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Montana Medicaid: 2026 Income Limits and Moving In or Out

Moving TO Montana

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

Leaving Montana

Leaving Montana ends your Montana Medicaid case — no state will take it over. Close the case with Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) effective your move month, then apply in your destination state immediately after arriving.

Official agency: Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) ↗ (application page)

Montana Medicaid at a glance

Program nameMontana Medicaid
ACA Medicaid expansionYes — adults covered on income
Adult income limit138% of the federal poverty level
ProcessingFederal 45-day standard (90 days for disability determinations); DPHHS does not state a Montana-specific timeline on its program pages

Montana Medicaid income limits for adults (2026)

Montana expanded Medicaid under the ACA, so adults with income up to 138% of the federal poverty level can qualify without fitting a category such as disability or pregnancy. 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.

Household sizeMonthly income limitYearly income limit
1 person$1,836$22,025
2 people$2,489$29,864
3 people$3,142$37,702
4 people$3,795$45,540
5 people$4,449$53,379
6 people$5,102$61,217
7 people$5,755$69,056
8 people$6,408$76,894
Each additional person+$654+$7,839

Federal source: HHS 2026 Poverty Guidelines (91 FR 1797) (published 2026-01-15)

How to apply for Medicaid in Montana

Apply with Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) online at apply.mt.gov. Go to the official application page ↗

Processing time: Federal 45-day standard (90 days for disability determinations); DPHHS does not state a Montana-specific timeline on its program pages.

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

Common questions

What is the Medicaid income limit in Montana for 2026?

For adults, 138% of the federal poverty level: about $1,836 a month for one person and $3,795 a month for a family of four in 2026. Children, pregnant people, and people 65+ or with a disability have separate limits.

Can I keep Montana Medicaid if I move to another state?

No. Medicaid covers residents only, so Montana coverage ends once you live elsewhere. Report the move to Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) 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 Montana?

Apply with Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) online at apply.mt.gov. Processing time: federal 45-day standard (90 days for disability determinations); DPHHS does not state a Montana-specific timeline on its program pages.

Who runs Medicaid in Montana?

Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS). The official page and application link are cited below — always act through them.

Does Montana make new residents wait for Medicaid?

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

Where do I report that I'm leaving Montana?

Contact Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) (official link below) to report the move and close your case effective your move month.

Every move involving Montana

Other benefits in Montana

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