North Carolina Medicaid Income Limits 2026: Who Qualifies
Who can get NC Medicaid in 2026, the income limits in dollars, and how to apply — in plain English.
Figures cite official government sources (linked by each table). Last verified July 17, 2026 · Effective period: Calendar 2026.
North Carolina expanded Medicaid, so adults qualify for NC Medicaid in 2026 with income up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level — about $1,835 per month for a single person and $3,795 for a family of four, with no asset test.
Key takeaways
- Qualify as an adult with income up to $1,835/month (1 person) or $3,795 (family of 4) — 138% FPL.
- Skip the asset test — MAGI Medicaid counts income only, not savings.
- Enroll any time — Medicaid has no open-enrollment window.
- Apply for kids regardless: children's limits run far higher than 138% FPL.
- Note the timing: the federal Medicaid community-engagement (work) requirement is generally scheduled to begin January 1, 2027, not 2026 — confirm North Carolina's date with its Medicaid agency.
North Carolina adult income limits by household size (2026)
| Household size | Monthly limit (138% FPL) | Annual limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,835 | $22,020 |
| 2 | $2,489 | $29,868 |
| 3 | $3,142 | $37,704 |
| 4 | $3,795 | $45,540 |
| 5 | $4,448 | $53,376 |
| 6 | $5,101 | $61,212 |
| 7 | $5,755 | $69,060 |
| 8 | $6,408 | $76,896 |
Source: NC Medicaid (Division of Health Benefits) — 2026 federal poverty guidelines.
These figures are derived from the federal poverty guidelines using MAGI (Modified Adjusted Gross Income). Confirm the exact figure with NC Medicaid (Division of Health Benefits).
Who qualifies for NC Medicaid
North Carolina expanded Medicaid on December 1, 2023: adults qualify up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level.
Children qualify for NC Medicaid/NC Health Choice at higher income levels.
Medicaid for people who are aged, blind, or disabled in North Carolina is based on state-specific non-MAGI rules. Income limits, resource limits, medically-needy/spend-down programs, and long-term-care standards vary by program — there is no single nationwide figure. Confirm the current limits with NC Medicaid (Division of Health Benefits). Low-income Medicare beneficiaries can also get help with premiums through Medicare Savings Programs.
How Medicaid interacts with other benefits
- SSI: an SSI award brings Medicaid automatically or via a streamlined process in North Carolina.
- SNAP: separate tests, one application — the same portal (epass.nc.gov) handles both.
- Marketplace: above 138% FPL, subsidies through HealthCare.gov take over.
- Medicare: dual-eligible seniors get premium and cost-sharing help through Medicaid.
Where to apply
- Apply through the state Medicaid/benefits portal first — NC Medicaid (Division of Health Benefits), epass.nc.gov, or by phone at 888-245-0179.
- North Carolina uses the federal Marketplace, HealthCare.gov, which forwards Medicaid-eligible applications to the state and handles subsidized plans above the Medicaid limit.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Medicaid income limit in North Carolina for 2026?
Adults qualify for NC Medicaid with income up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level: about $1,835 per month for one person and $3,795 for a family of four in 2026.
Does North Carolina Medicaid have an asset test?
Not for MAGI groups — adults under 138% FPL, children, and pregnant applicants face no asset limit. Non-MAGI Medicaid (aged, blind, disabled, and long-term care) uses state-specific resource rules that vary by program — confirm the current figure with NC Medicaid (Division of Health Benefits).
Can children get Medicaid in North Carolina if parents earn too much?
Children qualify for NC Medicaid/NC Health Choice at higher income levels. There's no harm in applying — children are evaluated separately from adults.
Does SSI qualify me for Medicaid in North Carolina?
Yes — SSI recipients ($994/month federal rate in 2026) get Medicaid automatically or via a streamlined process in North Carolina.
Is there an enrollment deadline for Medicaid in North Carolina?
No. Medicaid enrollment is open year-round — you can apply any month, and coverage can start retroactively up to 3 months before your application in many cases.
How do I apply for Medicaid in North Carolina?
Apply online at epass.nc.gov, by phone at 888-245-0179, or at a local office of NC Medicaid (Division of Health Benefits). You can also apply through HealthCare.gov, the federal Marketplace, which forwards Medicaid-eligible applications to the state.