As an expert in the field of social welfare and economic indicators, I can provide you with a detailed explanation of the poverty level for a single person in the United States. The poverty level, also known as the poverty threshold, is a measure of financial insecurity and is used to determine eligibility for certain government benefits and programs.

The poverty level is established by the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and is updated annually to account for changes in the cost of living. It is important to note that the poverty level is a national average and does not necessarily reflect the cost of living in specific areas, which can vary significantly.

For the year 2017, the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) guidelines provided a breakdown of the poverty level based on the number of persons in a household. According to the guidelines you've provided, for a single person, the poverty level was set at $12,060. This means that an individual earning less than this amount in a year would be considered to be living in poverty according to the federal government's definition.

It's also worth noting the mention of Medicaid Eligibility in the guidelines. Medicaid is a state and federal program that provides health coverage for low-income individuals and families. The guidelines indicate that eligibility for Medicaid is determined at 138% of the FPL. For a single person, this would mean that if their income is less than $16,643 (138% of $12,060), they would be eligible for Medicaid.

It's important to understand that the poverty level is a critical tool for policymakers and social service providers. It helps to identify those who are most in need of assistance and ensures that resources are directed towards those who need them the most. However, the poverty level is just one measure of financial well-being and does not take into account other factors such as the cost of housing, food, healthcare, and education, which can also impact an individual's quality of life.

In conclusion, the poverty level for a single person in the United States in 2017 was $12,060, with Medicaid eligibility set at 138% of this level. These figures serve as a benchmark for determining financial need and eligibility for government assistance programs.

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2017 FPL Guidelines: 48 Border States and D.C.Persons in Household2017 Federal Poverty LevelMedicaid Eligibility (138% of FPL)1$12,060$16,6432$16,240$22,4113$20,420$28,1804$24,600$33,9484 more rowsread more >>