: Has a mandate to report coverage but currently imposes no financial penalty for being uninsured. Key Considerations for 2026
: Penalties start at $695 per adult and $347.50 per child , capped at $2,085 for families, or 2.5% of income.
However, your requirement to have insurance depends entirely on your location, as several states have established their own mandates and financial penalties. States with Insurance Mandates in 2026 do i have to buy obamacare insurance
At the federal level, you are to buy "Obamacare" (Affordable Care Act) health insurance . While the individual mandate technically remains part of the law, the federal tax penalty for not having coverage was reduced to $0 starting in 2019.
: Uses a sliding scale based on income; monthly penalties can range from $23 to $135 per adult . : Has a mandate to report coverage but
: Even in states with penalties, you may qualify for hardship or affordability exemptions if insurance costs more than a certain percentage of your income (roughly 8% in many cases).
The Individual Mandate for Health Insurance Coverage: In Brief States with Insurance Mandates in 2026 At the
: Matches New Jersey's formula with a $695 per adult minimum or 2.5% of income.
