Can you legally not have health insurance?

Asked by: Elise Koch  |  Last update: October 29, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (36 votes)

The federal individual mandate that required people to buy health insurance is still on the books, but the tax penalty for failing to do so is zero. But it is no longer illegal to not have health insurance.

Is it illegal to not be on health insurance?

New Jersey, California, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and the District of Columbia require their residents to have health insurance coverage or face penalties. Vermont recommends that residents have coverage, but there's no noncompliance penalty.

Is it legal to not have health insurance in the US?

Key Takeaways

Health insurance coverage is no longer mandatory at the federal level, as of Jan. 1, 2019. Some states still require you to have health insurance coverage to avoid a tax penalty.

Does the IRS penalize for no health insurance?

The fee for not having health insurance (sometimes called the "Shared Responsibility Payment" or "mandate”) ended in 2018. This means you no longer pay a tax penalty for not having health coverage. If you don't have health coverage, you don't need an exemption to avoid paying a tax penalty.

Is it mandatory to have health insurance in KY?

Kentucky does not have a state-specific law requiring residents to have health insurance and there is no longer a federal insurance mandate.

How bad is it if I don't have health insurance?

23 related questions found

What states penalty for no health insurance?

Some states (CA, MA, NJ, and RI) and DC have adopted individual mandates with state tax penalties for not having health insurance. One state (VT) also has an individual mandate but does not impose a tax penalty for not having coverage. Check with your tax advisor or state insurance department for more information.

What happens if you don't have insurance in Kentucky?

According to the statute, an owner who fails to maintain insurance on his vehicle shall have his vehicle registration revoked. In addition, the vehicle owner and driver are subject to a fine of $500.00 to $1,000.00, up to 90 days in jail, or both.

How much do you have to pay irs if you don t have health insurance?

The Tax Cut and Jobs Act (TCJA) repealed the penalty (made the penalty amount $0) starting with tax year 2019. But you may wonder, “Do I need health insurance to file taxes after the ACA penalty was repealed?” The answer is no. You no longer will be penalized for not having health insurance.

Can you be denied medical treatment without insurance?

Because of EMTALA, you can't be denied a medical screening exam or treatment for an emergency medical condition based on: If you have health insurance or not. If you can pay for treatment.

What happens if you don't pay health insurance?

If you miss a monthly premium payment

Your health insurance company could end your coverage if you fall behind on your monthly premiums. A short period after your monthly health insurance payment is due to pay all owed premiums to avoid losing coverage.

What states offer free health insurance?

  • California. State offers public health coverage to all adults regardless of immigration status.
  • Colorado. State offers private health coverage with state subsidies to all adults regardless of immigration status.
  • Illinois. ...
  • Minnesota. ...
  • New york. ...
  • Oregon. ...
  • Washington. ...
  • District of columbia.

Does the IRS still require proof of health insurance?

Health care coverage documents

You are not required to send the IRS information forms or other proof of health care coverage when filing your tax return. However, it's a good idea to keep these records on hand. This documentation includes: Form 1095 information forms.

Can I deny health insurance?

Employees who want to decline health insurance coverage may do so, but must be absolutely sure of their decision before choosing to decline. Those who choose to decline coverage during initial enrollment will not be covered under their employer's insurance plans or pay any premium deductions.

Is it illegal to not use insurance if you have it?

In most cases, it's not illegal to pay out of pocket for health services instead of using your insurance. Medical providers generally accept cash payments, and the law doesn't mandate that you use your insurance for every visit or procedure.

Can I get Obamacare if I have no income?

There is no income limit. To be eligible to enroll in health coverage through the Marketplace, you: Must live in the United States. Must be a U.S. citizen or national (or be lawfully present).

Who pays for uninsured patients?

Hospitals do get help with the unpaid bills – from taxpayers. The majority of hospitals are non-profits and are exempt from federal, state and local taxes if they provide a community benefit, such as charitable care. Hospitals also receive federal funding to offset some of the costs of treating the poor.

Can a hospital kick you out for no insurance?

If you have a serious medical problem, hospitals must treat you regardless of whether you have insurance.

What happens if someone cannot afford healthcare?

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) created government subsidies to help low- and middle-income people pay for health insurance. They help offset the cost of monthly plan premiums, coinsurance or copays and deductibles. There are two types of subsidies – premium tax credits and cost-sharing.

Is the IRS still penalizing for not having health insurance?

In 2023, you are no longer required to pay a federal tax penalty for remaining uninsured. However, that may not apply to you if you live in a specific state. For those in California, you are still required to have health insurance and could be subject to a fee should you remain uninsured.

Is the Affordable Care Act still in effect?

Together with the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 amendment, it represents the U.S. healthcare system's most significant regulatory overhaul and expansion of coverage since the enactment of Medicare and Medicaid in 1965. Most of the act's provisions are still in effect.

Is it legal to self pay when you have insurance?

Now that you know that it is legal to self-pay when you have insurance, here are a few situations where it may make sense to directly pay for the medical procedure or service without filing a claim with your provider.

Can you go to jail for no insurance in Kentucky?

Kentucky insurance laws require all drivers to have coverage to drive on public roads legally. You can go to jail for no insurance in Kentucky, and may face fines and other penalties.

Do any states not require insurance?

Although leasing or financing offices may require one or the other. New Hampshire and Virginia are the only states that do not require auto insurance. However, if you choose not to purchase car insurance in these states, you would still be held liable for any property damage or bodily injury caused by their vehicle.

Is KY a no-fault state?

The state of Kentucky is called a no-fault state because of a law stating that each driver in the state of Kentucky has to file a claim with their insurance company first to get compensation for medical bills and other financial losses caused by the accident according to their own insurance policy.