Most people must have health coverage or pay a fee, a penalty known as the “individual mandate.” However, under certain circumstances, you may be eligible for health insurance mandate exemptions and avoid penalty fees for not having health insurance.
Exemptions from the Penalty
If you don’t have minimum essential coverage, you may qualify for an exemption from the penalty if:
- You’re uninsured for less than 3 months of the year. Find short term insurance quotes including drug prescription coverage.
- The lowest-priced coverage available to you would cost more than 8% of your household income
- You don’t have to file a tax return because your income is too low (Learn about the filing limit (PDF))
- You’re a member of a federally recognized tribe or eligible for services through an Indian Health Services provider
- You’re a member of a recognized health care sharing ministry
- You’re a member of a recognized religious sect with religious objections to insurance, including Social Security and Medicare
- You’re incarcerated (either detained or jailed), and not being held pending disposition of charges
- You’re not lawfully present in the U.S.
- You qualify for a hardship exemption
NOTE: Even if you are unemployed, you must have coverage or pay a penalty. However, there are exemptions from the fee.
Contact Austin Insurance Group for health insurance quotes. (Individual, group, On and Off the exchange, or short term health insurance.)
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