What are the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) Guidelines?

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. And 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 on this site.

Typically, if your income is below 150% of the FPL ($23,940 if you are single or $32,460 for married couples), you could qualify for the Low-Income Subsidy (please remember that asset or financial resource limits also apply. - see 2026 chart).

Keep in mind that 2023 was the last year for partial Extra Help.

For plan year 2024 and beyond, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) increased full Extra Help benefits to people at or below 150% of FPL and consequently, the partial Extra Help (135% to 150% of FPL) designation was eliminated.

Learn more in our article, 2026 Federal Poverty Level Guidelines (FPL): 2026/2027 LIS Qualifications and Benefits.

Full Low-Income Subsidy Income Requirements (150% of FPL) using the 2026 Federal Poverty Level Guidelines (FPL)
Persons in Family	48 Contiguous States & D.C.	Alaska	Hawaii
1	$23,940	$29,925	$27,540
2	$32,460	$40,575	$37,335
3	$40,980	$51,225	$47,130
4	$49,500	$61,875	$56,925
5	$58,020	$72,525	$66,720
6	$66,540	$83,175	$76,515

Click here for additional family member figures. Learn more about the Extra-Help program.

For more information and to learn more about:
- The Extra-Help program on this site
- The resource limits and copayment benefit levels for the Low-Income Subsidy: 2026 | 2027.

The Federal Poverty Levels 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 on this site You can read more about Medicare Savings Programs on this site

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.