The federal poverty guideline (FPG) is a poverty threshold issued by Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) used to decide whether the income level of an individual or family qualifies them for certain federal benefits and programs. In healthcare, this information is used for patient financial assistance and eligibility qualification.
HHS has been responsible for setting these poverty guidelines since 1982. Every year HHS updates these poverty guidelines, adjusted for inflation based on the Census Bureau’s current official poverty thresholds.
The 2024 guidelines are live and available online as of 1/11/24.
Below is a table of the new 100% Federal Poverty Guidelines for the 48 Contiguous States and the District of Columbia.
2024(1) Poverty Guidelines for the 48 Contiguous States and the District of Columbia
Persons in the Family/Household | Poverty Guideline |
1 | $15,060 |
2 | 20,440 |
3 | 25,820 |
4 | 31,200 |
5 | 36,580 |
6 | 41,960 |
7 | 47,340 |
8 | 52,720 |
For families/households with more than 8 persons, add $5,380 for each additional person.
Comparatively, to last year there is about a 4% increase. In the prior years, the increase was 6 to 7%.
Updating FPL information in payer and provider systems is crucial to determining a patient's eligibility accurately every year.
EligibilityOne specializes in Medicaid eligibility and enrollment. Our on-site specialists work with your uninsured or underinsured patients in person to educate them and enroll them in Medicaid and other third-party payer programs that assist with their medical bills.
About EligibilityOne
EligibilityOne is a service solution specializing in third-party eligibility, designed to manage your self-pay population and reduce uncompensated care. We utilize real-time coverage discovery and verification, our comprehensive screening tool (AdvocatorAI), and expanded onsite coverage hours. We also offer complex claims support, disability specialists, credentialing solutions, and out-of-state Medicaid services through our experienced offsite business offices. Our complementary goals of promoting patient advocacy and improving your revenue cycle go hand-in-hand as we strive to create a healthier financial environment for your entire community.
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(n.d.). Federal Poverty Level (FPL) Definition. Investopedia. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/f/fpl.asp
(n.d.). FPL Now Vs Then How Has FPL Evolved Since the Early Years. All About FPL. https://allaboutfpl.com/2021/08/fpl-now-vs-then-how-has-fpl-evolved-since-the-early-years/