The 2026 federal poverty level (FPL) is $15,960 per year for a single person in the 48 contiguous states and Washington, D.C. For a family of four, the 2026 FPL is $33,000. These figures, published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on January 15, 2026, set the income thresholds that determine eligibility for Medicaid, ACA marketplace subsidies, CHIP, WIC, SNAP, and dozens of other federal programs. Knowing where your household falls relative to the FPL tells you which health coverage options are available to you in 2026.
Quick Answer: The 2026 FPL is $15,960 for a single person and $33,000 for a family of four (48 contiguous states). Medicaid expansion covers adults up to 138% FPL ($22,025 for one person). ACA premium tax credits are available between 100% and 400% FPL ($15,960 to $63,840 for one person) in 2026.
What Is the Federal Poverty Level?
The federal poverty level is an annual income measurement published by HHS each January. Federal and state agencies use it as a reference point to determine who qualifies for assistance programs. When a program says it covers households "up to 138% of the FPL," that means your income must be at or below 138% of the published guideline for your household size.
Two sets of FPL numbers are in play for 2026:
- The 2026 HHS poverty guidelines (published January 2026) apply to most benefit programs including Medicaid and CHIP.
- The 2025 HHS poverty guidelines are used specifically to calculate ACA marketplace premium tax credit eligibility for plan year 2026, because subsidy calculations follow a one-year lag.
This distinction matters if you are shopping for ACA coverage. The ACA subsidy calculations for 2026 plans are based on the 2025 FPL figures, not the 2026 ones. Both sets are provided below.
2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines by Household Size
The following table shows the official 2026 poverty guidelines published by HHS ASPE for the 48 contiguous states and D.C.
2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines: 48 Contiguous States and D.C.
| Household Size | 100% FPL (2026) | 138% FPL (Medicaid) | 200% FPL | 250% FPL | 400% FPL |
|---|
| 1 | $15,960 | $22,025 | $31,920 | $39,900 | $63,840 |
| 2 | $21,640 | $29,863 | $43,280 | $54,100 | $86,560 |
| 3 | $27,320 | $37,702 | $54,640 | $68,300 | $109,280 |
| 4 | $33,000 | $45,540 | $66,000 | $82,500 | $132,000 |
| 5 | $38,680 | $53,378 | $77,360 | $96,700 | $154,720 |
| 6 | $44,360 | $61,217 | $88,720 | $110,900 | $177,440 |
| 7 | $50,040 | $69,055 | $100,080 | $125,100 | $200,160 |
| 8 | $55,720 | $76,894 | $111,440 | $139,300 | $222,880 |
| Each additional person | +$5,680 | +$7,838 | +$11,360 | +$14,200 | +$22,720 |
2025 Federal Poverty Guidelines (Used for 2026 ACA Subsidies)
For 2026 ACA marketplace plan coverage, subsidy eligibility is calculated using the 2025 FPL guidelines. The ACA subsidy cliff returned in 2026 after the enhanced premium tax credits from the American Rescue Plan and Inflation Reduction Act expired on December 31, 2025. Subsidies are now available only from 100% to 400% of the 2025 FPL.
2025 Federal Poverty Guidelines: Used for 2026 ACA Marketplace Subsidies
| Household Size | 100% FPL (2025) | 400% FPL (subsidy cutoff) |
|---|
| 1 | $15,650 | $62,600 |
| 2 | $21,150 | $84,600 |
| 3 | $26,650 | $106,600 |
| 4 | $32,150 | $128,600 |
| 5 | $37,650 | $150,600 |
| 6 | $43,150 | $172,600 |
| 7 | $48,650 | $194,600 |
| 8 | $54,150 | $216,600 |
Source: HealthCare.gov FPL glossary
Alaska and Hawaii: Higher Poverty Guidelines for 2026
Alaska and Hawaii have their own FPL tables because the cost of living is substantially higher. If you live in either state, use these figures.
2026 FPL: Alaska
| Household Size | 100% FPL | 138% FPL |
|---|
| 1 | $19,950 | $27,531 |
| 2 | $27,050 | $37,329 |
| 3 | $34,150 | $47,127 |
| 4 | $41,250 | $56,925 |
| 5 | $48,350 | $66,723 |
| 6 | $55,450 | $76,521 |
| 7 | $62,550 | $86,319 |
| 8 | $69,650 | $96,117 |
| Each additional | +$7,100 | +$9,798 |
2026 FPL: Hawaii
| Household Size | 100% FPL | 138% FPL |
|---|
| 1 | $18,360 | $25,337 |
| 2 | $24,890 | $34,348 |
| 3 | $31,420 | $43,360 |
| 4 | $37,950 | $52,371 |
| 5 | $44,480 | $61,382 |
| 6 | $51,010 | $70,394 |
| 7 | $57,540 | $79,405 |
| 8 | $64,070 | $88,417 |
| Each additional | +$6,530 | +$9,011 |
How the FPL Determines Health Coverage Eligibility in 2026
Different programs use different FPL percentages as income cutoffs. Here is how the most common health coverage programs use the 2026 guidelines.
Medicaid (Expansion States)
In the 40 states (plus D.C.) that expanded Medicaid under the ACA, adults with household income up to 138% of the 2026 FPL qualify. That is $22,025 for a single adult and $45,540 for a family of four. States without expansion use narrower eligibility rules, often limited to parents, pregnant individuals, and people with disabilities. Check your state's specific Medicaid program for details.
For Medicaid eligibility purposes, states use the 2026 FPL guidelines published in January 2026.
ACA Marketplace Premium Tax Credits
For 2026 plans purchased through Healthcare.gov or a state marketplace, premium tax credits are available to households earning between 100% and 400% of the 2025 FPL. This is the key change for 2026: the enhanced subsidies that previously helped people above 400% FPL have expired. If your 2026 income will exceed 400% of the 2025 FPL (about $62,600 for one person, $128,600 for a family of four), you will pay the full unsubsidized premium.
Cost-sharing reductions (CSR) on Silver plans remain available to households between 100% and 250% of the FPL who purchase a Silver plan.
CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program)
CHIP covers children in households that earn too much for Medicaid but cannot afford private coverage. Most states set CHIP income limits between 200% and 300% of the FPL. A family of four at 200% FPL earns $66,000 in 2026; at 300%, that is $99,000. Income limits vary by state, so check your state's CHIP program. Medicaid.gov lists every state's current threshold.
Medicare
Medicare eligibility is based on age (65 and older) or disability status, not income. The FPL does not directly determine Medicare eligibility. However, the Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) use FPL-based income limits to help low-income Medicare beneficiaries pay Part B premiums, deductibles, and copays. MSP income limits are typically set between 100% and 135% of the FPL.
How the 2026 FPL Compares to Previous Years
The 2026 FPL increased by 2.63% from the 2025 guidelines, reflecting the price change between 2024 and 2025 as measured by the Consumer Price Index. For reference:
| Year | 1-Person FPL | 4-Person FPL |
|---|
| 2024 | $15,060 | $31,200 |
| 2025 | $15,650 | $32,150 |
| 2026 | $15,960 | $33,000 |
Each year's guidelines are published in the Federal Register every January. The 2026 guidelines appeared in the Federal Register on January 15, 2026.
How to Apply for Health Coverage Based on Your FPL in 2026
Knowing your FPL percentage is the first step. Here is how to act on it.
2026 Open Enrollment for ACA Marketplace Plans: The standard open enrollment period for 2026 ACA plans runs from November 1, 2025 through January 15, 2026. If you missed that window, you may still qualify through a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) triggered by qualifying life events such as job loss, marriage, or moving.
Medicaid: Medicaid has no open enrollment period. You can apply year-round at any time.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Calculate your household income and size. Include all income sources for everyone in your tax household. Use your expected annual income for the coverage year, not last year's.
- Determine your FPL percentage. Divide your household income by the 100% FPL for your household size from the tables above.
- Choose the right program. If your income is below 138% FPL (expansion states), apply for Medicaid. If it falls between 100% and 400% of the 2025 FPL, apply for ACA marketplace coverage with subsidies.
- Gather your documents. See the checklist below.
- Apply online. For ACA: visit HealthCare.gov. For Medicaid: visit your state Medicaid agency or apply through HealthCare.gov, which will automatically route you.
- Confirm enrollment. Review your plan summary, pay your first premium if applicable, and confirm your start date.
- Update if income changes. Report income changes to the marketplace or Medicaid agency promptly to avoid repaying subsidies at tax time.
Documents You Will Need
- Proof of income (recent pay stubs, W-2s, or a self-employment profit and loss statement)
- Social Security numbers for all household members being covered
- Proof of citizenship or qualifying immigration status
- Current health insurance information (if you have any)
- Home address and contact information
Common Reasons Applications Get Denied
- Household income exceeds the program's FPL cutoff
- Income was reported incorrectly (annual vs. monthly figures confused)
- Immigration status does not meet program requirements
- Employer-sponsored coverage is available at an "affordable" rate (blocks ACA subsidies)
- Missing or unverifiable documentation
Use the free eligibility screener at CoveredUSA to find out which programs you qualify for before you apply. It takes about 2 minutes and covers ACA, Medicaid, Medicare, and CHIP.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 2026 federal poverty level for a family of 4?
The 2026 FPL for a family of four in the 48 contiguous states is $33,000 per year. At 138%, the Medicaid expansion limit, that is $45,540. At 400%, the ACA subsidy cutoff (based on 2025 guidelines), it is $128,600.
What FPL percentage do I need to qualify for ACA subsidies in 2026?
For 2026 marketplace plans, premium tax credits are available to households earning between 100% and 400% of the 2025 FPL. Using 2025 figures, that is $15,650 to $62,600 for a single person, and $32,150 to $128,600 for a family of four. Enhanced subsidies above 400% FPL expired at the end of 2025.
Does the FPL change every year?
Yes. HHS publishes updated poverty guidelines each January, adjusted for inflation using the Consumer Price Index. The 2026 guidelines reflect a 2.63% increase over 2025. You can find every year's guidelines at aspe.hhs.gov.
What is the difference between the poverty guideline and the poverty threshold?
The poverty threshold is published by the Census Bureau and is used primarily for measuring poverty in statistical research. The poverty guideline is published by HHS and is the number used by federal programs to determine eligibility. They are similar but not identical. All benefit programs (ACA, Medicaid, CHIP, SNAP) use the HHS guideline, not the Census threshold.
Are the 2026 FPL numbers the same as what is used for 2026 ACA subsidies?
No. For ACA marketplace coverage in 2026, subsidy eligibility is calculated using the 2025 FPL (published January 2025), not the 2026 FPL. This one-year lag is a standing feature of ACA law. The 2026 FPL numbers apply to Medicaid and other programs starting when the guidelines are adopted by each state.
How does FPL affect Medicare Savings Programs?
Medicare Savings Programs use FPL-based income limits. For 2026, the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) program covers individuals with income up to 100% FPL ($15,960 for one person). The Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) program extends to about 120% FPL, and the Qualifying Individual (QI) program covers up to about 135% FPL. These programs pay Part B premiums and other cost-sharing for qualifying beneficiaries. Check Medicare.gov for the current limits.
Is the FPL the same in every state?
The FPL is the same across all 48 contiguous states and Washington, D.C. Alaska and Hawaii have separate, higher guidelines because of their higher cost of living. There is no state-by-state variation within the contiguous 48 states. Every state from California to Maine uses the same dollar figures.
Where can I check if I qualify based on my income?
Check your eligibility now at CoveredUSA. It takes 2 minutes. The free screener at CoveredUSA.org/screener asks about your household size, income, and state, then tells you which programs you likely qualify for, including ACA marketplace plans, Medicaid, and Medicare Savings Programs.
