Medicaid Income Limits in Hawaii
Hawaii expanded Medicaid, so an adult under 65 qualifies for Med-QUEST with income at or below 138% of the federal poverty level — about $1,991 a month for one person and $3,416 for a household of three, with or without children.
2026 Med-QUEST Income Limits in Hawaii
Hawaii expanded Medicaid
That single fact sets the limit: adults aged 19–64 are measured against 138% of the federal poverty level, with or without children, and there is no asset test for this group.
Monthly and annual income limits in Hawaii at 138% of the federal poverty level, the level a parent or caretaker adult is measured against. Medicaid counts modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) for this group, so pre-tax retirement contributions and some deductions reduce the income that counts.
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit | Annual Income Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $1,991 | $23,888 |
| 2 people | $2,704 | $32,444 |
| 3 people | $3,416 | $40,986 |
| 4 people | $4,129 | $49,542 |
| 5 people | $4,840 | $58,084 |
| 6 people | $5,552 | $66,626 |
| 7 people | $6,264 | $75,169 |
| 8 people | $6,976 | $83,711 |
Source: state Medicaid eligibility levels as most recently published (2024); states may revise them. Children, pregnant women, people who are 65+, blind or disabled, and people needing long-term care are measured against different rules — usually higher income limits, and for the last group an asset test as well.
Where to Apply in Hawaii
- Agency: Hawaii Med-QUEST Division
- Online: Hawaii DHS online application
- Phone: 855-643-1643
- Program name in Hawaii: Med-QUEST
Agency details change; confirm on the state website before you call or apply.
Understanding These Limits
- Annual Limit: Your total household income for the year must be at or below this amount.
- Monthly Limit: Your monthly income (annual divided by 12) must be at or below this amount.
- Household Size: Count yourself, your spouse, and all dependents living with you.
- Income Counted: Generally includes wages, self-employment, Social Security, pensions, and other regular income before taxes.
- MAGI household: Medicaid counts your tax household — you, your spouse and anyone you claim as a dependent — not simply the people living with you.
Medicaid in Hawaii: Common Questions
What is the income limit for Medicaid in Hawaii in 2026?
Hawaii expanded Medicaid, so an adult under 65 qualifies for Med-QUEST with monthly income at or below 138% of the federal poverty level: about $1,991 a month for one person, $3,416 for a household of three and $4,129 for four — $23,888 and $40,986 a year respectively. Children, pregnant women and people who are 65+, blind or disabled are measured against different and generally higher limits.
Can I get Medicaid in Hawaii if I have no children?
Yes. Because Hawaii expanded Medicaid, adults aged 19–64 with no children qualify for Med-QUEST on income alone, at or below 138% of the federal poverty level. You do not need to be disabled, pregnant or a parent.
How do I apply for Medicaid in Hawaii?
Apply for Med-QUEST online through Hawaii DHS online application at medquest.hawaii.gov, run by the Hawaii Med-QUEST Division, or by phone at 855-643-1643. Medicaid has no open-enrolment window — you can apply any day of the year, and coverage can be backdated up to three months if you were eligible then.
How long does Hawaii take to approve Medicaid?
15–45 days is the normal range. Federal rules give Hawaii 45 days to decide most applications and 90 days when a disability determination is required. Coverage, once granted, is generally backdated to the first day of the month you applied.
What if I earn too much for Medicaid in Hawaii?
Children are covered at much higher incomes than adults everywhere — Hawaii covers children through Medicaid and CHIP well above the adult limit, so apply for them separately even if you are denied. Pregnancy coverage also uses a higher limit. Above those, a Marketplace plan with a premium tax credit is the next step, and people who are 65+ or on Medicare should check the Medicare Savings Programs instead.
Medicaid Income Limits in Other States
Whether a state expanded Medicaid changes the income limit from 138% of poverty to as little as 15%.