Covered California announced that it’s increasing penalties for not having health insurance, and is encouraging Californians without coverage to explore their options and sign up to avoid large penalties during next year’s tax time.
“It’s important that consumers understand now that the cost of remaining uninsured is rising,” Covered California Executive Director Peter V. Lee said. “This year, a family of four earning $70,000 a year could pay close to $1,000 in their taxes if they remain uninsured in 2015.”
The penalty, known as the “shared responsibility payment,” takes effect for 2014, and many who were uninsured will see an impact when they prepare their taxes due in April
of this year. However, the penalty rises substantially for 2015, meaning it’s important
that all uninsured Californians know this and take steps now — before open enrollment
ends — to avoid significant penalties when they prepare their 2015 taxes due next year.
“With some exceptions, everyone in America is now required to have health insurance
— buying coverage for themselves and their families rather than relying on others to
pay for their care,” Lee said. “As the penalty increases, it makes more and more sense
for those who have been waiting on the sidelines to get in and get coverage.”
In 2016, the shared responsibility payment for those without health insurance rises even more. The same family of four that would pay $988 for not being covered in 2015 would likely pay $2,085 in 2016 if they do not have health coverage, depending on their specific circumstances. Individuals and families with incomes that would qualify for Medi-Cal would also be affected if they don’t have coverage.
“This is an important message that should be heard by Californians of all income
levels,” said Toby Douglas, director of the California Department of Health Care
Services (DHCS), which operates the Medi-Cal program. “Applying for coverage not
only gives you an opportunity to get comprehensive health care; it can help you avoid a
penalty that could hurt you and your family.”
The shared responsibility payment is calculated based on the greater of two 
flat fee or a percentage fee based on one’s income and the national average cost of a
Bronze health plan.
The following table shows estimated penalties for not having insurance in 2015.
