MassHealth Eligibility 2026: Who Qualifies and How to Apply
MassHealth is Massachusetts' Medicaid and CHIP program. It provides free or low-cost health coverage to more than 2 million residents — adults, children, seniors, pregnant women, and people with disabilities. Eligibility is based mainly on your household income as a percentage of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), and the limits are higher than many people expect.
What MassHealth provides
- Doctor visits, hospital care, and emergency services
- Prescription drug coverage
- Behavioral health and substance use treatment
- Dental and vision care (varies by plan type)
- Long-term services and supports for seniors and people with disabilities
Income limits
| Household size | Annual income limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $22,025 |
| 2 | $29,863 |
| 3 | $37,702 |
| 4 | $45,540 |
Children qualify for MassHealth Standard up to 150% FPL, pregnant women up to 200% FPL, and families may qualify for Family Assistance up to 300% FPL. Above these limits, ConnectorCare and premium tax credits are available up to 500% FPL.
Who qualifies
- Massachusetts resident
- U.S. citizen or qualified immigrant (undocumented residents may qualify for MassHealth Limited emergency coverage)
- Adults 21–64: income up to 138% FPL (MassHealth CarePlus)
- Children under 19: income up to 150% FPL (MassHealth Standard)
- Pregnant women: income up to 200% FPL
- Adults with a documented disability: income up to 133% FPL with no asset test under MAGI rules
How to apply
- Check your eligibility with our free 5-minute prescreener — no account needed
- Gather documents: photo ID, proof of MA residency, Social Security number, recent pay stubs, and your latest tax return
- Apply online through HealthCompass with guided, step-by-step help, or call MassHealth at 1-800-841-2900
- MassHealth processes most applications within 45 days (10 days if you have an urgent medical need)
Frequently asked questions
For most adults aged 21–64, the 2026 limit is 138% of the Federal Poverty Level — about $22,025 a year for a single person or $45,540 for a family of four. Children qualify up to 150% FPL and pregnant women up to 200% FPL, so a family can earn more and still get coverage for kids.
Qualified immigrants (green card holders, refugees, asylees, and others) can get full MassHealth coverage. Undocumented residents may qualify for MassHealth Limited, which covers emergency and essential services including labor and delivery.
MassHealth must make a decision within 45 days of receiving a complete application, or within 10 days if you attest to an urgent medical need. Applying with complete documents — pay stubs, ID, proof of residency — avoids delays.
If your income is above the MassHealth limit but under 500% FPL, you likely qualify for ConnectorCare plans or premium tax credits through the Massachusetts Health Connector. Our prescreener checks both in one pass.
Official resources
See everything you qualify for — in one check
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