,055$100,080$200,160
8$55,720$76,894$111,440$222,880

48 contiguous states + DC — for each additional person above 8, add $5,680 (at 100% FPL). Source: HHS Poverty Guidelines 2026 (Federal Register 2026-00755), effective January 13, 2026 · verify at federalregister.gov

What that means in dollars — Massachusetts

  • Parents (family of 3): eligible for Medicaid with annual income up to $37,702 (138% of the $27,320 FPL for 3 persons)
  • Childless adults: eligible with annual income up to $22,025 (138% of the $15,960 FPL for 1 person)

Eligibility percentages: KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation). Dollar figures recompute automatically each year from the HHS guidelines.

Medicaid eligibility limits in Massachusetts (verified data)

Source: Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) — Medicaid data by state

Verified on: 2026-05-25

ACA expansion status in Massachusetts

Massachusetts ADOPTED Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act.

Income limits for Medicaid in Massachusetts

  • Parents in a family of 3: up to 138% of Federal Poverty Level (FPL)
  • Other adults (childless): up to 138% FPL
  • Pregnant women: up to 205% of FPL (Medicaid)

Calculate your FPL for household size at aspe.hhs.gov/poverty-guidelines.

Verify eligibility

⚠️ Limits change annually. Verify current eligibility with Massachusetts’s Medicaid agency or at healthcare.gov.

Medicaid expansion

Massachusetts HAS adopted ACA Medicaid expansion.

This means low-income adults up to 138% of federal poverty level can qualify for Medicaid in Massachusetts, regardless of having dependent children or disability.

Coverage for undocumented in Massachusetts

Massachusetts offers additional coverage with state funds: MassHealth — undocumented children eligible; adults limited

Federal rules applying in Massachusetts

Regardless of expansion, federal eligibility rules by immigration status apply in Massachusetts:

  • Citizens: YES qualify
  • Permanent residents (green card) 5+ years: YES qualify
  • Permanent residents < 5 years: NO (5-year bar), EXCEPT children and pregnant women in CHIPRA Option states
  • Refugees, asylees: YES qualify (no 5-year bar)
  • DACA: NO qualify (excluded by current rule)
  • Undocumented individuals: NO qualify federally

Emergency services

Under EMTALA, all hospitals in Massachusetts must treat medical emergencies regardless of immigration status. Emergency Medicaid may cover the cost of emergency treatment for those meeting income requirements but not immigration status.

How to apply for Medicaid in Massachusetts

  1. Visit Massachusetts’s Medicaid portal (search “Massachusetts Medicaid” or specific program name)
  2. Fill application online (also available by paper or in person)
  3. Provide: identification, proof of income, proof of residency, immigration documents (if applicable)
  4. Wait for determination (typically 45 days, 90 for disability-based cases)
  5. If approved, receive Medicaid card + provider information

Last verified: 2026-05-24.