Whether health insurance is required by the law or not, we strongly advise individuals to obtain one. Health insurance provides financial responsibility that caters to qualifying health needs, care, and treatment.
In recent times, the Affordable Care Act has implemented a law that addresses the need for health insurance. There are several states that have an individual mandate for health insurance.
If you’re contemplating whether health insurance is required by law, read to the end of this article, as we will be providing insights on states that mandate health insurance, the benefits of health insurance, and other tips that would add to your knowledge about health insurance requirements.
Is Health Insurance Required By Law?
In the United States, health insurance is not mandated at the federal level. But certain states are most likely to impose a tax penalty on individuals who do not have coverage. Recently, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) mandated health insurance, imposing a tax penalty on those who did not comply with this law.
The ACA aimed to increase the accessibility and affordability of health insurance for Americans by offering tax subsidies. It required eligible Americans to have health coverage, with a tax penalty imposed on those who went without it for over two months.
However, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, passed in 2017, eliminated the penalty, making health insurance optional at the federal level. Nonetheless, some states, including California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington D.C., mandate health insurance coverage for residents, imposing a tax penalty on those who refuse to comply.
States that Require Health Insurance
There are certain states that require health insurance; they are as follows:
- California
- District of Columbia.
- Massachusetts
- New Jersey.
- Rhode Island.
- Vermont
If you live in any of these states, it is mandated by law to obtain health insurance. Individuals who do not comply with this law will face serious penalties.
Some states, like Hawaii, Connecticut, and Washington, are thiking about implementing healthcare mandates.
However, the qualifying plans, penalty criteria, and exemptions differ for every state. We encourage our readers to carefully review their state administrations to get a better understanding of why health care is required, as well as the legal penalties for those who refuse to comply with the law.
How Many Months do I Need Health Insurance to Avoid Penalties?
In states that mandate health insurance, except in Vermont, you must have qualifying health insurance that covers a period of nine months out of a year.
Short gaps of coverage, usually less than two or three consecutive months, will exempt you from getting a penalty. However, you are required to declare it on your state taxes.
Benefits of Health Insurance
Highlighted below are some of the benefits health insurance offers:
- Generally, health insurance offers coverage for hospitalization expenses, which include health care checkups as well as pre- and post-hospitalization expenses.
- Health insurance grants access to essential healthcare services, which enables policyholders to receive the medical care and attention they require.
- It offers financial protection against unexpected and out-of-pocket medical expenses, ultimately helping to reduce financial burden and strain due to medical emergencies and crucial needs.
- Health insurance features coverage for preventive care, such as screening, routine vaccines, and tests for blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes.
- Individuals who have health insurance also enjoy coverage for mental health and behaviorism treatment that helps improve their mental health.
- It also offers financial security and peace of mind that you can literally access your health insurance policy without having to go bankrupt.
These are just a few reasons why you should consider getting health insurance. Usually, a comprehensive health
An insurance plan will help to cover the costs associated with most, if not all, of your medical and hospital expenses, ultimately helping to improve your health and wellness. So, whether obtaining health insurance is required by law or not, health insurance helps to improve the quality of your wellness, offering you maximum peace of mind knowing fully well that, if a medical situation arises, you have something to fall back on.
With health insurance, you don’t have to break the bank to cover the cost associated with your medical care. Some types of health insurance cover medical costs upfront, while others offer reimbursement.
How to Get Health Insurance
Obtaining health insurance is relatively easy. All you have to do is apply through the online Health Insurance Marketplace, or HealthCare.gov.
During the application process, you will need to create a personal account. You will also need to examine various plans, and provide all necessary details to complete your enrollment.
You can as well consult local organizations, insurance agents, or health insurance providers directly for proper guidance on how to go about it.
Those who fulfill the eligibility requirement for obtaining health insurance can also access Medicaid and CHIP.
