Who is exempt from the healthcare coverage requirement?

You are exempt from the noncompliance penalty if any of the following items are true.

• The health insurance premiums exceed 8% of your household income
• Your household income is below the income tax filing thresholds, in certain hardship cases
• You reside outside the US
• You have a coverage gap of less than three months.
• You are a member of a recognized religious sect that is opposed to accepting health care insurance
• You are an Indian tribe member
• You are in jail

Dependents (not spouses, mind you) are exempt from the noncompliance penalty because the taxpayer who claims the dependent is responsible for paying the penalty.

Similar healthcare questions answered

• Am I required to have health care coverage?
• Who is exempt from the health care coverage requirement?
• How do I get help in paying for health insurance?
• What happens if I don’t comply with the requirement to have health care coverage?
• What are investment and medical surcharges?

See more frequently asked questions