Can you get financial help with health insurance in Alaska or Hawaii?

Check the tables below to find out

Published: October 22, 2014 07:00 PM

When you shop for health insurance in a state Health Insurance Marketplace, you may qualify for financial aid with your premiums and/or out-of-pocket costs. In some states if your income is low you may receive Medicaid at low or no cost.

The type and amount of financial aid you might get depends on your income as well as the size of your family. Because the cost of living is higher in Alaska and Hawaii than in the rest of the country, the income levels for financial help are higher, too. They are based on the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).

Alaska

Household size	100% FPL	250% FPL	400% FPL
1	$14,580	$36,450	$58,320
2	$19,660	$49,150	$78,640
3	$24,740	$61,850	$98,960
4	$29,820	$74,550	$119,280
5	$34,900	$87,250	$139,600
6	$39,980	$99,950	$159,920

In Alaska if your income is less than 100 percent FPL for your household size, you probably can't get on Medicaid unless you are disabled, pregnant, or have young children at home. The only way to know for sure is to check with the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services.

If your income is between 100 percent FPL and 250 percent FPL for your household size, you can get tax credits to lower the cost of premiums for private insurance that you buy through Alaska's Health Insurance Marketplace, HealthCare.gov. You can also get discounts on out-of-pocket costs like deductibles and copays.

If your income is between 250 percent FPL and 400 percent FPL, you can get tax credits to lower the cost of your premiums but not help with out-of-pocket costs. If your income is above 400 percent FPL you can buy insurance on the marketplace but can't get any financial help.

Hawaii

Household size	138% FPL	250% FPL	400% FPL
1	$18,520	$33,550	$53,680
2	$24,964	$45,225	$72,360
3	$31,409	$56,900	$91,040
4	$37,853	$68,575	$109,720
5	$44,298	$80,250	$128,400
6	$50,743	$91,925	$147,080

In Hawaii if your income is less than 138 percent FPL for your household size, you will automatically be enrolled in Medicaid and can't receive subsidies to buy private coverage.

If your income is between 138 percent FPL and 250 percent FPL for your household size, you can get tax credits to lower the cost of premiums for private insurance that you buy through Hawaii's Health Insurance Marketplace, Hawai'i Health Connector. You can also get discounts on out-of-pocket costs like deductibles and copays.