Pennsylvania Medicaid Income Limits 2026: Who Qualifies
Who can get Pennsylvania Medical Assistance in 2026, the income limits in dollars, and how to apply — in plain English.
✓ Every figure on this page verified against the primary government source as of July 16, 2026.
Pennsylvania expanded Medicaid, so adults qualify for Pennsylvania Medical Assistance 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.
- Watch for the OBBBA work rules — 80 hours/month requirements phase in for expansion adults through Dec 31, 2026.
Pennsylvania 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 |
Who qualifies for Pennsylvania Medical Assistance
Pennsylvania expanded Medicaid: adults qualify for Medical Assistance up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level.
Children qualify for Medical Assistance/CHIP at higher income levels; PA CHIP has no upper income cap (higher incomes pay premiums).
Seniors (65+) and people with disabilities qualify through separate, non-MAGI pathways — typically tied to the SSI rate of $994/month with a resource limit around $2,000 — and low-income Medicare beneficiaries can 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 Pennsylvania.
- SNAP: separate tests, one application — the same portal (compass.state.pa.us) handles both.
- Marketplace: above 138% FPL, HealthCare.gov subsidies take over.
- Medicare: dual-eligible seniors get premium and cost-sharing help through Medicaid.
Where to apply
Apply through Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) — online at compass.state.pa.us or by phone at 800-692-7462. You can also apply through HealthCare.gov — Medicaid-eligible applications are forwarded to the state automatically.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Medicaid income limit in Pennsylvania for 2026?
Adults qualify for Pennsylvania Medical Assistance 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 Pennsylvania Medicaid have an asset test?
Not for MAGI groups — adults under 138% FPL, children, and pregnant women face no asset limit. Asset limits (commonly $2,000 for an individual) still apply to aged/blind/disabled and long-term-care Medicaid.
Can children get Medicaid in Pennsylvania if parents earn too much?
Children qualify for Medical Assistance/CHIP at higher income levels; PA CHIP has no upper income cap (higher incomes pay premiums). There's no harm in applying — children are evaluated separately from adults.
Does SSI qualify me for Medicaid in Pennsylvania?
Yes — SSI recipients ($994/month federal rate in 2026) get Medicaid automatically or via a streamlined process in Pennsylvania.
Is there an enrollment deadline for Medicaid in Pennsylvania?
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 Pennsylvania?
Apply online at compass.state.pa.us, by phone at 800-692-7462, or through HealthCare.gov, which forwards Medicaid-eligible applications to the state.