Quick Answer: The 2026 federal poverty level is $15,960 per year ($1,330/month) for a single person in the 48 contiguous states. For a family of four, it is $33,000 per year ($2,750/month). These thresholds, published by HHS on January 15, 2026 at aspe.hhs.gov, set the income cutoffs for Medicaid, ACA subsidies, CHIP, WIC, and SNAP.
The federal poverty level (FPL) is the single most important number in U.S. healthcare eligibility. Every major public health coverage program (Medicaid, ACA marketplace subsidies, CHIP, Medicare Savings Programs) uses it as the income yardstick. If you need to know what you qualify for based on your income in 2026, this chart is the place to start.
The 2026 poverty guidelines took effect January 17, 2026, reflecting a 2.63% inflation adjustment over the 2025 figures. For most federal programs, these are the current operative thresholds. One exception: ACA premium tax credits for 2026 marketplace coverage are calculated using the 2025 FPL, not 2026. That is standard ACA practice. The 2026 figures apply directly to Medicaid, CHIP, Medicare Savings Programs, WIC, and SNAP.
Check your eligibility now at CoveredUSA. It takes 2 minutes.
2026 Federal Poverty Level Chart: 48 Contiguous States and D.C.
The table below is the official 2026 HHS poverty guideline for the 48 contiguous states and Washington D.C., sourced from aspe.hhs.gov. It shows annual and monthly 100% FPL amounts for households of 1 through 8 persons.
2026 FPL Chart: 48 Contiguous States and D.C.
| Household Size | Annual Income (100% FPL) | Monthly Income (100% FPL) |
|---|
| 1 person | $15,960 | $1,330 |
| 2 people | $21,640 | $1,803 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $2,277 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $2,750 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $3,223 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $3,697 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $4,170 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $4,643 |
| Each additional person | +$5,680/year | +$473/month |
For household sizes larger than 8, add $5,680 to the annual amount (or $473 to the monthly amount) for each additional person.
2026 FPL by Household Size: Monthly Lookup
If you are comparing your monthly income against a program's income test, use this monthly breakdown directly. Programs like SNAP and Medicaid often screen on monthly income, not annual.
2026 Monthly FPL: 48 Contiguous States and D.C.
| Household Size | 100% FPL/Month | 130% FPL/Month | 138% FPL/Month | 150% FPL/Month | 200% FPL/Month |
|---|
| 1 | $1,330 | $1,729 | $1,835 | $1,995 | $2,660 |
| 2 | $1,803 | $2,344 | $2,488 | $2,705 | $3,607 |
| 3 | $2,277 | $2,960 | $3,142 | $3,416 | $4,553 |
| 4 | $2,750 | $3,575 | $3,795 | $4,125 | $5,500 |
| 5 | $3,223 | $4,190 | $4,448 | $4,835 | $6,447 |
| 6 | $3,697 | $4,806 | $5,101 | $5,546 | $7,393 |
| 7 | $4,170 | $5,421 | $5,755 | $6,255 | $8,340 |
| 8 | $4,643 | $6,036 | $6,407 | $6,965 | $9,287 |
2026 FPL by Percentage Threshold
Federal programs key their income limits to specific FPL percentages. This table shows what each major threshold means in annual dollar terms for households of 1 through 6 people in the 48 contiguous states in 2026. All figures are based on the 2026 HHS poverty guidelines at aspe.hhs.gov.
2026 FPL Percentage Thresholds: Annual Income (48 Contiguous States)
| % FPL | 1 person | 2 people | 3 people | 4 people | 5 people | 6 people |
|---|
| 100% | $15,960 | $21,640 | $27,320 | $33,000 | $38,680 | $44,360 |
| 120% | $19,152 | $25,968 | $32,784 | $39,600 | $46,416 | $53,232 |
| 133% | $21,227 | $28,781 | $36,336 | $43,890 | $51,444 | $58,999 |
| 138% | $22,025 | $29,863 | $37,702 | $45,540 | $53,378 | $61,217 |
| 150% | $23,940 | $32,460 | $40,980 | $49,500 | $58,020 | $66,540 |
| 185% | $29,526 | $40,034 | $50,542 | $61,050 | $71,558 | $82,066 |
| 200% | $31,920 | $43,280 | $54,640 | $66,000 | $77,360 | $88,720 |
| 250% | $39,900 | $54,100 | $68,300 | $82,500 | $96,700 | $110,900 |
| 300% | $47,880 | $64,920 | $81,960 | $99,000 | $116,040 | $133,080 |
| 400% | $63,840 | $86,560 | $109,280 | $132,000 | $154,720 | $177,440 |
The 138% row is the Medicaid expansion limit. The 400% row is the ACA subsidy cliff. The 185% row is the WIC income limit. See the sections below for how each threshold connects to a specific program.
2026 FPL and Medicaid Eligibility
Medicaid eligibility in 2026 depends on which type of state you live in. In the 40 states (plus D.C.) that expanded Medicaid under the ACA, adults qualify with household income up to 138% of the 2026 FPL. In the 10 states that have not expanded Medicaid, adults generally face much lower limits, often covering only children, pregnant women, or people with disabilities.
2026 Medicaid Income Limits: Expansion States (138% FPL)
| Household Size | Annual Limit (138% FPL) | Monthly Limit |
|---|
| 1 | $22,025 | $1,835 |
| 2 | $29,863 | $2,488 |
| 3 | $37,702 | $3,142 |
| 4 | $45,540 | $3,795 |
| 5 | $53,378 | $4,448 |
| 6 | $61,217 | $5,101 |
| 7 | $69,055 | $5,755 |
| 8 | $76,894 | $6,407 |
Source: medicaid.gov and aspe.hhs.gov.
Non-expansion states like Texas, Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, South Carolina, Kansas, Wisconsin, and Wyoming set their own Medicaid thresholds that are well below 138% FPL for most adults. In those states, a working adult without dependents may not qualify at any income level. Children and pregnant women receive separate (often higher) thresholds in all states.
If your state has not expanded Medicaid and your income falls below 100% FPL, you are in what advocates call the "coverage gap." You earn too little to qualify for ACA marketplace subsidies (which require income at or above 100% FPL) but also fail to meet your state's Medicaid test. See medicaid-income-limits for your state's specific cutoff.
2026 FPL and ACA Marketplace Subsidies
For 2026 ACA marketplace coverage, the premium tax credit calculation uses the 2025 poverty guidelines, not the 2026 figures. This is standard practice: each coverage year uses the prior year's FPL. The 2025 FPL is $15,650 for a single person and $32,150 for a family of four in the 48 contiguous states.
A critical policy change took effect in 2026: the enhanced premium tax credits from the American Rescue Plan Act and Inflation Reduction Act expired December 31, 2025. The standard ACA rules now apply again:
- You must earn between 100% and 400% of the 2025 FPL to qualify for a premium tax credit
- There is no subsidy above the 400% FPL cliff (the "cliff" is back)
- Cost-sharing reductions (lower deductibles, copays) are available for Silver plan enrollees with incomes up to 250% of FPL
2026 ACA Subsidy Eligibility: Required Contribution Percentages (Based on 2025 FPL)
| Income Level | Share of Premium You Pay | Notes |
|---|
| Under 133% FPL | 2.10% of income | Lowest contribution |
| 133% to 150% FPL | 3.14% to 4.19% | Sliding scale |
| 150% to 200% FPL | 4.19% to 6.60% | Sliding scale |
| 200% to 250% FPL | 6.60% to 8.44% | Cost-sharing reductions available |
| 250% to 300% FPL | 8.44% to 9.96% | Sliding scale |
| 300% to 400% FPL | 9.96% | Fixed cap |
| Above 400% FPL | No subsidy | Cliff restored in 2026 |
2026 ACA Subsidy Cliff Amounts: Key Thresholds (Using 2025 FPL)
| Household Size | 100% FPL (Min) | 250% FPL (CSR Limit) | 400% FPL (Cliff) |
|---|
| 1 | $15,650 | $39,125 | $62,600 |
| 2 | $21,150 | $52,875 | $84,600 |
| 3 | $26,650 | $66,625 | $106,600 |
| 4 | $32,150 | $80,375 | $128,600 |
| 5 | $37,650 | $94,125 | $150,600 |
| 6 | $43,150 | $107,875 | $172,600 |
Source: healthcare.gov and kff.org.
2026 FPL and CHIP, WIC, and SNAP
CHIP in 2026
The Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) covers children in families who earn too much for Medicaid but cannot afford private insurance. CHIP income limits vary by state and are set as percentages of the FPL. Most states cover children up to 200% to 300% FPL. Several states extend to 400% FPL or higher.
2026 CHIP Income Limits: Sample Thresholds (200% to 317% FPL)
| Household Size | 200% FPL (Annual) | 250% FPL (Annual) | 300% FPL (Annual) |
|---|
| 1 | $31,920 | $39,900 | $47,880 |
| 2 | $43,280 | $54,100 | $64,920 |
| 3 | $54,640 | $68,300 | $81,960 |
| 4 | $66,000 | $82,500 | $99,000 |
| 5 | $77,360 | $96,700 | $116,040 |
Check your state's exact CHIP threshold at medicaid.gov/chip. Children in all states can be screened at healthcare.gov.
WIC in 2026
WIC (the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children) uses a uniform 185% FPL income limit nationwide. This threshold applies to pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children up to age 5. The 2025 to 2026 WIC guidelines (effective July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026) are based on the 2025 FPL at 185%.
2025 to 2026 WIC Income Limits (185% FPL, 48 Contiguous States)
| Household Size | Annual Limit | Monthly Limit |
|---|
| 1 | $28,953 | $2,413 |
| 2 | $39,128 | $3,261 |
| 3 | $49,303 | $4,109 |
| 4 | $59,478 | $4,957 |
| 5 | $69,653 | $5,805 |
| 6 | $79,828 | $6,653 |
| 7 | $90,003 | $7,501 |
| 8 | $100,178 | $8,349 |
Source: fns.usda.gov
SNAP in 2026
SNAP (formerly food stamps) uses the federal fiscal year FPL, which runs October 1 through September 30. For fiscal year 2026 (Oct. 1, 2025 through Sept. 30, 2026), the gross income limit is 130% FPL and the net income limit is 100% FPL. The monthly amounts below are based on the 2026 poverty guidelines.
2026 SNAP Income Limits: Gross (130% FPL) and Net (100% FPL) by Household Size
| Household Size | Gross Monthly Limit (130%) | Net Monthly Limit (100%) |
|---|
| 1 | $1,729 | $1,330 |
| 2 | $2,344 | $1,803 |
| 3 | $2,960 | $2,277 |
| 4 | $3,575 | $2,750 |
| 5 | $4,190 | $3,223 |
| 6 | $4,806 | $3,697 |
| 7 | $5,421 | $4,170 |
| 8 | $6,036 | $4,643 |
| Each additional | +$615 | +$473 |
Note: Over 40 states have adopted Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE), expanding gross income limits to 200% FPL in many cases. Contact your state SNAP agency or visit fns.usda.gov/snap for state-specific rules.
2026 Alaska and Hawaii FPL Adjustments
Alaska and Hawaii receive higher FPL thresholds because federal law recognizes their elevated cost of living. Programs operating in these states use the state-specific tables below, not the 48-state figures.
2026 FPL Chart: Alaska
| Household Size | Annual (100% FPL) | Monthly (100% FPL) |
|---|
| 1 | $19,950 | $1,663 |
| 2 | $27,050 | $2,254 |
| 3 | $34,150 | $2,846 |
| 4 | $41,250 | $3,438 |
| 5 | $48,350 | $4,029 |
| 6 | $55,450 | $4,621 |
| 7 | $62,550 | $5,213 |
| 8 | $69,650 | $5,804 |
Add $7,100 per additional person beyond 8 ($592/month).
2026 FPL Chart: Hawaii
| Household Size | Annual (100% FPL) | Monthly (100% FPL) |
|---|
| 1 | $18,360 | $1,530 |
| 2 | $24,890 | $2,074 |
| 3 | $31,420 | $2,618 |
| 4 | $37,950 | $3,163 |
| 5 | $44,480 | $3,707 |
| 6 | $51,010 | $4,251 |
| 7 | $57,540 | $4,795 |
| 8 | $64,070 | $5,339 |
Add $6,530 per additional person beyond 8 ($544/month).
All figures sourced from the 2026 HHS poverty guidelines published by the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation.
What Changed from 2025 to 2026 FPL
The 2026 guidelines reflect a 2.63% inflation adjustment over 2025. That is based on the CPI-U increase for the prior calendar year, as required by statute. For a household of four, the 100% FPL rose from $32,150 in 2025 to $33,000 in 2026, an increase of $850 per year.
2025 vs. 2026 FPL Comparison: Family of Four
| Metric | 2025 FPL | 2026 FPL | Change |
|---|
| Annual (family of 4) | $32,150 | $33,000 | +$850 |
| Monthly (family of 4) | $2,679 | $2,750 | +$71 |
| 138% FPL (Medicaid limit) | $44,367 | $45,540 | +$1,173 |
| 400% FPL (ACA cliff) | $128,600 | $132,000 | +$3,400 |
The 2026 increase matters if you were close to an eligibility cutoff in 2025. Higher thresholds mean more people qualify for Medicaid, CHIP, and other programs. If you were just over the 138% FPL Medicaid limit last year, it is worth checking again with 2026 numbers.
The biggest policy shift in 2026 is not the FPL update itself. It is the expiration of enhanced ACA premium tax credits. From 2021 through 2025, the American Rescue Plan Act and Inflation Reduction Act provided expanded subsidies that eliminated the 400% FPL cliff and reduced premiums to $0 for many low-income enrollees. Those enhancements ended December 31, 2025. Anyone who had reduced or $0 premiums under the enhanced credits needs to check their 2026 plan costs.
How to Apply for Health Coverage Based on FPL
Once you know your FPL percentage, you can identify which program to apply for and start the process. Here is a step-by-step guide for each major pathway.
Enrollment windows (as of 2026):
- Medicaid: open enrollment year-round in all states
- CHIP: open enrollment year-round in all states
- ACA marketplace: Open Enrollment Period runs November 1 through January 15, 2027 for 2027 coverage. Special Enrollment Periods allow enrollment within 60 days of qualifying life events (job loss, marriage, new baby, etc.)
- Medicare Savings Programs: apply any time through your state Medicaid office
Application steps:
- Calculate your household income and size. Include all members who file taxes together and their income from all sources.
- Find your FPL percentage using the tables above to identify which programs you may qualify for.
- Choose your starting point based on income:
- Under 138% FPL in an expansion state: apply for Medicaid at medicaid.gov or your state's Medicaid agency
- 100% to 400% FPL: apply for ACA marketplace coverage at healthcare.gov
- Children under 19: apply for CHIP through healthcare.gov or your state CHIP office
- Age 65 and above with limited income: apply for Medicare Savings Programs through your state Medicaid agency
- Gather your documents before you apply (see checklist below).
- Complete the application online, by phone, or in person at a local enrollment center.
- Respond promptly to any requests for additional documentation. Most Medicaid decisions arrive within 45 days; ACA marketplace eligibility is typically confirmed immediately.
- Enroll in a plan if you receive ACA marketplace eligibility. Medicaid and CHIP enrollment is automatic once approved.
Documents needed:
- Proof of identity (driver's license, passport, or state ID)
- Proof of citizenship or immigration status
- Social Security numbers for all household members
- Proof of income (recent pay stubs, W-2, tax return, or self-employment records)
- Proof of current address (utility bill or lease agreement)
- Proof of household size (birth certificates or other documentation for dependents)
- For Medicare Savings Programs: Medicare card and recent bank statements for asset verification
Common reasons applications get denied:
- Income reported inconsistently across documents (e.g., pay stub total differs from tax return)
- Missing documentation, application returned incomplete
- Citizenship or immigration status does not meet program requirements
- Household size is calculated differently than the program expects (for example, a non-custodial parent may or may not count)
- Prior Medicaid eligibility caused automatic disenrollment; reapplication is required
How to Use the FPL Chart to Find Your Coverage
The chart is a lookup tool. Here is the fastest way to use it.
Step 1: Count your household. In most programs, your household includes everyone who lives with you and shares expenses, plus any dependents you claim on your tax return.
Step 2: Add up your gross annual income. Include wages, self-employment income, Social Security, rental income, and most other income sources before deductions.
Step 3: Find your row in the 100% FPL table above. Divide your income by that number to get your FPL percentage. For example, a family of three earning $40,980/year is at exactly 150% FPL ($40,980 / $27,320 = 1.50).
Step 4: Match your FPL percentage to a program.
| Your FPL % | Likely Coverage (Expansion States) | Likely Coverage (Non-Expansion States) |
|---|
| Under 100% FPL | Medicaid | Limited (check state rules) |
| 100% to 138% FPL | Medicaid or ACA marketplace | ACA marketplace (subsidized) |
| 138% to 250% FPL | ACA marketplace with subsidy and cost-sharing reduction | ACA marketplace with subsidy |
| 250% to 400% FPL | ACA marketplace with subsidy | ACA marketplace with subsidy |
| Above 400% FPL | ACA marketplace, no subsidy | ACA marketplace, no subsidy |
| Any income, age 65+ | Medicare | Medicare |
| Age 65+, under 135% FPL | Medicare plus Medicare Savings Program | Medicare plus Medicare Savings Program |
| Children under 19, up to 200-317% FPL | CHIP | CHIP |
The fastest way to confirm your specific eligibility is to run the screener at CoveredUSA. It applies all 2026 income limits for your state and tells you exactly which programs you qualify for in about two minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 2026 federal poverty level for a family of four?
The 2026 federal poverty level for a family of four in the 48 contiguous states is $33,000 per year, or $2,750 per month. In Alaska, it is $41,250 per year. In Hawaii, it is $37,950 per year. These figures were published by HHS in the Federal Register on January 15, 2026.
What is 138% of the federal poverty level in 2026?
For 2026, 138% of the FPL is $22,025 for a single person and $45,540 for a family of four in the 48 contiguous states. This is the Medicaid expansion income limit in the 40 states plus D.C. that expanded Medicaid under the ACA.
Does the 2026 FPL apply to my 2026 ACA marketplace subsidy?
No. ACA premium tax credit eligibility for 2026 marketplace coverage uses the 2025 FPL ($15,650 for one person, $32,150 for a family of four), not the 2026 guidelines. The ACA always uses the prior year's FPL for the current coverage year. The 2026 FPL will set subsidy eligibility for 2027 marketplace plans.
What is 200% of the federal poverty level in 2026?
In the 48 contiguous states, 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. Many CHIP programs and some state assistance programs use 200% FPL as their income cutoff.
How does FPL differ for Alaska and Hawaii in 2026?
Alaska's 2026 FPL starts at $19,950 for a single person (vs. $15,960 in the 48 states). Hawaii's starts at $18,360. The higher thresholds reflect those states' elevated cost of living. Programs operating in Alaska and Hawaii use the state-specific tables, so residents in those states have higher income limits for every program tied to FPL.
What is 400% of the federal poverty level in 2026?
In the 48 contiguous states, 400% of the 2026 FPL is $63,840 for a single person and $132,000 for a family of four. This is significant because 400% FPL is the ACA subsidy cliff in 2026: above this income, no premium tax credits are available for marketplace coverage. The 400% cliff was temporarily eliminated from 2021 through 2025 but returned on January 1, 2026.
How is the federal poverty level calculated each year?
HHS publishes updated poverty guidelines each January. The calculation applies the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) from the prior calendar year to the base FPL figures. For 2026, the CPI-U increased 2.63% over the prior year. The updated figures go through a Federal Register notice process and become effective in mid-January of each year.
What does 100% FPL mean?
100% FPL is the baseline poverty level. A household at exactly 100% FPL earns $15,960 per year (single person in the 48 states) in 2026. Program income limits are expressed as percentages of this baseline: 138% FPL means 1.38 times the baseline, 400% FPL means 4 times the baseline, and so on.
Can I qualify for both Medicaid and ACA subsidies?
Generally, no. Medicaid and ACA subsidies are mutually exclusive for the same household. In Medicaid expansion states, households with income at or below 138% FPL qualify for Medicaid and are not eligible for ACA premium tax credits. Households above 138% FPL in expansion states (or above their state's Medicaid limit in non-expansion states) can access ACA subsidies. Some household members may qualify for Medicaid while others are eligible for ACA coverage if their incomes differ (for example, a child covered by CHIP while a parent uses the marketplace).
