The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) had announced the 2021 Federal Poverty Levels. The new figures show a slight increase on 2020. Whereas in 2020 it was determined that the FPL for a household of one was $12,760, it has now risen slightly to $12,880. Similarly the FPL for a family of two now stands at $17,420, in contrast  to 2020’s $17,240 figure.

The FPL may seem an arbitrary and inconsequential estimation but is used in determining eligibility for such programs as Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB), Specified Low-income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB), and Maryland’s own Medicaid buy-in program: Employed Individuals with Disabilities (EID).

For a full look at the new figures you can go here: Poverty Guidelines | ASPE (hhs.gov)