whether or not a person qualifies for financial assistance to buy a health plan depends on his or her income and it's measured by a percentage of the federal poverty level. in 2013 an annual income of $11 490 is poverty level so 104% of the poverty level is $11 950. what that means is if you live in a state expanding its medicaid program you will qualify and receive health insurance coverage this way. if you live in a state not expanding medicaid you will be eligible to buy insurance through your state's marketplace and receive a considerable tax credit to reduce the cost of that plan.
what does it mean when it says that i am 104% of the poverty rate when using the mnsure calculator?