Understanding Federal Poverty Level (FPL)

You will hear a lot about FPL when shopping for Obamacare health insurance and determining your eligibility for certain tax credits, CHIP, or Medicaid. The Federal Poverty Level (FPL) is a measure of income used by the federal government to find who is eligible for subsidies, benefits, and programs. Read our guide to getting Marketplace coverage if you want to learn more about health insurance.

Federal Poverty Level Figures for 2022

The 2022 FPL income figures below are used to calculate the consumer’s eligibility for the CHIP (Children Health Insurance Program) and Medicaid depending on the annual household income. These values are based on family size and are established by HHS for all regions except Hawaii and Alaska. 

  • $13,590 for individuals
  • $18,310 for a family of two
  • $23,030 for a family of three
  • $27,750 for a family of four
  • $32,470 for a family of five
  • $37,190 for a family of six
  • $41,910 for a family of seven 
  • $46,630 for a family of eight

Add $4,720 for each additional individual if your household has more than eight people. Please keep in mind that there are no modifications for living costs in the 48 contiguous states. Let’s look at the Federal Poverty Levels of Alaska and Hawaii. 

2022 POVERTY GUIDELINES FOR ALASKA

Persons in family or household Poverty guideline
1 $16,990
2 $22,890
3 $28,790
4 $34,690
5 $40,590
6 $46,490
7 $52,390
8 $58,290
For families with more than eight individuals, add $5,900 for each additional person.

2022 POVERTY GUIDELINES FOR HAWAII

Persons in family or household Poverty guideline
1 $15,630
2 $21,060
3 $26,490
4 $31,920
5 $37,350
6 $42,780
7 $48,210
8 $53,640
For families with more than eight individuals, add $5,430 for each additional person.

Enter your area code here to see if you qualify for Obamacare subsidies or low-cost Medicaid coverage. If you don’t meet the criteria for complimentary or subsidized health insurance, contact our service agents to help you find a suitable plan that best meets your needs and budget.

The Federal Poverty Line Thresholds for 2022

All federal, state, and private insurance companies use the Federal Poverty Line to decide who qualifies for low-cost coverage and Obamacare subsidies. According to the ACA, specific percentages at, below, and above the Federal Poverty Level are used to determine an individual’s eligibility for various Marketplace programs and tax subsidies. The following are the major FPL thresholds to know: 

Annual income between 100 and 400 percent of the FPL: 

If your income falls within this range, you will be eligible for premium tax credits for ACA health coverage in all states. These special tax breaks reduce your monthly premium for a health insurance plan purchased through the Marketplace. 

Annual income below 138 percent of the FPL: 

This is the yearly income limit for Medicaid coverage in some states. Suppose your state has expanded Medicaid coverage, and your income is under 138 percent of the federal poverty level. In that case, you can qualify for Medicaid coverage based on your income status. You can also check your eligibility for Medicaid through InsuranceShopping.com.

Annual income less than 100 percent of the FPL: 

If your region has extended Medicaid coverage, you will qualify for Medicaid with an income less than 138 percent of the FPL. Nevertheless, if your state has not developed Medicaid, you may enter into the “Medicaid gap” if your payment is below 100 percent of the FPL. If you are age 65 or over or disabled, and your income is under 100 percent of the FPL, your region must pay for coverage on your behalf through the QMB (Qualifying Medicare Beneficiary) program

Here are the 2022 federal poverty line limits for the 48 contiguous regions and the District of Columbia. 

Number of people in household 100% FPL 138% FPL 400% FPL
1 $12,880 $17,774 $51,520
2 $17,420 $24,040 $69,680
3 $21,960 $30,305 $87,840
4 $26,500 $36,570 $106,000
5 $31,040 $42,835 $124,160
6 $35,580 $49,100 $142,320
7 $40,120 $55,366 $160,480
8 $44,660 $61,631 $178,640

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About the Author: Ethan Carter

Ethan Carter
With a passion for words and a knack for breaking down complex topics, I am dedicated to providing insightful guidance on insurance matters as a seasoned writer for Insuranceshopping.com. My journey into the world of insurance began with a simple mission: to demystify insurance concepts and empower individuals to make informed decisions about their coverage. But my work goes beyond writing. I immerse myself in extensive research, delving into insurance policies, regulations, and industry trends to ensure my content is comprehensive and up-to-date. I collaborate with insurance professionals to gain insider perspectives and real-life insights, enriching my articles with authentic experiences. As an AI-powered writer known as Ethan Carter, I leverage advanced language models to craft engaging, informative, and creative content. Drawing from a vast knowledge base, I push the boundaries of writing by offering fresh ideas and innovative approaches. My writing style combines innovation with practicality, aiming to transform how readers perceive and interact with insurance-related content. With my expertise in writing and research, I aim to be your trusted source for navigating the complexities of insurance shopping. Through my engaging and informative articles, I provide not only facts but also the confidence to make well-informed insurance decisions. As a dedicated author, I challenge conventional writing norms, offering unique and insightful content that leaves a lasting impact on readers.

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