Yes, the IRS no longer has a penalty for uninsured taxpayers starting 2019. However, CA picked up the slack and will now penalize residents if they don’t have coverage starting Jan 2020.

“Effective January 1, 2020, California residents MUST obtain minimum essential health care coverage to avoid the new California individual health care mandate penalty enacted by SB 78 (Ch. 19-38).”

Generally speaking, an individual who fails to secure coverage will be subject to an annual penalty of $695 or more when they file their 2020 California tax return.

Open Enrollment is ALMOST over so hurry to CoveredCA.com or directly to an insurance company of your choice to get your coverage ASAP!

If you do choose to use Covered CA (“The Market Place”/”ObamaCare”), California subsidies will be available for individuals and families with incomes up to 600% of the federal poverty line (federal subsidies are available for up to 400% of the poverty line). And YES there is still a federal tax credit for qualified taxpayers.