Medicaid Income Chart 2018: Rules, Limits, and How to Use It

What the 2018 Medicaid Income Chart Covers and Why It Matters

The 2018 Medicaid income chart shows income limits used by states to determine eligibility for adults, children, pregnant people, and seniors. These limits are set relative to the federal poverty level (FPL) and can differ by household size, age, pregnancy status, and state. In 2018, the federal poverty level was $12,140 for one person and $16,410 for a family of two; many states used these benchmarks as a baseline. This guide explains how income is counted, how exemptions and deductions apply, and how to find your state’s 2018 figures for the most accurate picture of eligibility.

How Medicaid Income Limits Are Set Nationwide

Medicaid eligibility rules are state-level, but states must follow federal guidelines for certain groups. For example, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) expansion established a national floor: non-expansion states could not set an adult eligibility limit below 100% of the FPL for groups not otherwise covered. In 2018, that floor was $12,140 for one person. However, states that did not expand Medicaid had more leeway for childless adults, and many set limits near or below this level. For children and pregnant people, income limits are typically expressed as a percentage of FPL and vary by group. The following table summarizes key 2018 federal baselines that many states used as reference points.

2018 Federal Poverty Level and Key Eligibility Baselines

What Counts as Income for Medicaid in 2018

Medicaid defines countable income broadly, but not all income is treated the same. Generally, agencies review modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) for adults and tax net income for children in states using 2018 policies. Countable income usually includes wages, self-employment net earnings, unemployment benefits, Social Security benefits, pensions, and some other recurring cash payments. Exclusions can include certain small earnings, home value increases, tax refunds (in some cases), and small infrequent windfalls. States may also apply an income disregard—such as subtracting a small portion of earnings or a fixed dollar amount—before comparing income to limits.

Common Types of Income and How They Are Treated

• Wages and self-employment income: Generally fully countable; some states apply small disregards.
• Unemployment compensation: Countable in most states; rules on duration vary.
• Social Security retirement and disability: Countable as income.
• SSI payments: Typically not counted toward Medicaid income limits in many states, but rules vary.
• Pensions and annuities: Counted after adjustments for cost-of-living or survivor benefits where allowed.
• Child support and alimony: Usually counted if received.

Household Definitions and How They Affect Eligibility

Medicaid looks at household income relative to household size, and defining the household matters. For most adults, the household includes the applicant and any tax dependents claimed on the most recent tax return. For children, the countable household usually includes parents or caregivers who claim them as dependents or provide more than half of their support. Some states have special rules for married applicants, childless adults, or individuals with disabilities. If your household composition changed during 2018—such as a birth, marriage, or a dependent moving in—you may qualify under a different household size, which can lower your effective income threshold. It is important to report these changes accurately and use the correct household definition when reviewing the 2018 Medicaid income chart for your situation.

Standard vs. Actual Income: A Comparison

Some applicants may have low reported income but high resources, while others may have variable earnings. In 2018, most states used standard income thresholds based on the FPL for initial screening. If your income is near or above the limit, the agency may request detailed pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit statements to calculate actual income. For self-employed applicants, net earnings after business expenses are used, not gross receipts. For people with fluctuating income, such as seasonal or gig work, many states applied an average over a prior period or used current pay if it was expected to continue. Understanding whether a chart shows standard or actual thresholds can help you interpret the numbers correctly and avoid submitting incomplete documentation.

How to Use the 2018 Medicaid Income Chart in Practice

To use the 2018 Medicaid income chart, first identify your household size and composition. Next, determine whether the chart you are viewing is for a state that expanded Medicaid under the ACA or a non-expansion approach. Then find the income limit that matches your group—adult, child, pregnant person, or senior—and compare your countable income to that threshold. If you are close to the limit, check for applicable deductions, disregards, or shelter allowances that might lower your countable income. Finally, confirm your state’s specific rules at the time, because local policies and waivers could make the 2018 chart differ from national descriptions. The table below shows how a hypothetical household might compare its income to common 2018 benchmarks.

Example: Income Compared to Common 2018 Benchmarks

Special Circumstances and Program Variations

Certain programs and rules can alter how income is assessed in 2018. For example, some states had Section 1115 waivers or other demonstrations that changed income thresholds or allowed additional deductions. Pregnant people and parents might be subject to separate rules with higher percentage limits of FPL. Seniors and people with disabilities may have different income treatment when calculating eligibility for institutional or home- and community-based services. If you are applying based on a special status, verify whether state-specific rules in 2018 created different thresholds than those shown on a general chart. When in doubt, contact your state Medicaid agency or a local community resource specialist to confirm how your circumstances apply.

Checking Your State’s 2018 Medicaid Income Chart

Because states set their own limits, the numbers on a national 2018 Medicaid income chart are a starting point, not a final determination. States publish their methodologies, and many provide online tools or lookup pages where you can enter household size to see the exact limit in effect. If you are reviewing historical data, seek official state or federal sources published in 2018 or early 2019 to ensure you are using the correct numbers and definitions. Reliable sources typically include state Medicaid agency sites, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and trusted legal or policy resources that document eligibility rules by year. Using an authoritative source will reduce confusion and help you interpret thresholds accurately for your situation.

Key Takeaways

• The 2018 Medicaid income chart reflects limits tied to the federal poverty level, which was $12,140 for one person and $16,410 for two people.
• Many states used these benchmarks, but limits varied by household size, age group, and whether the state expanded Medicaid under the ACA.
• Countable income includes most recurring cash payments; some exclusions and disregards may apply.
• Household definition can change your eligibility band; confirm who counts in your household.
• Always verify with your state’s official 2018 resources, because local rules and waivers can shift thresholds and eligibility.