Your Guide to Medicaid Eligibility in Massachusetts

Are you eligible for Medicaid in Massachusetts? It might seem confusing—eligibility requirements vary from state to state, and some states even have their own name for Medicaid (In Massachusetts it is called MassHealth.) Yet, if you break eligibility down point by point, it’s a lot easier to wrap your head around.

With that said, we thought we’d do just that. Here’s what the state of Massachusetts will check for, after you apply for Medicaid, when determining your MassHealth (or Medicaid) eligibility.

Massachusetts Residency

You meet Massachusetts residency status if you live or will be living in the state of Massachusetts. Whether or not you have a fixed address is of no concern. Your intention to live in Massachusetts due to a job opportunity or job search would also make you an eligible resident.

You do not meet Massachusetts residency status if you pass through the state for vacation or travel. Or if you are simply in the state to seek medical care, assuming it’s not as a resident of a nursing facility.

Citizenship or Immigration Status

You meet citizenship or satisfactory immigration status if MassHealth can verify your citizenship or immigration status. MassHealth will partner with state and federal agencies to verify your status.

You do not meet citizenship or satisfactory immigration status if you are an undocumented immigrant. Immigrants without citizenship must be of a “qualified” status, which typically means obtaining a green card.

Financial Situation

You meet MassHealth financial requirements if you are of a “low” to “very low” income status, as outlined by the state of Massachusetts. The number of people in your household determines income thresholds.

You do not meet MassHealth financial requirements if you exceed the income threshold for the number of people in your household. Medicaid is a program meant for low to very low-income earners in the United States, with a few exceptions.

Here are the MassHealth income limits per household number, via Benefits.gov:

Are you eligible for MassHealth? Are you still not sure? We’ll help you with your Medicaid application and answer any questions you have.