Are immigrants required to have health insurance coverage under the Affordable Care Act’s individual mandate?

Most immigrants who are residents lawfully present in the U.S., including “green card holders,” are subject to the ACA’s individual mandate.

However, for 2018, people who lack coverage during the year can claim an exemption from the tax penalty directly on their tax return if they experienced circumstances that prevented them from obtaining coverage.  No documentation of the hardship is required to be submitted with the tax return, though taxpayers should retain all documentation for their files.

Starting in 2019, there will be no tax penalty for failing to have health insurance coverage.

Immigrants who are not lawfully present in the U.S. will not pay a tax penalty if they do not have health insurance.