As a subject matter expert in socio-economics, I am well-versed in the intricacies of poverty metrics and their implications on policy and society. The federal poverty level, or FPL, is a critical measure used by the United States government to determine eligibility for various assistance programs. It's important to note that the FPL is not a static figure; it is updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living and other economic factors.
For the year 2017, the Federal Poverty Level Guidelines were established by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to delineate the income thresholds below which a family or an individual is considered to be in poverty. These guidelines are used for statistical purposes and to determine financial eligibility for certain federal programs.
According to the information provided, which seems to pertain to Alaska, the FPL for different household sizes is as follows:
- For 1 person in the household, the FPL is $15,060.
- For 2 persons, it is $20,290.
- For 3 persons, the FPL is $25,520.
- For 4 persons, the level stands at $30,750.

It's also mentioned that Medicaid Eligibility is set at 138% of the FPL. This means that to qualify for Medicaid, an individual or family's income must not exceed 138% of these specified thresholds. Using the provided FPL figures, we can calculate the corresponding Medicaid Eligibility levels:
- For 1 person, the Medicaid Eligibility level would be $20,783 (138% of $15,060).
- For 2 persons, it would be $28,000 (138% of $20,290).
- For 3 persons, the eligibility level is $35,218 (138% of $25,520).
- For 4 persons, it is $42,435 (138% of $30,750).

The FPL is a crucial tool for policymakers as it helps in identifying the population that may require financial assistance. It's also a key indicator for researchers and analysts studying poverty and its effects on society. However, it's worth noting that the FPL has been a subject of debate. Critics argue that it may not accurately reflect the true cost of living, especially when considering regional differences in living expenses.

The FPL is just one of several metrics used to measure and address poverty. Other measures, such as the Supplemental Poverty Measure (SPM), take into account additional costs such as housing, utilities, and clothing, and also consider the resources that families have to meet these expenses, including government benefits.

In conclusion, the federal poverty level for 2017 serves as a benchmark for understanding and addressing poverty in the United States. It is a dynamic figure that is subject to change each year, reflecting the evolving economic landscape. While it is a vital statistic for determining eligibility for assistance programs, it is also recognized that a more comprehensive approach may be necessary to fully understand and address the complexities of poverty.

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2017 Federal Poverty Level (FPL) Guidelines - AlaskaPersons in Household2017 Federal Poverty LevelMedicaid Eligibility (138% of FPL)1$15,060$20,7832$20,290$28,0003$25,520$35,2184$30,750$42,4354 more rowsread more >>