What Are Federal Poverty Levels Used For?
Federal Poverty Levels (which are also called Federal Poverty Guidelines, Federal Poverty Line, or simply FPL) are used to see if you qualify for cost assistance when buying insurance through the State or Federal Health Insurance Marketplace.
Federal Poverty Levels Table
Household Size | 100% | 250% | 400% |
1 | $12,060 | $30,015 | $48,240 |
2 | $16.420 | $40,600 | $64,960 |
3 | $20,420 | $51,050 | $81,680 |
4 | $24,600 | $61,500 | $98,400 |
5 | $28,780 | $71,950 | $115,120 |
6 | $32,960 | $82,400 | $131,840 |
Additional Information
Federal Poverty Levels are also used to help determine Medicaid and CHIP eligibility and to help determine eligibility for a number of other non-healthcare-related assistance programs.
Key Points on Cost Assistance
- If you make between 100% – 400% of the Federal Poverty Level, you may qualify for premium tax credits on the Health Insurance Marketplace.
- If you make less than 138% of the Federal Poverty Level and your state expanded Medicaid, you may qualify for Medicaid or CHIP.
- If you make between 100% – 250% of the Federal Poverty Level, you may qualify for out-of-pocket cost assistance on Silver plans sold through the Marketplace.
- Other assistance programs have unique eligibility guidelines.
- Cost assistance for the Affordable Care Act is based on household income (family income). Household or family income for the purposes of the ACA is MAGI of the head of household (and spouse if filing jointly) plus the AGI of anyone claimed as a dependent. If you are filing as single, count MAGI only.
- Tax credits can be taken in advance based on the Federal Poverty Level and are adjusted on form 8962 at the end of the year based on the Federal Poverty Level.