MassHealth Income Limits for 2024: How Much Can You Make and Still Qualify?

If you live in Massachusetts and are wondering “What is the maximum income to qualify for MassHealth in 2024?”, you are not alone. Income limits can be confusing, and they depend on several factors beyond just how much you earn.

This guide walks you through the key income rules for MassHealth in 2024, explains how income is counted, and helps you understand which program you might qualify for based on your situation.

Because dollar amounts and rules can change during the year, use this as a clear roadmap to what typically matters for eligibility, and confirm exact income levels with the official MassHealth sources or an enrollment assister.

Understanding MassHealth: The Basics

MassHealth is the name for Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) in Massachusetts. It helps eligible residents with low or moderate incomes get health coverage.

Eligibility is based on:

• Income
• Household size
• Age
• Disability status
• Pregnancy
• Immigration status
• Whether you get Medicare

Because there are several types of MassHealth coverage, there is no single income limit that applies to everyone. Instead, there are different maximum income levels for different groups.

How MassHealth Measures Income in 2024

Before looking at specific limits, it helps to know how MassHealth looks at income.

Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI)

For most people, MassHealth uses Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) rules. This method is also used for Affordable Care Act marketplace plans and is based on your federal tax household.

MAGI generally includes:

• Wages and salaries
• Self-employment income
• Unemployment benefits
• Certain Social Security benefits
• Taxable interest and dividends
• Some other taxable income

It normally does not include:

• Child support you receive
• Certain disability payments
• Some veteran’s benefits
• Certain workers’ compensation payments

MassHealth also looks at your household size based on who you include on your federal tax return (yourself, spouse, and tax dependents, with some special rules).

The Role of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)

MassHealth income limits are based on a percentage of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), which is a standard measure used nationwide.

While the exact 2024 dollar amounts for each household size come from annual federal guidelines, MassHealth sets its eligibility groups as percentages of FPL.

Some common FPL-based thresholds for MassHealth include:

• Up to about 150% FPL
• Up to about 200% FPL
• Up to about 250% FPL
• Up to about 300% FPL

The higher the FPL percentage your group is allowed, the higher your income can be and still qualify.

MassHealth Programs and Typical Income Limits by Group

Below is an overview of who may qualify and at what FPL levels, in general terms. The exact dollar cutoffs change each year with updated FPL figures.

1. Adults Ages 19–64 (Not Pregnant, No Medicare)

Most adults in this group are evaluated under MAGI-based MassHealth Standard or CarePlus.

• MassHealth Standard or CarePlus often cover:
  • Adults up to about 133%–138% of the FPL (varies by category and timing)
• As income rises above this level, you may lose eligibility for MassHealth and instead qualify for:
  • ConnectorCare or other subsidized marketplace plans, not MassHealth

Key point: For many non-pregnant adults without Medicare, the maximum income to qualify for MassHealth is roughly in the low- to mid-130% FPL range, depending on the program type.

2. Children and Teens (Under Age 19)

MassHealth is more generous for children than for adults.

• Children in low- and moderate-income families can often qualify at much higher FPL levels, sometimes up to around 300% FPL through MassHealth and related children’s coverage.
• Coverage may be free at lower income levels and involve premium payments or cost-sharing at higher incomes, while still under the maximum eligible FPL threshold.

Key point: For children, the maximum income to qualify can be significantly higher than it is for adults.

3. Pregnant Individuals

Pregnancy usually allows higher income thresholds for MassHealth.

• Pregnant people may qualify for MassHealth Standard or related coverage at income levels up to about 200%–250% FPL or higher, depending on the exact pregnancy program and timing.
• Coverage typically extends for the pregnancy and a period after birth (postpartum), subject to current MassHealth policy.

Key point: If you are pregnant, you may qualify for MassHealth even if your income is too high for non-pregnant adults.

4. Parents and Caregivers

If you are a parent or caretaker relative of a child, your income limit may differ from that of an adult with no children in the home.

• Many parents and caregivers qualify for MassHealth Standard or CarePlus at FPL levels similar to or slightly higher than those for non-parent adults, and children in the household often have even higher income limits for their own coverage.

Key point: Having children in your household can expand eligibility across several types of MassHealth coverage.

5. Seniors (65+) and People With Disabilities

For older adults and people with certain disabilities, MassHealth may use non‑MAGI rules that take both income and assets into account.

• These programs often include:
  • MassHealth Standard for seniors and people with disabilities
  • CommonHealth (for people with disabilities who have income above certain limits)
  • Programs that help with Medicare premiums and cost-sharing

For seniors and people with disabilities:

• Income limits can differ from MAGI-based coverage.
• Asset limits (such as savings, investments, and in some cases property) may apply.
• Some individuals qualify even with income above standard cutoffs, by using spenddown or special disability-related programs.

Key point: For seniors and people with disabilities, maximum income to qualify depends heavily on the exact program and whether assets are counted.

Simple Visual Overview: Typical FPL Ranges by Group (2024 Conceptual Guide)

The table below summarizes general patterns of income thresholds in terms of FPL. These are not exact dollar numbers, but a quick way to see how different groups compare.

To understand your own maximum income level in dollars, you would:

1. Identify:
   • Your household size
   • Your eligibility category (adult, child, pregnant, senior, disabled, etc.)
2. Look up the current FPL chart for your household size.
3. Multiply your household FPL dollar amount by the relevant FPL percentage for your group.

Why There Is No Single “Maximum Income” Number

When people ask, “What is the maximum income to qualify for MassHealth in 2024?”, they usually expect one simple dollar amount. In reality, several things prevent a one-size-fits-all answer:

1. Different categories
   Adults, children, pregnant individuals, and seniors each have different income caps.

2. Household size
   A single person and a family of four will have very different dollar limits, even at the same FPL percentage.

3. Changing FPL each year
   Federal Poverty Levels are updated annually, so the dollar amounts shift from year to year.

4. Program type and cost-sharing
   In some ranges, you might still “qualify” but with premiums or co-pays, while at lower incomes coverage may be no-cost.

5. Non-MAGI rules and special pathways
   People with disabilities, long-term care needs, or Medicare may qualify through separate rules that do not follow the standard MAGI FPL chart.

How to Estimate Whether Your Income May Qualify

While exact determinations should come from MassHealth, you can do a quick self-check with these steps:

1. Figure out your tax household

   • Include yourself, your spouse (if filing jointly), and anyone you claim as a tax dependent.

2. Calculate your annual income

   • Add up expected gross taxable income for the year (wages, self‑employment, unemployment, etc.).
   • Use your best estimate if income varies month to month.

3. Compare to a current FPL chart

   • Find the FPL dollar amount for your household size.
   • See what percentage of FPL your income represents.

4. Match that percentage to a category

   • Are you a non‑pregnant adult, a child, pregnant, a senior, or a person with a disability?
   • Compare your FPL percentage to the typical ranges listed earlier to see whether you may fall under a likely cutoff.

⚠️ Tip: If you are close to a cutoff, it is usually worth applying anyway. People are often uncertain about what counts as income, and MassHealth makes the formal determination.

Other Factors That Can Affect Eligibility

While income is central to MassHealth, it is not the only factor. These can also matter:

• Citizenship and immigration status
  Some programs are limited to U.S. citizens and specific immigration categories, while others offer limited-scope coverage.

• Access to other insurance
  If you have or are eligible for employer coverage, Medicare, or other public coverage, it may change which MassHealth program you qualify for, or whether MassHealth works as secondary coverage.

• Disability status
  Documented disabilities may open access to CommonHealth or other specialized MassHealth programs, even if your income is above some standard limits.

• Long-term care needs
  People who need nursing facility care or other long-term services and supports often fall under stricter but different financial rules involving income and assets.

Common Consumer Questions About MassHealth Income Limits

“If my income goes up during the year, will I lose MassHealth immediately?”

MassHealth usually requires you to report income changes. Whether your coverage changes right away depends on:

• The size of the change
• Your current program type
• Whether you still fall under another eligible category

Some people who no longer qualify for MassHealth may be able to transition to ConnectorCare or other subsidized coverage without a gap.

“Is there a different income limit for part-time workers or self-employed people?”

The rules are the same, but estimating income can be trickier. MassHealth focuses on total annual income, not just one paycheck:

• Part‑time workers add up all expected annual earnings.
• Self‑employed people usually subtract allowable business expenses when calculating countable income.

“Do I need to be at zero income to get MassHealth?”

No. Many people with steady income still qualify—especially:

• Children
• Pregnant individuals
• Low‑income working adults
• People with disabilities and seniors under special programs

The key is comparing your household income to the FPL-based limits for your specific category.

Practical Takeaways

To summarize the maximum income to qualify for MassHealth in 2024:

• There is no single universal dollar amount; it depends on:
  • Your household size
  • Your age
  • Whether you are pregnant
  • Whether you have a disability
  • Whether you are 65+
• Non‑pregnant adults typically qualify up to around 133%–138% FPL.
• Children often qualify at much higher incomes, up to around 250%–300% FPL.
• Pregnant individuals have higher limits than non‑pregnant adults.
• Seniors and people with disabilities may qualify under different rules that also consider assets.

Because FPL numbers change each year and programs can be updated, the most reliable way to know if you qualify in 2024 is to:

1. Gather your household and income information.
2. Compare it to current FPL-based guidelines.
3. Submit an application or speak with a qualified assister who can look at your exact situation.

That approach will give you the clearest answer to how much you can earn and still qualify for MassHealth in 2024 based on your personal circumstances.