Texas Medicaid and CHIP limits, 2026.
| Group | Limit (% of poverty level) | Family of 2, monthly | Family of 3, monthly | Family of 4, monthly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Children under 1 | 198% | $3,571 | $4,508 | $5,445 |
| Children 1 to 5 | 144% | $2,597 | $3,278 | $3,960 |
| Children 6 to 18 | 133% | $2,398 | $3,028 | $3,658 |
| CHIP, children 0 to 18 | 201% | $3,625 | $4,576 | $5,528 |
| Pregnant women | 198% | $3,571 | $4,508 | $5,445 |
| Parents and caretakers | 11% | $198 | $250 | $303 |
| Adults without children | Not covered |
Why so many Texas adults fall through.
In states that expanded Medicaid, adults qualify up to 138% of the poverty level. Texas did not expand, so an adult without children generally cannot get Medicaid at any income unless they qualify through age, disability or another category, and parents lose eligibility at very low incomes. Meanwhile, the Marketplace premium tax credit generally starts at 100% of the poverty level ($15,960 for one person for 2027 coverage).
The result is a coverage gap for adults under 100% of the poverty level. If your income is at or just above 100%, you can qualify for a premium tax credit and a 94% silver plan, which can make coverage very affordable.
If your family is over the limits.
- Children: check CHIP up to 201% before assuming a family plan.
- Adults at 100% to 250% of the poverty level: a silver Marketplace plan with a premium tax credit and cost-sharing reductions. See cost-sharing reductions.
- Mixed households: parents on a Marketplace plan and children on Medicaid or CHIP is common and allowed.
- Enrolled tribal members: extra protections apply in both Medicaid and the Marketplace. See EnrollNative.
Medicaid and CHIP applications are accepted all year.
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Get my free optionsQuestions people ask.
What is the income limit for Medicaid in Texas for a single adult?
Texas Medicaid generally does not cover non-disabled adults under 65 without children, at any income. A Marketplace plan with a premium tax credit is the usual option once income reaches 100% of the poverty level.
What is the CHIP income limit in Texas?
About 201% of the poverty level: $4,576 a month for a family of three and $5,528 for a family of four in 2026.
Can my kids be on CHIP while I have a Marketplace plan?
Yes. Children can be on Medicaid or CHIP while parents enroll in a HealthCare.gov plan with a premium tax credit.
Sources.
- CMS Marketplace API, state Medicaid and CHIP eligibility thresholds, fiscal year 2026. developer.cms.gov
- HHS ASPE, 2026 poverty guidelines. aspe.hhs.gov
- Texas Health and Human Services, Medicaid and CHIP. hhs.texas.gov
- YourTexasBenefits.com (apply for Texas Medicaid and CHIP). yourtexasbenefits.com
General information for Texas and Oklahoma residents, not tax or legal advice. Rules and numbers can change; this page is reviewed on the date shown above. Your eligibility and prices are set by HealthCare.gov or the insurer when you apply.
Who wrote this.
RedHealth Advisors LLC is a licensed health insurance agency in Round Rock, Texas (Texas agency license 3449979, NPN 22110493), serving Texas and Oklahoma. Ryan Hutson is a licensed agent (NPN 21321807). Licensing details.