How to Qualify for Medicaid in Virginia (Who Is Eligible?)

To get paid as a caregiver in Virginia, the first step is confirming whether the person qualifies for Virginia Medicaid.

If you think the person may already have Medicaid, start here: How to Tell if Someone Already Has Medicaid in Virginia

How to Tell If Someone Qualifies for Virginia Medicaid

To qualify for Virginia Medicaid, a person must meet three basic requirements:

1. Citizenship or lawful residency
2. Income within limits
3. Assets within limits

1. Citizenship or Lawful Residency

The person must be:

• A U.S. citizen, or
• A lawful permanent resident (green card holder for at least five years)

2. Income (2026 Virginia Medicaid Income Limit)

Virginia Medicaid looks at how much money a person receives each month. This may include:

• Social Security payments
• Pension payments
• Retirement income
• VA benefits
• Other steady monthly income

If the Person Is Married

If only one spouse is applying:

• The applicant's income limit is $2,982 per month
• The spouse living at home keeps their own income
• The at-home spouse's income does not count

If both spouses are applying:

• Combined income limit: $5,964 per month (2026)

What If Income Is Higher Than $2,982?

Eligibility may still be possible. Income rules can vary depending on the Medicaid category and services needed. Do not assume someone does not qualify without checking.

3. Assets (2026 Virginia Medicaid Asset Limit)

Assets include:

• Bank accounts
• Cash
• Any type of Investments
• Additional property

What Does Not Count?

In most cases:

• One primary home does not count
• One vehicle does not count

The 2026 home equity limit is $752,000.

If the Person Is Married

The spouse living at home is protected. In 2026, the at-home spouse can usually keep up to:

Common Questions

Do you need a doctor's note to apply for Medicaid?

No. Medicaid approval is based on income, assets, and citizenship or residency — not medical condition. Medical paperwork may be required later if applying for long-term care services.

If Medicaid is approved, does that mean caregiver pay is automatic?

No. Receiving Medicaid coverage is step one. Long-term care eligibility is step two.

Read next: How to Qualify for In-Home Care in Virginia

What if someone was denied before?

It may still be worth reviewing. Income rules change. Asset limits change. Health needs change. A previous denial does not automatically mean someone is ineligible today.

Quick Summary

A person may qualify for Virginia Medicaid if:

• They meet citizenship or residency requirements
• Their monthly income is around $2,982 or less
• Their assets are under $2,000 (excluding primary home and vehicle)