Are You Exempt from the ACA Mandate?

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) is health care reform that was passed in 2010. One of the main goals of the ACA was to make health insurance more affordable and accessible for all Americans. As part of the ACA, most people are required to have health insurance or pay a penalty. However, there are some exemptions to the mandate.

What Is the Income Threshold for the Mandate?

One of the exemptions to the mandate is for people with low incomes. In 2023, the income threshold for the mandate is $12,880 for single filers and $26,500 for married couples filing jointly. If your income is below this threshold, you are not required to have health insurance.

What Are the Other Exemptions to the Mandate?

In addition to the income threshold, there are a number of other exemptions to the mandate. These exemptions include:

Being uninsured for less than three months
Being a member of a federally recognized Indian tribe
Being incarcerated
Being a member of a religious sect that objects to health insurance
Having a hardship exemption

What Is the Penalty for Not Having Health Insurance?

If you are required to have health insurance and you do not, you will have to pay a penalty. The penalty is calculated based on your income and the number of months you were uninsured. In 2023, the penalty is $2,500 per adult and $1,250 per child.

How Can I Get Health Insurance?

If you need health insurance, you can get it through your employer, the Health Insurance Marketplace, or a private insurance company. If you are eligible for Medicaid or CHIP, you can get free or low-cost health insurance through those programs.

How Can I Find Out If I Am Exempt from the Mandate?

If you are not sure if you are exempt from the mandate, you can use the Exemption Finder Tool on the HealthCare.gov website. The Exemption Finder Tool will ask you a series of questions to determine if you are eligible for an exemption.

Are There Any Other Resources Available to Me?

If you need more information about the ACA, you can visit the HealthCare.gov website or call the Health Insurance Marketplace at 1-800-318-2596. You can also get help from a licensed health insurance agent.