Georgia Medicaid Eligibility 2026: Income Limits & How to Apply

Georgia Medicaid covers children, pregnant women, seniors, people with disabilities, and some low-income adults.

In 2026, Georgia uses Traditional Medicaid and Georgia Pathways to Coverage™ to help residents get healthcare.

Quick Summary:

Children and pregnant women have higher income limits
Seniors and disabled adults must meet income and asset tests
Adults ages 19-64 can qualify through Georgia Pathways
New 2026 rule: Caregivers of young children now qualify
Apply online through Georgia Gateway year-round
Pathways program extended through December 31, 2026

Page Contents

Who Qualifies for Georgia Medicaid in 2026?

Georgia Medicaid eligibility depends on your age, income, and family situation. You must live in Georgia and be a U.S. citizen or qualified legal resident.

Children and Teens

Georgia offers strong Medicaid coverage for kids. Eligibility is based on family income, not parent status.

Income Limits by Age:

Babies under 1 year: Up to 210% FPL
Children ages 1-5: Up to 154% FPL
Children ages 6-18: Up to 138% FPL
PeachCare for Kids (ages 0-19): Up to 252% FPL

PeachCare is Georgia’s Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). It covers kids who don’t qualify for regular Medicaid.

Pregnant Women

Pregnant women get Medicaid if their income is at or below 225% of the federal poverty level.

Coverage includes:

Prenatal care and delivery
Hospital stays
Postpartum care for 12 months after birth

Planning for Healthy Babies (P4HB): Women ages 18-44 with income up to 211% FPL can get family planning services.

Seniors and People with Disabilities

Aged, Blind, and Disabled (ABD) Medicaid has both income and asset limits.

2026 Income Limits:

Individual: $967 per month
Couples: $1,450 per month
Nursing home or home care: $2,901 per month

Asset Limits:

Individual: $2,000
Couples: $3,000
Your primary home doesn’t count (up to $636,000 value)

You must provide proof of disability through Social Security or state evaluation.

Georgia Pathways to Coverage 2026

Georgia Pathways is for adults ages 19-64 who don’t have children or disabilities. This is Georgia’s partial Medicaid expansion program.

Who Qualifies?

You must meet all these requirements:

Ages 19 to 64
Income at or below 100% FPL (about $15,650/year for one person)
Complete 80 hours of qualifying activities each month
Live in Georgia

Qualifying Activities

You can meet the 80-hour requirement through:

Working a job (full-time or part-time)
Self-employment
Community service or volunteering
College or vocational training
Job training or readiness programs
NEW for 2026: Caring for a child under age 6

Easier Reporting Rules

You only report your hours twice:

When you first apply
At your yearly renewal

You don’t report every month anymore. This change started in late 2025.

Important Pathways Updates

Program Extended: Georgia Pathways continues through December 31, 2026, according to the Georgia Department of Community Health.

Copayments: Starting October 1, 2025, you may pay small copays for some services. You still get care even if you can’t pay.

2026 Federal Poverty Level (FPL) Guidelines

Federal poverty levels help determine Medicaid eligibility. The 2026 FPL numbers are updated each spring.

2025 FPL Guidelines (current until spring 2026):

Household Size	100% FPL	138% FPL	225% FPL
1 person	$15,650	$21,597	$35,213
2 people	$21,150	$29,187	$47,588
3 people	$26,650	$36,777	$59,963
4 people	$32,150	$44,367	$72,338

Check the official Georgia Medicaid website for updated 2026 numbers after March 2026.

How to Apply for Georgia Medicaid

You can apply for Medicaid any time of year.

Three Ways to Apply

1. Online (Fastest): Visit Georgia Gateway at https://gateway.ga.gov to apply for Medicaid, SNAP, and other benefits.

2. By Phone: Call the Division of Family & Children Services at 1-877-423-4746.

3. In Person: Find your local DFCS county office and apply in person.

What You’ll Need

Gather these documents before applying:

Social Security numbers for everyone applying
Proof of Georgia residency (utility bill, lease, ID)
Income proof (pay stubs, tax returns, award letters)
Proof of citizenship or legal status

What If I Don’t Qualify?

If you don’t qualify for Medicaid, you have options.

Georgia Access: Georgia’s health insurance marketplace offers private plans. Open enrollment runs from November 1, 2025, to January 15, 2026.

Emergency Medicaid: Non-citizens may qualify for emergency medical services.

Visit https://www.healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 for more help.

FAQs About Georgia Medicaid 2026

Q: Does Georgia have full Medicaid expansion in 2026?

No. Georgia hasn’t adopted full ACA expansion. Instead, Georgia Pathways to Coverage offers limited eligibility for adults ages 19-64 who meet work or activity requirements of 80 hours monthly.

Q: Can I get Georgia Medicaid if I’m unemployed?

Yes, if you’re pregnant, have children, are disabled, or over 65. Adults ages 19-64 need Georgia Pathways, which requires 80 hours of qualifying activities like volunteering, training, or caregiving for young children.

Q: How long does Georgia Medicaid approval take in 2026?

Most applications are processed within 30 to 45 days. Disability-based applications may take up to 90 days. You’ll receive a notice by mail with your eligibility decision and next steps.

Q: Can caregivers qualify for Georgia Pathways in 2026?

Yes! New for 2026, being the primary caregiver for a child under age 6 counts as a qualifying activity. This helps stay-at-home parents meet the 80-hour monthly requirement for Pathways coverage.

Q: What’s the income limit for a family of 4 in Georgia Medicaid?

For children, families of 4 can earn up to $44,367/year (138% FPL). Pregnant women can earn up to $72,338/year (225% FPL). Georgia Pathways adults need income under $32,150/year (100% FPL).

Q: Do I need to reapply for Georgia Medicaid every year?

Yes. Georgia Medicaid requires annual renewal. You’ll receive a notice before your coverage ends. Renew online through Georgia Gateway or by phone at 1-877-423-4746 to avoid losing benefits.