I’m uninsured. Am I required to get health care?

Congress eliminated the federal tax penalty for not having health insurance, effective January 1, 2019.

For 2018, everyone is required to have health insurance coverage – or more precisely, “minimum essential coverage” – or else pay a tax penalty, unless they qualify for an exemption. This requirement is called the individual responsibility requirement, or sometimes called the individual mandate.

While the federal tax penalty still applies for 2018, recent changes will make it easier for people to claim a hardship exemption, and so owe no penalty, when they file their 2018 federal income tax return.

Several states have adopted individual mandates with state tax penalties for not having health insurance.  These include Massachusetts, New Jersey, and the District of Columbia, effective for the 2019 calendar year.  Vermont will impose a tax penalty for not having coverage starting in 2020.  Other states are considering individual mandates; check with your tax adviser for more information.

Regardless of the penalty, it is important to have health coverage if you can.  Health insurance continues to be offered during annual Open Enrollment periods.  If you don’t sign up during Open Enrollment, you might have to wait up to one year until your next opportunity to enroll.

uninsured

Where We Are

Asheville & Western NC
Charlotte NC Metro
Raleigh-Durham NC Metro
Gainesville & North-Central FL 
Orlando, Tampa & Central FL 

Connect With Us

Hummingbird Insurance ♡ protecting what we love 

Insurance for individuals, families and employers. We specialize in employee benefits, Medicare, health, dental, vision, life & disability.

The Hummingbird Agency, LLC d/b/a Hummingbird Insurance is an independent authorized agent/agency licensed to sell and promote products from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC). The content contained in this site is maintained by Hummingbird Insurance. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

®, SM Registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

Privacy Notice Statement | Copyright © 2023 Hummingbird Insurance

AGENT LOGIN