Quick Answer: The 2026 federal poverty level is $15,960 per year for a single person in the 48 contiguous states and Washington D.C. For a family of four, it is $33,000. These figures set the income thresholds for ACA marketplace subsidies, Medicaid eligibility, and CHIP coverage nationwide.
The federal poverty level (FPL) is the official income benchmark the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services uses to determine who qualifies for dozens of government assistance programs. For healthcare coverage specifically, the FPL drives almost every eligibility cutoff you will encounter -- from Medicaid enrollment to ACA premium tax credits to Medicare Savings Program income tests.
The 2026 guidelines were published in the Federal Register on January 15, 2026, and took effect January 17, 2026. They apply to coverage year 2026 for most programs.
One important note for ACA marketplace plans: premium tax credit eligibility for 2026 coverage is based on the 2025 poverty guidelines, not the 2026 figures. This is how the ACA always works -- the prior year's guidelines set the thresholds for the current coverage year. The tables below apply to Medicaid, CHIP, and other federal programs using the 2026 guidelines directly.
2026 Federal Poverty Level Table: 48 Contiguous States and D.C.
These are the official 2026 HHS poverty guidelines for all states except Alaska and Hawaii.
| Household Size | 100% FPL (Annual) | 100% FPL (Monthly) |
|---|
| 1 | $15,960 | $1,330 |
| 2 | $21,640 | $1,803 |
| 3 | $27,320 | $2,277 |
| 4 | $33,000 | $2,750 |
| 5 | $38,680 | $3,223 |
| 6 | $44,360 | $3,697 |
| 7 | $50,040 | $4,170 |
| 8 | $55,720 | $4,643 |
For households larger than 8 people, add $5,680 per additional person.
2026 Federal Poverty Level: Alaska
Alaska receives a higher FPL to reflect its elevated cost of living.
| Household Size | 100% FPL (Annual) |
|---|
| 1 | $19,950 |
| 2 | $27,050 |
| 3 | $34,150 |
| 4 | $41,250 |
| 5 | $48,350 |
| 6 | $55,450 |
| 7 | $62,550 |
| 8 | $69,650 |
Add $7,100 per additional person beyond 8.
2026 Federal Poverty Level: Hawaii
Hawaii also receives an elevated FPL.
| Household Size | 100% FPL (Annual) |
|---|
| 1 | $18,360 |
| 2 | $24,890 |
| 3 | $31,420 |
| 4 | $37,950 |
| 5 | $44,480 |
| 6 | $51,010 |
| 7 | $57,540 |
| 8 | $64,070 |
Add $6,530 per additional person beyond 8.
How the FPL Connects to Health Coverage Programs
The FPL is not just an abstract number. It is the direct input that determines whether you qualify for each of the major public health coverage programs. Here is how the percentages translate to real program eligibility as of 2026.
Medicaid Eligibility
In the 38 states that expanded Medicaid under the ACA, adults qualify with household income up to 138% of the FPL. In 2026, that means:
| Household Size | Medicaid Limit (138% FPL) |
|---|
| 1 | $22,025 |
| 2 | $29,863 |
| 3 | $37,702 |
| 4 | $45,540 |
The 12 states that did not expand Medicaid use lower thresholds -- often covering only children, pregnant women, people with disabilities, or very low-income parents. If you live in a non-expansion state and your income falls between 0% and 100% FPL, you may fall in the "coverage gap" where you do not qualify for Medicaid but also cannot access ACA subsidies.
Check Medicaid income limits by state for your state's specific cutoff.
ACA Marketplace Subsidies (Premium Tax Credits)
For 2026 marketplace coverage, premium tax credit eligibility is based on the 2025 FPL. The subsidy cliff returned in 2026: you must earn between 100% and 400% of the FPL to qualify. There are no longer unlimited subsidies above 400% FPL that were available from 2021 through 2025.
The required contribution percentage you pay toward your benchmark plan in 2026:
| Income Level | % of Income You Pay for Benchmark Plan |
|---|
| Under 133% FPL | 2.10% |
| 133% to 150% FPL | 3.14% to 4.19% |
| 150% to 200% FPL | 4.19% to 6.60% |
| 200% to 250% FPL | 6.60% to 8.44% |
| 250% to 300% FPL | 8.44% to 9.96% |
| 300% to 400% FPL | 9.96% |
| Above 400% FPL | No subsidy available |
Cost-sharing reductions (lower deductibles and copays) are available for Silver plan enrollees with incomes up to 250% FPL.
See ACA income limits for a full breakdown of subsidy amounts by income level and household size.
CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program)
Most states cover children through CHIP at incomes up to 200% to 300% of FPL. Several states extend CHIP coverage to 400% FPL. Pregnant women can access CHIP or Medicaid coverage in most states at 200% FPL or higher. CHIP eligibility varies by state, so the exact cutoff depends on where you live.
Medicare Savings Programs
Medicare Savings Programs help low-income Medicare beneficiaries cover their Part B premiums, deductibles, and copays. The income limits are set as percentages of the FPL:
| Program | Income Limit (Approx.) | Benefit |
|---|
| Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) | Up to 100% FPL | Covers Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles, copays |
| Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) | 100% to 120% FPL | Covers Part B premium only |
| Qualifying Individual (QI) | 120% to 135% FPL | Covers Part B premium only |
| Qualified Disabled Working Individual (QDWI) | Up to 200% FPL | Covers Part A premium only |
See Medicare eligibility for full details on Medicare Savings Program applications.
What Changed Between 2025 and 2026 FPL
The 2026 guidelines reflect an approximately 2.7% increase over 2025 levels, tracking inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index. For a family of four, the poverty guideline rose from roughly $32,150 in 2025 to $33,000 in 2026 -- an increase of $850 per year.
That increase matters because it pushes the income thresholds for program eligibility slightly higher. If you were right at the edge of qualifying for Medicaid or a subsidy last year, it is worth checking again with the updated 2026 figures.
The most significant policy change for 2026 is the expiration of enhanced premium tax credits. From 2021 through 2025, the American Rescue Plan and Inflation Reduction Act expanded ACA subsidies -- eliminating the 400% FPL cliff and reducing premiums to $0 for many low-income enrollees. Those enhancements expired December 31, 2025. In 2026, the standard ACA subsidy rules are back in place.
How to Use FPL to Estimate Your Coverage Options
Here is a quick guide to what coverage you likely qualify for based on your income as a percentage of FPL, as of 2026.
| Your Income (% of FPL) | Likely Coverage Options |
|---|
| Under 100% FPL (expansion state) | Medicaid |
| Under 100% FPL (non-expansion state) | Limited -- check your state's Medicaid rules |
| 100% to 138% FPL (expansion state) | Medicaid or ACA marketplace |
| 100% to 400% FPL | ACA marketplace with premium tax credit |
| 100% to 250% FPL | ACA marketplace with premium tax credit and cost-sharing reductions (Silver plan) |
| Above 400% FPL | ACA marketplace without subsidy, or private insurance |
| Any income, age 65+ | Medicare |
| Age 65+, low income | Medicare plus Medicare Savings Program |
This table is a general guide. Your state's Medicaid rules, household composition, immigration status, and other factors all affect actual eligibility. The fastest way to know exactly what you qualify for is to run the screener at CoveredUSA.
Check your eligibility now at CoveredUSA -- it takes 2 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the federal poverty level for 2026?
As of 2026, the federal poverty level is $15,960 per year for a single person in the 48 contiguous states and D.C. For a family of four, it is $33,000. Alaska and Hawaii use higher figures due to cost of living: $19,950 for one person in Alaska and $18,360 for one person in Hawaii.
Does the 2026 FPL apply to my 2026 ACA marketplace plan?
Not directly. ACA premium tax credit eligibility for 2026 coverage uses the 2025 FPL, not the 2026 guidelines. This is standard practice. The 2026 FPL will be used for 2027 coverage year subsidy calculations.
What income qualifies for free or low-cost health insurance in 2026?
In states that expanded Medicaid, adults earning up to 138% of the 2026 FPL (roughly $22,025 for a single person) can qualify for Medicaid at low or no cost. Between 100% and 400% FPL, ACA marketplace plans offer premium tax credits to reduce monthly costs. At 100% to 250% FPL, cost-sharing reductions on Silver plans also lower deductibles and copays significantly.
How does the FPL affect Medicaid eligibility in 2026?
Medicaid expansion states cover adults with household income up to 138% of the FPL. Non-expansion states use lower, program-specific thresholds and typically restrict Medicaid to children, pregnant women, elderly adults, and people with disabilities. Each state sets its own exact income limit within federal minimums.
What happened to ACA subsidies in 2026?
The enhanced premium tax credits from the American Rescue Plan and Inflation Reduction Act expired at the end of 2025. In 2026, the standard ACA rules apply: subsidies are available for incomes between 100% and 400% FPL, and there is no subsidy above the 400% FPL cliff. People who had $0 premiums under the enhanced credits will now owe some premium contribution.
How is the federal poverty level calculated?
HHS publishes updated poverty guidelines each January based on the prior year's Consumer Price Index (CPI) for All Urban Consumers. The calculation starts with a base figure for a single person and adds a fixed increment for each additional household member. The figures are used as administrative thresholds for program eligibility rather than as a precise measure of economic poverty.
Does the FPL differ by state?
Yes, but only for Alaska and Hawaii, which have higher thresholds to reflect their elevated living costs. The 48 contiguous states and D.C. all use the same FPL figures. States may set their own income limits for state-funded programs, but for federal programs like Medicaid, ACA subsidies, and Medicare Savings Programs, the federal FPL guidelines apply.
What is 200% of the federal poverty level in 2026?
For the 48 contiguous states and D.C., 200% of the 2026 FPL is $31,920 for a single person, $43,280 for a household of two, $54,640 for three people, and $66,000 for a family of four.
