Medicaid, CHIP, and Free Health Insurance Options in 2026
If your income is below $20,783 (individual) in an expansion state, you may qualify for free health coverage through Medicaid. Enrollment is open year-round.
Medicaid Eligibility (2026)
| Family Size | 138% FPL (Expansion) | Annual Income |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $20,783 | $1,732/mo |
| 2 people | $28,208 | $2,351/mo |
| 3 people | $35,524 | $2,960/mo |
| 4 people | $42,727 | $3,561/mo |
| 5 people | $50,037 | $4,170/mo |
In expansion states, adults earning below 138% FPL qualify for Medicaid. Income is based on Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI).
Medicaid Expansion by State
40 Expansion States + DC
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Dakota
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wyoming
District of Columbia
8 Non-Expansion States
Florida
Georgia
Kansas
Mississippi
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
Wisconsin
In non-expansion states, adults without children typically cannot get Medicaid regardless of income. The marketplace with subsidies is the primary option for those earning 100-400% FPL.
Medicaid vs Marketplace: Income Zones
Below 100% FPL (non-expansion)
Under $15,650The coverage gap. In non-expansion states, you may not qualify for either Medicaid or marketplace subsidies. Affects an estimated 2-3 million people.
Below 138% FPL (expansion states)
Under $20,783Medicaid eligible. Free coverage with minimal or no copays. Apply any time of year through your state Medicaid agency or HealthCare.gov.
138-400% FPL
$20,783-$62,600Marketplace with subsidies. Not eligible for Medicaid. Premium tax credits reduce your marketplace premium based on income.
Above 400% FPL
Over $62,600Full-price marketplace or employer coverage. No Medicaid, no subsidies in 2026 (subsidy cliff). Some states are considering state-funded supplements.
CHIP: Children's Health Insurance Program
CHIP provides free or low-cost health coverage for children in families that earn too much for Medicaid but cannot afford marketplace coverage. Income limits vary by state but generally cover families earning up to 200-300% FPL.
CHIP covers doctor visits, immunizations, hospital care, dental, vision, lab work, prescriptions, and emergency services. Enrollment is open year-round. Apply through your state Medicaid agency or HealthCare.gov.
In most states, CHIP is free for children in families below 200% FPL. Above that threshold, there may be small monthly premiums ($15-50) and minimal copays.
Other Free or Low-Cost Options
Community Health Centers (FQHCs)
Federally Qualified Health Centers provide primary care on a sliding fee scale based on income. Over 1,400 centers nationwide serve 30+ million people.
Veterans Health Care
Veterans enrolled in the VA health system receive comprehensive coverage. Priority is income-based. Over 9 million veterans are enrolled.
Indian Health Service
Provides free healthcare to members of federally recognized tribes. Available at IHS facilities, tribal programs, and urban Indian organizations.
State-specific programs
Some states offer additional programs: basic health plans (MinnesotaCare, Essential Plan NY), county medical services, charity care at hospitals.