The Federal Poverty Level (FPL) Guidelines determine the income level requirements for people applying for the Medicare Part D Low Income Subsidy (LIS) or Extra Help program.
The Medicare Part D Extra Help or LIS program helps Medicare beneficiaries pay less for their Medicare prescription drug plan premiums, co-payments, and deductible. You can read more on the Extra Help program here:
https://q1medicare.com/PartD-ExtraHelp-Low-Income-Subsidy-LIS.php.
Typically, if your income is below 135% of the FPL, you could qualify for the full Low Income Subsidy (please remember that asset or
financial resource limits also apply. - see 2022 chart).
Also, please note that, even if you don’t qualify for full LIS benefits, you could be eligible for partial LIS benefits if your income level is at or below 150% of the FPL.
The FPL is also used to determine eligibility for the Medicare Savings
Programs (for example, the
QMB or
SLMB or QI programs). Medicare
beneficiaries must meet both income and asset requirements to qualify
for a Medicare Savings Program.
You can read more about Medicare Savings Programs here:
https://Q1FAQ.com/184.html
Below are links to charts for the annual Federal Poverty Level (FPL) Guidelines:
The FPL Guidelines are released in January or February of each year.