Important Medicaid Updates!

Beginning January 1, 2026

• Income limits for parent and caretaker relatives will decrease from 216% to 133% of federal poverty level) FPL starting 1/1/2026 (see current and new income standards in chart below).
• For more information about Medicaid Changes, please click here.

District of Columbia Medicaid provides medical coverage for parent(s) or other 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

Income Requirements to be eligible for Medicaid as a parent/caretaker relative:

The District covers this population with household income up to 216% of the Federal Poverty Level

Category	Parent/Caretaker/Relative	*New* (Starting January 1, 2026)
Threshold in FPL	216% + 5% disregard*	5% disregard*
1 person household, monthly	$2,884	$1,800
2 person household, monthly	$3,896	$2,432
3 person household, monthly	$4,908	$3,065
4 person household, monthly	$5,923	$3,697
5 person household, monthly	$6,935	$4,330
6 person household, monthly	$7,947	$4,962
7 person household, monthly	$8,962	$5,595
8 person household, monthly	$9,974	$6,227

Figures compiled using 2025 FPL numbers as of January 15, 2025 distributed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Figures set to change on or after January 16, 2026.

*5% income disregard included

Are you a Parent/Caretaker Relative who has Medicare?

If your income is above 133% of the FPL limit (see chart above) and you have Medicare, you will be automatically transitioned to Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) starting January 1, 2026. QMB health coverage is limited to payment Medicare premiums, co-payments and deductibles and does not offer full scope health insurance.

For more information on the QMB program click here.
For more information about other health insurance options 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.