What do I do if I don't have health insurance in California?
Asked by: Quinten Ferry | Last update: May 9, 2025Score: 4.6/5 (62 votes)
What happens if I don't have health insurance in CA?
The individual mandate means that Californians must either have qualifying health insurance, or pay a penalty when filing their state tax return unless they qualify for an exemption. How much? For tax year 2023, the penalty will cost at least $900 per adult and $450 per dependent child under 18 in your household.
What happens if I go to the hospital without insurance in California?
Uninsured patients: California law now requires hospitals to provide free or discounted care to uninsured patients who earn up to 400% of the federal poverty level. You may qualify if you earn $4,530 per month for one person or up to $9,250 per month for a family of four in 2022.
What is the penalty for no health insurance in California?
California residents who do not have coverage for themselves and their dependents for each month in 2024, and who do not meet an exemption, will pay a penalty of $900 per adult or more and $450 per dependent child, or 2.5% of their gross income over the filing threshold for their filing status, whichever is higher.
What if I don't qualify for Medi-Cal or Covered California?
If you are uninsured and are not eligible for Medi-Cal or a plan through Covered California, you may qualify for limited health services offered by your county. These programs are not insurance plans and do not provide full coverage. Each county has different rules and services for these programs.
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How much is Medi-Cal per month?
If eligible, as of July 1, 2022 a California law allows you to receive full Medi-Cal coverage with $0 monthly premium. To qualify, you must: Meet the medical requirements of Social Security's definition of disability. Be working and earning income (this can be part-time work).
Can I buy health insurance and use it immediately?
Many, but not all, short term health insurance plans can take effect the day after your application is received.
What happens when someone doesn't have health insurance?
What are the financial implications of being uninsured? Uninsured individuals often face unaffordable medical bills when they do seek care. These bills can quickly translate into medical debt since most people who are uninsured have low or moderate incomes and have little, if any, savings.
What is the cheapest health insurance in California?
Affordable health insurance in California for 2025
L.A. Care has the cheapest rates in California, and it's the cheapest health insurance company for about a quarter of the people in California. But you can only get L.A. Care if you live in Los Angeles County.
Does the IRS fine you for not having 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.
Will hospitals still treat you 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.
What happens if you can't pay a hospital bill in California?
Once medical bills enter collections, they are often reported to consumer credit reporting companies. Medical debt collections on a credit report can impact your ability to buy or rent a home, raise the price you pay for a car or insurance, and make it more difficult to find a job.
What happens if a tourist gets sick in the USA without insurance?
If a tourist gets sick in the USA without insurance, they are responsible for covering all medical expenses out of pocket. Healthcare in the USA is expensive, and even basic treatments or emergency services can result in significant bills.
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 there free health insurance in CA?
Medi-Cal is a state program that provides free or low-cost health care and dental coverage to Californians, regardless of age, assets, or immigration status.
Can you live in California without health insurance?
Individual Mandate
Most people in California are required to have health coverage. If you do not have health coverage you may have to pay a tax penalty. This is called the “individual mandate.”
Is it cheaper to go without health insurance?
Healthcare is expensive—even with insurance. However, those who don't have insurance coverage will be at a much greater disadvantage. The inability to seek treatment for health conditions and the crushing weight of medical bills are two big reasons to obtain coverage.
How many months can you go without health insurance in California?
As a California resident, you should carry insurance throughout the year with no gaps in coverage of 90 days or more. Otherwise, you may face a tax penalty when you file your tax return. There are some exemptions to California's penalty, which we'll discuss later.
Can I go to the doctor without insurance?
Even if you don't have health insurance, you can still see a doctor and receive medical treatment—preventive care, acute care, urgent care, or emergency care. The difficult part is to find services that are affordable.
What happens if your job doesn't have health insurance?
If your employer doesn't offer you insurance coverage, you can fill out an application through the Marketplace. You'll find out if you qualify for: A health insurance plan with savings on your monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs based on your household size and income.
What is the fastest way to get health insurance?
To secure health insurance quickly, options like the Special Enrollment Period, Medicaid or CHIP, or Short-Term Health plans could be a good fit.
Does Blue Cross Blue Shield cover urgent care?
BlueCross BlueShield covers a variety of urgent care services, including treatment for minor injuries, illnesses, lab tests, and preventive care.
Is temporary health insurance worth it?
Affordable Premiums: Lower monthly costs, can be ideal for tight budgets. Flexible Enrollment: Available year-round with no application restrictions. Quick Coverage: Perfect for gaps between jobs or waiting for ACA coverage.