Skip to content
Independent guide — not affiliated with any government agency. Always confirm details with the official agency links on each page.
BenefitsTransfer
Last verified

District of Columbia Medicaid: 2026 Income Limits and Moving In or Out

Moving TO District of Columbia

District of Columbia Medicaid does not accept transferred cases from other states: every new District of Columbia resident applies fresh through DC Department of Health Care Finance (DHCF). There is no waiting period tied to how recently you arrived — eligibility is decided on District of Columbia's own income and household rules from the day you become a resident.

Leaving District of Columbia

Leaving District of Columbia ends your District of Columbia Medicaid case — no state will take it over. Close the case with DC Department of Health Care Finance (DHCF) effective your move month, then apply in your destination state immediately after arriving.

Official agency: DC Department of Health Care Finance (DHCF) ↗

District of Columbia Medicaid at a glance

Program nameDistrict of Columbia Medicaid
ACA Medicaid expansionYes — adults covered on income
Adult income limitnot published (at least 138% FPL under expansion)
ProcessingFederal 45-day standard (90 days for disability determinations)

How to apply for Medicaid in District of Columbia

Apply with DC Department of Health Care Finance (DHCF). Go to the official agency page ↗

Processing time: Federal 45-day standard (90 days for disability determinations).

Moving with more than one benefit? The relocation checklist orders every step for your move.

Common questions

Who qualifies for Medicaid in District of Columbia?

District of Columbia expanded Medicaid, so adults can qualify on income, but its adult income limit is not published as a single percentage on the agency pages we verified; expansion covers adults up to at least 138% of the federal poverty level. Check your household with DC Department of Health Care Finance (DHCF) before you rely on a number. Federal law (Public Law 119-21) adds a work condition for most of these adults from January 1, 2027 (earlier in some states, and later only in a state granted an extension, which cannot run past 2028): they must show 80 hours a month of work, school, job training, or community service, unless they are exempt (for example, parents of a child 13 or under, pregnant people, and people with a disability). New applicants may have to show it for 1 to 3 consecutive months immediately preceding the month they apply.

Can I keep District of Columbia Medicaid if I move to another state?

No. Medicaid covers residents only, so District of Columbia coverage ends once you live elsewhere. Report the move to DC Department of Health Care Finance (DHCF) and apply in your new state right away; eligibility there is decided on that state's own rules.

How do I apply for Medicaid in District of Columbia?

Apply with DC Department of Health Care Finance (DHCF). Processing time: federal 45-day standard (90 days for disability determinations).

Who runs Medicaid in District of Columbia?

DC Department of Health Care Finance (DHCF). The official page and application link are cited below — always act through them.

Does District of Columbia make new residents wait for Medicaid?

No state may impose a residency waiting period for Medicaid. You apply as soon as you live in District of Columbia; eligibility is decided on District of Columbia's own rules.

Where do I report that I'm leaving District of Columbia?

Contact DC Department of Health Care Finance (DHCF) (official link below) to report the move and close your case effective your move month.

Every move involving District of Columbia

From District of Columbia to…

To District of Columbia from…

Other benefits in District of Columbia

Terms on this page: Federal poverty level (FPL) · Medicaid expansion · Retroactive Medicaid coverage

Official sources

Every fact above was checked against these official pages. Last verified .

Written by Benefits Transfer Editorial Team

Reviewed by Billy Reiner, Editor

Last verified