“Medicaid is also a means-tested program that is limited to those with financial need. However, the criteria used to determine financial eligibility—income and sometimes resource (i.e., asset) tests—vary by eligibility group.

“For most eligibility groups the criteria used to determine eligibility are based on modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) income counting rules. There is no resource or asset test used to determine Medicaid financial eligibility for MAGI-eligible individuals.26

“While MAGI applies to most Medicaid-eligible populations, certain populations such as older adults and individuals with disabilities are statutorily exempt from MAGI income counting rules. Instead, Medicaid financial eligibility for MAGI-exempted populations is based on the income counting rules that match the most closely related social program for the group involved (e.g., SSI program rules for aged, blind, or disabled eligibility groups). For MAGI-exempt eligibility groups, income disregards and assets or resource tests may apply.”

Source: U.S. Congressional Research Service. Medicaid: An Overview (R43357; June 24, 2019). https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R43357