By law, most Americans must have minimum (“qualifying”) health coverage for 2018.
EXCEPTIONS can be made based on income, resident status, membership in recognized groups (e.g., Native American or religious) and hardships, among other things.
10 ESSENTIAL BENEFITS
- preventive care
- outpatient care
- emergency services
- lab testing
- pediatric care
- hospitalization
- mental health care
- maternity care
- rehabilitative care
- prescription drugs
QUALIFYING COVERAGE:
- Includes 10 essential benefits
- Protects pre-existing conditions
- Limits cost-sharing expenses
- Meets all ACA requirements
You can sign up for health insurance via the phone, in person or online using a broker or the federal marketplace at HealthCare.gov.
THESE 12 STATES HAVE STATE-BASED MARKETPLACES
- CALIFORNIA
- COLORADO
- CONNECTICUT
- D.C.
- IDAHO
- MARYLAND
- MASSACHUSETTS
- MINNESOTA
- NEW YORK
- RHODE ISLAND
- VERMONT
- WASHINGTON
OPEN ENROLLMENT RUNS FROM NOVEMBER 1st TO DECEMBER 15th
Individual Mandate
If you don’t have qualifying health insurance for the year and don’t qualify for an exemption, you will have to pay a penalty fee when you file your taxes. This is called the “individual mandate.” The penalty is a percentage of your taxable income or a flat fee, whichever is greater.