Health Insurance Basics
What is the ACA individual mandate?
The ACA individual mandate required most Americans to have health insurance or pay a penalty. The federal individual mandate penalty was eliminated in 2019. However, some states (California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington D.C.) have their own individual mandate with a state penalty.
Key Points
- Federal individual mandate penalty: eliminated in 2019
- State individual mandates: CA, MA, NJ, RI, VT, DC
- State penalties vary — check your state's requirements
- Uninsured: may face state penalty in mandate states
- An independent agent can help you understand your state's requirements