Important Medicaid Updates!
Beginning January 1, 2026
- Income limits for parent and caretaker relatives will decrease from 215% to 133% of federal poverty level) FPL starting 1/1/2026 (see current and new income standards in chart below).
District of Columbia Medicaid covers adults without dependent children (childless adults) between the ages of twenty-one (21) and sixty-four (64). To be eligible for Medicaid as a Childless adult, you must be a District resident and meet eligibility requirements. There is no resource limit for this group.
Childless Adult (Medicaid) Eligibility
You may be eligible for Medicaid in the District under the Childless Adult category, if you:
- Are ages twenty-one (21) through sixty-four (64);
- Are a District resident;
- Are not disabled;
- Are not pregnant;
- Are not eligible for or enrolled in Medicare;
- Are US citizens or have eligible immigration status;
- Meet income requirements; and
- Are not caring for dependent children under eighteen (18) or eighteen (18) and a full time student
Current and Upcoming Household Income Thresholds
| Category | *Current* (Ending 12/31/2025) |
*New* (Starting 1/1/2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Threshold in FPL | 210% + 5% disregard* | 133% + 5% disregard* |
| 1 person household, monthly |
$2,806 |
$1,800 |
|
2 person household, monthly |
$3,790 | $2,432 |
| 3 person household, monthly | $4,775 | $3,065 |
| 4 person household, monthly |
$5,762 |
$3,697 |
| 5 person household, monthly | $6,747 | $4,330 |
| 6 person household, monthly | $7,731 | $4,962 |
| 7 person household, monthly | $8,718 | $5,595 |
| 8 person household, monthly | $9,703 | $6,227 |
Figures compiled using 2025 FPL numbers as of January 15, 2025 distributed by the US Department of Health and Human Services. Figures set to change on or after January 16, 2026.
*5% income disregard is included
Are you a Childless Adult 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.