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2026 Federal Poverty Level (FPL) Chart & Guidelines

The 2026 Federal Poverty Level is $15,960 for a single person and $33,000 for a family of four in the 48 contiguous states (HHS poverty guidelines published January 2026). One important nuance: 2026 ACA Marketplace subsidies are still calculated with the 2025 guidelines — both charts are below, plus a calculator to find your FPL percentage.

Federal Poverty Level Calculator

2026 Marketplace subsidies use the 2025 HHS poverty guidelines. Medicaid rules vary by state. This is an estimate, not a determination of eligibility.

2026 Federal Poverty Level chart by household size

Annual income at 100% of the Federal Poverty Level (HHS poverty guidelines, published January 15, 2026). Used for current-year programs like Medicaid and SNAP, and for 2027 Marketplace coverage.

Household size48 states & DCAlaskaHawaii
1 person$15,960$19,950$18,360
2 people$21,640$27,050$24,890
3 people$27,320$34,150$31,420
4 people$33,000$41,250$37,950
5 people$38,680$48,350$44,480
6 people$44,360$55,450$51,010
7 people$50,040$62,550$57,540
8 people$55,720$69,650$64,070
Each additional person+$5,680+$7,100+$6,530
Which FPL chart applies to you?

2026 Marketplace subsidies: the 2025 guidelines (chart below). A plan year always uses the guidelines published the year before, because they are the latest available when open enrollment starts.

Medicaid, SNAP, and most current-year programs: the 2026 guidelines (chart above).

2027 Marketplace coverage (open enrollment starts November 2026): the 2026 guidelines.

2025 FPL chart — used for 2026 ACA subsidies

If you are checking premium tax credit or cost-sharing eligibility for 2026 Marketplace coverage, this is the chart that applies.

Household size48 states & DCAlaskaHawaii
1 person$15,650$19,560$17,990
2 people$21,150$26,440$24,320
3 people$26,650$33,320$30,650
4 people$32,150$40,200$36,980
5 people$37,650$47,080$43,310
6 people$43,150$53,960$49,640
7 people$48,650$60,840$55,970
8 people$54,150$67,720$62,300
Each additional person+$5,500+$6,880+$6,330

What 138%, 250%, and 400% of the poverty level mean

100%Minimum income to qualify for Marketplace premium tax credits in most states.
138%Medicaid eligibility ceiling in states that expanded Medicaid.
150%Up to here, you get the most generous Silver cost-sharing reductions (94% AV).
200%Below this, enhanced Silver plans (87% AV) and larger subsidies.
250%Upper limit for any Silver cost-sharing reduction (73% AV).
400%The “subsidy cliff.” The IRA-enhanced credits removed it through 2025, but those expired — for 2026 there is no premium tax credit above 400% FPL.

Federal Poverty Level FAQ

What is the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)?
The Federal Poverty Level is an income measure issued each year by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). It is used to decide eligibility for programs like Medicaid and ACA Marketplace premium tax credits. For one person in the 48 contiguous states, the 2026 FPL is $15,960.
What is the Federal Poverty Level for 2026?
The 2026 Federal Poverty Level, published by HHS in January 2026, is $15,960 for one person and $33,000 for a family of four in the 48 contiguous states, plus $5,680 for each additional person. Alaska and Hawaii have higher guidelines.
Which FPL chart is used for 2026 ACA subsidies?
Marketplace subsidies for 2026 coverage use the 2025 poverty guidelines — $15,650 for one person and $32,150 for a family of four. Eligibility for a plan year is always based on the guidelines published the year before, because they are the latest available when open enrollment starts. The 2026 guidelines will be used for 2027 Marketplace coverage.
What does 138% of the Federal Poverty Level mean?
138% of the FPL is the income cutoff for Medicaid eligibility in states that expanded Medicaid under the ACA. Below it, you generally qualify for Medicaid; above it, you shop the Marketplace with premium tax credits. Medicaid uses the current-year guidelines, so 2026 Medicaid eligibility is based on the 2026 chart.
How do I calculate my FPL percentage?
Divide your annual household income by the Federal Poverty Level for your household size, then multiply by 100. For example, $30,000 for a single person ($30,000 ÷ $15,960 × 100) is about 188% of the 2026 FPL. Use the calculator above to do it instantly.
Is the Federal Poverty Level different in Alaska and Hawaii?
Yes. Alaska and Hawaii have higher poverty guidelines. For one person, the 2026 FPL is $19,950 in Alaska and $18,360 in Hawaii, versus $15,960 in the contiguous states.
See how your FPL percentage affects your subsidy
Your FPL percentage drives your premium tax credit and cost-sharing reductions.
Estimate my subsidy How ACA subsidies work