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West Virginia Medicaid: 2026 Income Limits and Moving In or Out

Moving TO West Virginia

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

Leaving West Virginia

Leaving West Virginia ends your West Virginia Medicaid case — no state will take it over. Close the case with West Virginia Department of Human Services, Bureau for Medical Services effective your move month, then apply in your destination state immediately after arriving.

Official agency: West Virginia Department of Human Services, Bureau for Medical Services ↗ (application page)

West Virginia Medicaid at a glance

Program nameWest Virginia 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)

West Virginia Medicaid income limits for adults (2026)

West Virginia 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 West Virginia

Apply with West Virginia Department of Human Services, Bureau for Medical Services online at wvpath.wv.gov. Go to the official application 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

What is the Medicaid income limit in West Virginia 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 West Virginia Medicaid if I move to another state?

No. Medicaid covers residents only, so West Virginia coverage ends once you live elsewhere. Report the move to West Virginia Department of Human Services, Bureau for Medical 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 West Virginia?

Apply with West Virginia Department of Human Services, Bureau for Medical Services online at wvpath.wv.gov. Processing time: federal 45-day standard (90 days for disability determinations).

Who runs Medicaid in West Virginia?

West Virginia Department of Human Services, Bureau for Medical Services. The official page and application link are cited below — always act through them.

Does West Virginia make new residents wait for Medicaid?

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

Where do I report that I'm leaving West Virginia?

Call the DoHS hotline at 1-877-716-1212 to report a change in your situation (agency wording), or report changes through your WV PATH account.

Every move involving West Virginia

Other benefits in West Virginia

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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