Is it illegal to not have health insurance in VA?

Asked by: Mrs. Lauriane Schmeler IV  |  Last update: August 28, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (39 votes)

No resident of this Commonwealth, regardless of whether he has or is eligible for health insurance coverage under any policy or program provided by or through his employer, or a plan sponsored by the Commonwealth or the federal government, shall be required to obtain or maintain a policy of individual insurance ...

Is there a penalty for not having health insurance in Virginia?

There is no longer a penalty for not having health insurance. Those enrolled in coverage will get tax forms to show the coverage they had in the last year.

Is it mandatory to have health insurance in VA?

While individual health coverage is no longer required or penalized after 2019, it is still a smart decision to have health insurance and it may be more affordable than you think.

Can you legally not have health insurance?

As of 2020, California residents must have MEC for the entire calendar year or pay a penalty when filing their income tax return. This mandate applies to each resident, including their spouse (or domestic partner) and any claimed dependents. If you qualify, you can claim an exemption to the penalty on your tax return.

Is it illegal to be uninsured in Virginia?

If you are caught driving without insurance in Virginia, you could face license suspension, a $600 noncompliance fee, a license reinstatement fee and an SR-22 requirement. The average cost of a minimum coverage car insurance policy in Virginia is $494 per year.

Why Get Other Insurance If You Have VA Healthcare?

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What is the new insurance law in Virginia?

What auto insurance is mandatory in Virginia? As of July 1, 2024, all cars in Virginia must be insured with a policy that includes at least 30/60/20 liability limits — $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident of bodily injury liability insurance and $20,000 of property damage liability insurance.

How long can you go without insurance in Virginia?

You must provide proof that you have liability insurance within 30 days to avoid these penalties. Law enforcement officers can also ask for proof of financial responsibility during traffic stops. You may be charged with a Class 3 misdemeanor if you can't provide proof.

What happens if you go to the ER without insurance?

If you have a serious medical problem, hospitals must treat you regardless of whether you have insurance. This includes situations that meet the definition of an emergency. Some situations may not be considered true emergencies, such as: Going to the ER for non-life-threatening care.

Can you refuse health insurance?

Not Mandatory: You are not required to take your employer's health insurance if you don't want it; you can opt-out and choose another plan. Consider Coverage and Costs: Before opting out, compare your employer's plan with other options, considering both coverage and costs, including any potential tax benefits.

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.

Can I go to the VA hospital without insurance?

Whether or not you have other health insurance coverage doesn't affect the VA health care benefits you can get.

Is insurance required by law in Virginia?

Virginia Code § 46.2-706 requires all Virginia registered motor vehicles to be insured by a liability policy issued through an insurance company licensed to do business in Virginia, and it must remain insured while registered, whether or not it is operated. Penalties are severe for violation of this requirement.

Can I get free health insurance in VA?

Medicaid has health coverage programs for adults in Virginia who qualify. There are no enrollment costs and no monthly premiums for adults between 19-64 years old who qualify. Their income must be within the limits. Adults who are 65 or older, disabled, or blind may qualify for full Medicaid.

Are you still fined for no health insurance?

The effect went into place on January 1, 2019, meaning that those who were uninsured in 2019 no longer had to pay tax penalties, but those who were uninsured in 2018 still had to pay the fine. Looking for ACA compliant coverage?

Are you required to have health insurance in VA?

No resident of this Commonwealth, regardless of whether he has or is eligible for health insurance coverage under any policy or program provided by or through his employer, or a plan sponsored by the Commonwealth or the federal government, shall be required to obtain or maintain a policy of individual insurance ...

Can you go to jail if you don't have health insurance?

So, is it illegal to not have health insurance since there is no longer a fine? On a federal level, having health insurance is no longer a legal requirement. However, a handful of states in the U.S. require citizens to obtain coverage or pay a tax penalty.

Can any legally required benefits be waived?

For the most part, mandatory benefits are required by law and can't be waived. Nonetheless, there are some exceptions – for example, sometimes employees can opt out of retirement or health insurance plans.

Can I opt out of health insurance at any time?

Here are the general rules: You can cancel your plan anytime if you purchased self-only or family coverage on the individual health insurance market. However, you can typically only select a new health plan during the annual Open Enrollment Period. Open Enrollment is from November 1 to January 15 in most states.

Can I ask for money instead of health insurance?

It is legal to offer employees cash in lieu of health plan benefits, but it has to be done appropriately through a cafeteria plan that includes a “cash-in-lieu” agreement. If they opt out for cash in the agreement, they will be taxed on those funds as if they were wages.

Can a hospital kick you out for no insurance?

In the United States, hospitals are generally required to provide emergency medical treatment to individuals regardless of their ability to pay or their insurance status. This is mandated by the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA).

Can you ignore ER bills?

Ignoring Medical Bills Creates Problems: Credit Score Damage, Debt Collectors, Lawsuits. Explore Solutions: Payment Plans, Financial Aid, & Potential Personal Injury Claim.

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.

Is it illegal to not have insurance in Virginia?

If you are caught driving without car insurance in Virginia, you risk being penalized with a Class 3 misdemeanor, a suspension of your driver's license, vehicle registration, and license plates.

What to do if no insurance company will insure you?

If you're denied insurance, the first step is to call another insurer—different companies have different parameters. However, if several insurers have denied you, you may need to consider these options: Join a state assigned risk pool – Auto insurers participate on a voluntary basis in state assigned risk pools.

What does a 200 dollar deductible mean?

For Example: let's say you are in a fender bender, the total cost of repairs is $1,000, and your insurance company pays $800. The amount you are responsible for paying (your deductible) is $200.