For your family
Medicaid for pregnancy, children & families
4 min readReviewed by CoverageCo’s licensed agents
Key takeaways
- Kids and pregnant women have higher Medicaid income limits than other adults.
- CHIP covers children in families that earn a bit too much for children's Medicaid.
- Family members can be on different programs at the same time.
- Pregnancy coverage can start quickly, don't wait to apply.
Higher limits for kids and pregnancy
Medicaid treats children and pregnant women more generously than other adults, the income limits are higher, so many families qualify for children's coverage even when the parents don't. Where a child's family earns a little too much for Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) often covers them at low or no cost.
This is why a single household can have coverage from more than one program at once: kids on Medicaid or CHIP, and a parent on a Marketplace plan with financial help.
If you're pregnant
Pregnancy-related Medicaid has higher income limits and can begin quickly once you apply, so don't wait. If you're not sure whether you qualify, apply anyway, and have a licensed agent make sure everyone in the household ends up on the right coverage.
Medicaid eligibility estimator
See what you may qualify for.
Answer three quick questions for a free estimate. If you don’t qualify for Medicaid, we’ll help you find what you do, in one call.
This is a general estimate based only on what you enter, not a determination of eligibility, an application, or an offer of coverage. Only your state Medicaid agency can determine Medicaid eligibility. CoverageCo is a licensed insurance agency, not a government agency.
Common questions
Can my kids get Medicaid if I don't qualify?
Often yes. Children have higher income limits than other adults, and CHIP covers many kids whose families earn a bit too much for children's Medicaid. It's common for children to be covered while their parents shop the Marketplace.
Does Medicaid cover pregnancy?
Yes, pregnancy-related Medicaid has higher income limits and can start quickly after you apply. If you're pregnant and unsure whether you qualify, it's worth applying right away and confirming your options with a licensed agent.
Keep reading
Do I qualify for Medicaid? Here's how to tell
Medicaid eligibility comes down to income, household size, your state, and who's applying. Here's a simple way to tell where you stand.
Medicaid income limits, explained
Medicaid income limits are set as a percentage of the federal poverty level and vary by state, household size, and who's applying. Here's how they actually work.
How to apply for Medicaid: a step-by-step guide
Applying for Medicaid is free and can be done through your state. Here's what you'll need, how to apply, and what to do if you're found ineligible.
If Medicaid isn’t a fit
Many people just over the Medicaid line qualify for Marketplace coverage with financial help that lowers the monthly cost.
Reviewed by CoverageCo’s licensed insurance agents · Last updated August 2026. Sources: Medicaid.gov; HealthCare.gov and state Health Insurance Marketplaces; KFF; HHS federal poverty guidelines. This article is general information, not a determination of eligibility.
Important disclosures
The Coverage Company (“CoverageCo”) is a private, licensed insurance agency. This website is not Medicaid, Medicare, HealthCare.gov, or any federal or state government program, and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to any government agency.
The eligibility estimator and any figures shown are for general education only. They are based on the limited information you provide and published federal poverty guidelines, are not guaranteed to be current, and are not a determination of eligibility, an application, or an offer of coverage. Only your state Medicaid agency can determine Medicaid eligibility. If you contact us, a state-licensed insurance agent may help you review private coverage options; enrollment in any plan is subject to eligibility and the plan’s terms.