Is Obamacare mandatory?
Asked by: Dr. Joaquin Spencer | Last update: July 23, 2025Score: 5/5 (21 votes)
What states refuse Obamacare?
The Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, was enacted in 2010, but 10 states have not expanded Medicaid, the federal-state program that provides health care for low-income people. They are Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
Are you legally required to 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.
What happens if I don't qualify for Obamacare?
If you don't qualify or feel you can't afford a Marketplace plan, you can find low-cost health care at a nearby community health center. Get more information about your coverage options through the Marketplace.
Can I quit Obamacare?
Consumers can terminate a Marketplace plan at any time and for any reason. For example, they might accept a new job and enroll in employer-sponsored coverage (ESC). Or perhaps they've become newly eligible for Medicaid or Medicare. Some consumers may simply want to end their coverage.
Here's Why the Affordable Care Act Is So Controversial | History
Does Obamacare apply to everyone?
You are eligible to enroll in an ACA insurance plan as long as you are living in the U.S. lawfully and are not incarcerated or covered by Medicare. You may find out that you qualify for Medicaid during the Obamacare application process.
What are the pros and cons of Obamacare?
The pros of the ACA include prohibiting insurance companies from denying coverage based on health history and providing subsidies to reduce premiums and out-of-pocket costs. The cons of the ACA include small business challenges and limited provider options in some regions.
What states is it illegal to not have health insurance?
- California.
- D.C.
- Massachusetts.
- New Jersey.
- Rhode Island.
- Vermont (but there's currently no financial penalty attached to the mandate)
Will the IRS penalize for no 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.
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).
What is the biggest problem with Obamacare?
Obamacare has increased the cost of health care and health insurance. The ACA's federal mandates and spending, including Medicaid expansion and subsidized individual plans, have drastically increased the cost of health care and health insurance. 2. Obamacare increases Americans' reliance on the federal government. …
Is there an alternative to Obamacare?
There are some alternatives to consider, including short-term medical, private health insurance, zero deductible plans or fixed indemnity plans, and faith-based plans.
Does everyone accept Obamacare?
Understanding your coverage options under Obamacare
Just like any other health plan, your Marketplace plan may not be accepted by every doctor, hospital, or provider. Many Marketplace insurance plans have limited or “narrow” networks of doctors and hospitals that agree to accept these lower negotiated prices.
Who is exempt from Obamacare?
If you're seeking an exemption because you can't afford coverage, you're a member of a federally recognized tribe, you're incarcerated, or you participate in a recognized health care sharing ministry, you have two options: The exemptions can be claimed when you complete your federal tax return.
Who actually pays for Obamacare?
The federal government covers 90% of the cost of Medicaid expansion. Individual Mandate: The ACA also originally included an “individual mandate” or requirement for most people to maintain health insurance.
What is the best HealthCare insurance?
Investopedia's analysis ranks Kaiser Permanente as the best health insurance company for 2025 because of its blend of affordability and low customer complaints. UnitedHealthcare and Aetna also earned top marks. We evaluated nine insurers using dozens of criteria, such as customer satisfaction, plan types, and costs.
What is the average deductible for Obamacare?
KFF also reported the average 2024 deductible for marketplace plans sold via HealthCare.gov, (combined for medical and prescription drugs) by metal rating: $7,258 for Bronze plans, $5,241 for Silver plans, $1,430 for Gold plans, and $97 for Platinum plans.
Is there a penalty for cancelling Obamacare?
Starting in 2020, California residents must either: Have qualifying health insurance coverage, or. Pay a penalty when filing a state tax return, or. Get an exemption from the requirement to have coverage.
Do you pay back Obamacare?
If at the end of the year you've taken more premium tax credit in advance than you're due based on your final income, you'll have to pay back the excess when you file your federal tax return. If you've taken less than you qualify for, you'll get the difference back.
Can you have Obamacare if you have a job?
Short answer: Yes. But there are some important caveats to consider. Here, we break down what you need to know about enrolling in Obamacare if your employer offers insurance benefits too.