Alabama's strict limits on Medicaid eligibility

Alabama does not extend Medicaid benefits to able-bodied childless adults. Its income limit for parents of Medicaid-eligible children — 18% of the poverty line ($4,797) for a family of three — are among the lowest of the ten states that have not expanded Medicaid.

A bar graph showing the income limits for qualifying for Medicaid as the percentage of the poverty line. Texas and Alabama are at 15 and 18% for a family of three; Wisconsin and Tennessee are at 100 and 105%, respectively.
As of May 1, 2024. Texas income limit for parents and other caretaker relatives is based on monthly dollar amounts which differ depending on family size and whether there is one or two parents in the family. Eligibility level shown is for a single parent household and a family size of three. Florida numbers are from 2023. Tennessee previously based section 1931 parent eligibility on a fixed dollar amount that was the equivalent of 82% FPL. In May 2024, the state received CMS approval to base parent eligibility on a percentage FPL and expanded the eligibility limit to 105% FPL.
Chart: Alabama ReflectorSource: State Health Facts, KFFGet the dataEmbed Created with Datawrapper