What happens if I don't have healthcare in California?
Asked by: Charlene Witting III | Last update: December 10, 2025Score: 4.9/5 (50 votes)
Is there a penalty in California for not having health insurance?
The California state government requires residents to have health insurance, or they may face a tax penalty. The options are either enrolling in a qualified health insurance plan or paying the tax penalty, subject to some exceptions. Having health insurance is the better option since it provides many benefits.
What do I do if I don't have health insurance in California?
Get coverage
If you do not have coverage, open enrollment continues through January 31, 2024. Visit Apply | Covered California™ or call 800-300-1506 to sign up for health care coverage.
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.”
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.
How bad is it if I don't have health insurance?
How many months can you go without health insurance in California?
Not all Californians who lack insurance are penalized. There are exemptions for reasons such as living only part of the year in California, reporting a hardship or going without coverage less than three months.
Can a hospital refuse to treat you if you have no 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.
Can you get free healthcare in California?
Medi-Cal offers free or low-cost health coverage for Californians who meet eligibility requirements, regardless of immigration status. Most applicants who apply and enroll in Medi-Cal will receive care through Medi-Cal health plans.
What is the IRS penalty 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. If you don't have health coverage, you don't need an exemption to avoid paying a tax penalty.
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.
What happens if you don't have insurance in California?
For a first offense, the fine can be up to $200, and for subsequent offenses, it can go up to $500. With additional penalties and fees, you could end up paying much more. Vehicle Impoundment: Your vehicle may be impounded, and you will be responsible for any towing and storage fees.
How do people afford health insurance in California?
Medi-Cal offers free or low-cost health coverage for California residents who meet eligibility requirements. Most applicants who apply through Covered California and enroll in Medi-Cal will receive care through managed health plans. Medi-Cal eligibility to include low-income adults.
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.
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.
Is insurance mandatory in California?
Insurance (also referred to as financial responsibility) is required on all vehicles operated or parked on California roads. You must carry evidence of insurance in your vehicle at all times and it must be provided when: Requested by law enforcement.
Does having health insurance affect your tax return?
Whether you get financial help or not, health coverage is part of filing your taxes. Unless you report that you had health coverage, you may have to pay a state tax penalty. If you received federal or state financial help, you'll report that as well.
How to avoid California health insurance penalty?
You can get an exemption so that you won't have to pay a penalty for not having qualifying health insurance. Some exemptions require an exemption application through Covered California. Other exemptions do not require an application: Instead, you can claim them when you file your state tax return.
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.
What is the penalty for not having health insurance in California in 2024?
The penalty for not having coverage the entire year will be at least $900 per adult and $450 per dependent child under 18 in the household when you file your 2023 state income tax return in 2024. A family of four that goes uninsured for the whole year would face a penalty of at least $2,700.
What disqualifies you from Medi-Cal?
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). Have countable income less than 250% of the federal poverty level (in 2024, this equates to $3,158/mo.
Is it illegal to not have healthcare in California?
In fact, 2020 marked the first year that Californians were required by state law to have health insurance. This law is referred to as the individual mandate because it means that all individuals in California are mandated to have health coverage.
What is the new law in California for illegal immigrants?
New California Law
State and local officers are forbidden from holding illegal immigrants until they can be transferred into federal custody. Federal agencies are prohibited from commandeering local authorities to work with immigration agencies and perform the work of immigration agents.
What happens if I 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 a hospital turn you away if you owe them money?
Even if you owe a hospital for past-due bills, that hospital cannot turn you away from its emergency room. This is your right under a federal law called the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA).
Can I self pay if I have insurance?
While it is not illegal to self-pay if you have insurance, we always encourage individuals to have the right health plans to ensure they are prepared for significant medical expenses. Still, we know that there are times when it does not make sense to file a claim with the insurance company.