More Background: Federal Medical Assistance Percentage

The Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) reflects the federal government's share of state medical assistance programs. It is determined annually by a formula that compares a state's average per capita income level with the national income average. States with a higher per capita income level are reimbursed a smaller share of their costs. By law, the FMAP cannot be lower than 50 percent or higher than 83 percent. In Fiscal Year (FY) 2016, FMAPs average 59.0 percent overall and varied from 50 percent in