: While penalties are gone federally, subsidies (Premium Tax Credits) remain available on the HealthCare.gov Marketplace to help lower monthly costs for those who choose to enroll.
: For 2026 coverage, the standard open enrollment period typically runs from November 1, 2025, to January 15, 2026 .
: Penalties start at $695 per adult and $347.50 per child , capped at $2,085 for families, or 2.5% of income.
The Individual Mandate for Health Insurance Coverage: In Brief
: Uses a sliding scale based on income; monthly penalties can range from $23 to $135 per adult .
: Has a mandate to report coverage but currently imposes no financial penalty for being uninsured. Key Considerations for 2026
At the federal level, you are to buy "Obamacare" (Affordable Care Act) health insurance . While the individual mandate technically remains part of the law, the federal tax penalty for not having coverage was reduced to $0 starting in 2019.
Do I Have To Buy Obamacare Insurance May 2026
: While penalties are gone federally, subsidies (Premium Tax Credits) remain available on the HealthCare.gov Marketplace to help lower monthly costs for those who choose to enroll.
: For 2026 coverage, the standard open enrollment period typically runs from November 1, 2025, to January 15, 2026 .
: Penalties start at $695 per adult and $347.50 per child , capped at $2,085 for families, or 2.5% of income.
The Individual Mandate for Health Insurance Coverage: In Brief
: Uses a sliding scale based on income; monthly penalties can range from $23 to $135 per adult .
: Has a mandate to report coverage but currently imposes no financial penalty for being uninsured. Key Considerations for 2026
At the federal level, you are to buy "Obamacare" (Affordable Care Act) health insurance . While the individual mandate technically remains part of the law, the federal tax penalty for not having coverage was reduced to $0 starting in 2019.