District of Columbia Medicaid provides medical coverage for parent(s) and/or caretaker/relative(s) of dependent child(ren) who are 18 and under or 18 and a full time student. 

A caretaker relative can be the following: 

• Blood Relatives 
• Mother or Father 
• Brother or Sister 
• Grandfather or Grandmother 
• Stepfather or Stepmother 
• Stepbrother or Stepsister 
• Aunt or Uncle 
• Nephew or Niece 
• First Cousin                                                                      

If you are related to the dependent child through marriage, you may continue to be considered a caretaker relative even if the relationship ended due to divorce or other legal termination of the relationship. 

Who is Eligible? 

You may be eligible for Medicaid in the District under the Parent(s) or caretaker/relative(s) category, if you: 

• Are An adult who lives with and provides care for a dependent child; 
• Are A District Resident; 
• Are A US citizen or have eligible immigration status; and 
• Meet income requirements 

The District covers this group with household income up to 133% of the Federal Poverty Level 

Category	Parent/Caretaker/Relative
Threshold in FPL	133% + 5% disregard*
1 person household, monthly	$1,836
2 person household, monthly	$2,489
3 person household, monthly	$3,142
4 person household, monthly	$3,795
5 person household, monthly	$4,449
6 person household, monthly	$5,102
7 person household, monthly	$5,755
8 person household, monthly	$6,408

Figures compiled using 2026 FPL numbers as of January 16, 2026 distributed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.  * 5% income disregard is included 

Are you a Parent/Caretaker Relative who has Medicare? 

If you are a parent or a caretaker/relative receiving Medicaid and you become eligible for or enrolled in Medicare, you must report this change immediately. Reporting this change allows the state to re-evaluate your eligibility for Dual Eligibility in the same or another Medicaid Program to ensure your coverage continues without interruption.   

For more information on the QMB program click here. 

For more information about other health insurance options click here. 

Income limits changed for Parent/Caretaker relatives decreased 1/1/2026, for more information click here. 

How to Apply 

If you think you may be eligible for Medicaid as a parent/caretaker relative, see the “How to Apply” section.