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Texas Medicaid Income Limits for 2024

Written by Andrew Le, MD

UpdatedNovember 9, 2024

Access to Medicaid in Texas is determined by income limits based on the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), which varies according to household size and the specific program. Medicaid provides healthcare coverage to different groups, including families, pregnant women, children, and individuals with disabilities.

In this article, we will outline the income limits for the main Texas Medicaid programs in 2024.

Traditional Medicaid

Traditional Medicaid is available to parents and caretakers with dependent children under 18. Income limits for this program are based on household size and are as follows:

  • 1 person: $165 per month
  • 2 people: $281 per month
  • 3 people: $337 per month
  • 4 people: $407 per month
  • 5 people: $481 per month
  • 6 people: $555 per month
  • 7 people: $630 per month
  • 8 people: $704 per month

Each additional person adds $74 per month to the income limit. These limits represent approximately 17% of the FPL.

Medicaid for Pregnant Women

Pregnant women in Texas qualify for Medicaid with higher income limits than other groups. The limits are set at 203% of the FPL, providing coverage during pregnancy and up to 60 days postpartum. The 2024 income limits for pregnant women are:

  • 1 person: $2,547 per month
  • 2 people: $3,457 per month
  • 3 people: $4,368 per month
  • 4 people: $5,277 per month
  • 5 people: $6,187 per month
  • 6 people: $7,098 per month
  • 7 people: $8,008 per month
  • 8 people: $8,917 per month

Each additional person adds $909 per month to the limit.

Medicaid for Children

Medicaid income limits for children vary by age. Children under 1 year old have the same income limits as pregnant women, at 203% of the FPL:

  • 1 person: $2,547 per month
  • 2 people: $3,457 per month
  • 3 people: $4,368 per month
  • 4 people: $5,277 per month
  • 5 people: $6,187 per month
  • 6 people: $7,098 per month
  • 7 people: $8,008 per month
  • 8 people: $8,917 per month

For each additional person, the income limit increases by $909 per month.

For children aged 1 to 5 years old, the income limit is set at 149% of the FPL:

  • 1 person: $1,869 per month
  • 2 people: $2,537 per month
  • 3 people: $3,206 per month
  • 4 people: $3,874 per month
  • 5 people: $4,541 per month
  • 6 people: $5,210 per month
  • 7 people: $5,878 per month
  • 8 people: $6,545 per month

Each additional person adds $667 per month to the limit.

For children aged 6 to 18 years old, the income limit is 138% of the FPL:

  • 1 person: $1,731 per month
  • 2 people: $2,350 per month
  • 3 people: $2,969 per month
  • 4 people: $3,588 per month
  • 5 people: $4,206 per month
  • 6 people: $4,825 per month
  • 7 people: $5,444 per month
  • 8 people: $6,062 per month

Each additional person adds $618 per month.

CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program)

Children who do not qualify for Medicaid may still receive coverage through CHIP, which has higher income limits. CHIP income limits are set at 206% of the FPL. The monthly income limits for CHIP in 2024 are:

  • 1 person: $2,585 per month
  • 2 people: $3,508 per month
  • 3 people: $4,433 per month
  • 4 people: $5,355 per month
  • 5 people: $6,278 per month
  • 6 people: $7,203 per month
  • 7 people: $8,126 per month
  • 8 people: $9,049 per month

Each additional person adds $922 per month.

Medicare Savings Programs (MSP)

Medicare Savings Programs help individuals who are eligible for Medicare but need assistance with premiums and out-of-pocket costs. The income limits for MSPs are based on percentages of the FPL.

  • Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries (QMB): Income must be at or below 100% of the FPL. The 2024 limit is $1,255 per month for an individual and $1,704 for a couple. The deeming amount is $449
  • Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiaries (SLMB): The income limit is 120% of the FPL, or $1,506 per month for an individual and $2,044 for a couple. The deeming amount is $538.
  • Qualifying Individuals (QI-1): The income limit is 135% of the FPL. The 2024 limits are $1,695 per month for an individual and $2,300 for a couple. The deeming amount is $605.
  • Qualified Disabled Working Individuals (QDWI): The income limit is 200% of the FPL, or $2,510 per month for an individual and $3,407 for a couple. The deeming amount is $897.

Medicaid Buy-In (MBI) Program

The Medicaid Buy-In program allows working adults with disabilities to access Medicaid coverage. In 2024, the income limit is 250% of the FPL, or $3,138 per month for an individual. Premium payments for MBI are based on specific FPL percentages:

  • 150% of FPL: $1,883 per month
  • 185% of FPL: $2,322 per month
  • 200% of FPL: $2,510 per month
  • 250% of FPL: $3,138 per month

Medicaid Buy-In for Children (MBIC)

MBIC is for children with disabilities whose family income exceeds the regular Medicaid limits. In 2024, the income limit is 150% of the FPL, and the limits vary by family size:

  • 1 person: $1,883 per month
  • 2 people: $2,555 per month
  • 3 people: $3,228 per month
  • 4 people: $3,900 per month
  • 5 people: $4,573 per month
  • 6 people: $5,245 per month
  • 7 people: $5,918 per month
  • 8 people: $6,590 per month

Each additional person adds $672 per month to the limit. There is also an ineligible sibling exclusion amount of $3,851.

Texas Works Programs

Texas Works programs use different income limits based on the type of assistance. For Transitional Medicaid (TP 07), the income limit is 185% of the FPL:

  • 1 person: $2,322 per month
  • 2 people: $3,152 per month
  • 3 people: $3,981 per month
  • 4 people: $4,810 per month
  • 5 people: $5,640 per month
  • 6 people: $6,469 per month
  • 7 people: $7,299 per month
  • 8 people: $8,128 per mont

For each additional person, the income limit increases by $830 per month.

Programs like TP 44, 34, and TA 76 use income limits set at 133% of the FPL. For 2024, these limits are:

  • 1 person: $1,670 per month
  • 2 people: $2,266 per month
  • 3 people: $2,862 per month
  • 4 people: $3,458 per month
  • 5 people: $4,055 per month
  • 6 people: $4,651 per month
  • 7 people: $5,247 per month
  • 8 people: $5,844 per month

Each additional person adds $597 per month.

For programs like TP 48, 33, and TA 75, the income limit is set at 144% of the FPL:

  • 1 person: $1,808 per month
  • 2 people: $2,453 per month
  • 3 people: $3,099 per month
  • 4 people: $3,744 per month
  • 5 people: $4,390 per month
  • 6 people: $5,036 per month
  • 7 people: $5,681 per month
  • 8 people: $6,327 per month

Each additional person adds $646 per month.

Some Texas Works programs also offer assistance at higher income limits, like those based on 400% of the FPL. For example, under TA 77:

  • 1 person: $5,020 per month
  • 2 people: $6,814 per month
  • 3 people: $8,607 per month
  • 4 people: $10,400 per month
  • 5 people: $12,194 per month
  • 6 people: $13,987 per month
  • 7 people: $15,780 per month
  • 8 people: $17,574 per month

Each additional person adds $1,794 per month.

Wrap Up

Texas Medicaid income limits for 2024 vary by program and household size. For Traditional Medicaid, the limit for a single person is $165 per month, while families of eight have a $704 monthly limit. Pregnant women have higher limits, with a one-person household set at $2,547 per month. Children’s Medicaid follows a similar structure, with children under one year having a limit of $2,547, while children aged 1-5 are covered up to $1,869 for one person.

CHIP allows higher limits, reaching $2,585 per month for a single child. Medicare Savings Programs support individuals earning up to $1,255 (100% FPL) under QMB, while MBI caps income at 250% FPL, or $3,138 monthly. Texas Works programs, like Transitional Medicaid, use 185% FPL, capping income for a family of four at $4,810 per month. These limits ensure healthcare access for Texas families with varying financial needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can non-US citizens qualify for Medicaid in Texas?

Only US nationals, citizens, permanent residents, or legal aliens residing in Texas are eligible for Medicaid. Non-citizens who don’t meet these criteria may not qualify for Medicaid, but other programs, like emergency Medicaid or children’s programs, may be available.

Are there asset limits for Medicaid eligibility in Texas?

For most Medicaid programs in Texas, there are no asset tests or limits. Eligibility is primarily determined based on income relative to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), though specific programs for seniors or individuals with disabilities might also consider resources.

Can someone with private insurance still qualify for Medicaid in Texas?

Yes, individuals with private health insurance can still qualify for Medicaid in Texas if their income is low enough to meet the program's requirements. Medicaid may serve as secondary insurance, covering services or costs not included in the private insurance plan.

How does the Medicaid Buy-In Program differ from regular Medicaid?

The Medicaid Buy-In (MBI) program allows individuals with disabilities who work and earn more than the regular Medicaid limits to still qualify for Medicaid by paying a monthly premium. This program enables them to access services typically covered under Medicaid, but with higher income allowances.

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