Are You Fined if You Don’t Own Health Insurance?

Adults that don’t own health insurance in Chandler, AZ are not fined by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Those fees were rescinded in 2018 as a change to the Affordable Care Act (ACA). 

When Did People Need to Pay Fees?

Initially approved in 2010, the Affordable Care Act charged uninsured adults over $600 if they didn’t have coverage. The IRS annually collected the fees. Initially, the goal of the penalty was to encourage adults 25 and older to apply for health insurance. In doing so, they could help reduce medical costs.

When the ACA was modified in 2018, the fee was removed. Thus, there was no need to file a tax exemption to avoid paying the penalty. Nevertheless, there are still some situations where individuals must determine if they’re exempt from policies—for instance, a catastrophic health policy with low premiums but high deductibles. 

Why do I Need Health Insurance if I’m Healthy?

Although you’re healthy now, you don’t know what the future holds. Yes, there’s a good chance you’ll be okay. However, no one can predict the next pandemic or other new illness that can quickly sweep through a population. Ultimately, this is why you should get a health insurance policy.

You don’t have to work a second job to obtain quality coverage. The ACA created an affordable marketplace to help individuals and families obtain policies with smaller premiums. Some programs, like Medicaid, have no premiums and minimum copayments. 

Do you need a health insurance policy? If so, reach out to San Marcos Insurance Group representatives to obtain the one that fits your budget.