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North Dakota Medicaid: 2026 Income Limits and Moving In or Out

Moving TO North Dakota

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

Leaving North Dakota

Leaving North Dakota ends your North Dakota Medicaid case — no state will take it over. Close the case with North Dakota Health and Human Services effective your move month, then apply in your destination state immediately after arriving.

Official agency: North Dakota Health and Human Services ↗ (application page)

North Dakota Medicaid at a glance

Program nameNorth Dakota 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); no ND-specific timeline verified

North Dakota Medicaid income limits for adults (2026)

North Dakota 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 North Dakota

Apply with North Dakota Health and Human Services online at applyforhelp.nd.gov. Go to the official application page ↗

Processing time: Federal 45-day standard (90 days for disability determinations); no ND-specific timeline verified.

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

Common questions

What is the Medicaid income limit in North Dakota 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 North Dakota Medicaid if I move to another state?

No. Medicaid covers residents only, so North Dakota coverage ends once you live elsewhere. Report the move to North Dakota Health and Human Services 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 North Dakota?

Apply with North Dakota Health and Human Services online at applyforhelp.nd.gov. Processing time: federal 45-day standard (90 days for disability determinations); no ND-specific timeline verified.

Who runs Medicaid in North Dakota?

North Dakota Health and Human Services. The official page and application link are cited below — always act through them.

Does North Dakota make new residents wait for Medicaid?

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

Where do I report that I'm leaving North Dakota?

Contact North Dakota Health and Human Services (official link below) to report the move and close your case effective your move month.

Every move involving North Dakota

Other benefits in North Dakota

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

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