What is a potential consequence of not obtaining health insurance coverage?

A potential consequence of not obtaining health insurance coverage is the requirement to pay a tax penalty, although this can vary by year and depending on current regulations. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) originally included an individual mandate that required most Americans to have health insurance or face a penalty when filing taxes. While the penalty was reduced to $0 at the federal level starting in 2019, some states have implemented their own mandates and corresponding penalties, reinforcing the idea that not carrying health insurance can lead to financial consequences.

This context helps understand the significance of maintaining insurance coverage in terms of compliance with health care laws. The implications of not having insurance can extend beyond just financial penalties, impacting access to care and financial security. However, factors like job opportunities or government assistance eligibility typically are not directly tied to having or lacking health insurance, which distinguishes the tax penalty as a more immediate and quantifiable consequence.