Affordable Care Act – How Obamacare Affects You

Beginning April 1, 2014, the Individual Shared Responsibility provision (aka the Individual Mandate, aka Obamacare) of the Affordable Care Act calls for each applicable individual to either buy minimum essential health coverage or pay a penalty when filing their federal tax return. However, many of those who are not exempt from this provision say they will pay the penalty instead of the health insurance premium.

Who is exempt from the Individual Mandate in Obamacare?

People who are members of certain religious groups, members of Indian tribes or those with incomes below the return filing threshold ($10,150 for individuals/$20,300 for married filing jointly) are exempt. In addition, people who are in the United States illegally or incarcerated are also exempt from the Individual Mandate. There are also some special rules in cases of financial hardships and those unable to afford coverage.

What is the penalty imposed by Obamacare?

There has been some confusion on exactly how much the penalty tax is for not complying with the Individual Mandate in Obamacare. While there is a basic penalty in 2014 of $95, this amount is only for those who are single with no dependents and make less than $9,500. If your income is higher, your penalty is 1 percent of your adjusted gross income (AGI) minus the standard deduction. For example, if you are single with no dependents and make $60,000 your penalty will be closer to $500.

If you are married or have children, your penalty will be a minimum of $95 per family member over the age of 17 and $48.50 for each child under 18 up to $285…. UNLESS 1 percent of your AGI is more than $285. Confused now? Who isn’t when dealing with Obamacare?

In 2015 the penalty increases to $325 or 2 percent AGI and in 2016 to $695 or 2.5 percent of AGI.

The IRS is the watchdog and enforcer…beware!

Why are people choosing to pay the penalty imposed by Obamacare?

It appears that most people who are choosing to pay the penalty are younger, healthy, single adults who would rather pay the 1 percent penalty over purchasing a “Bronze” plan for $4,500-$5,000 a year for an individual plan. A bronze plan provides the least amount of coverage while still providing the “minimum essential benefits” required by Obamacare. These individual are choosing to risk it to save around $4,000 a year.

What would you choose…Obamacare or the penalty?

If you are trying to figure out which is the best option for you, give us a call… We can help you assess your options and/or calculate what your penalty will be for 2014.

Contributed by Roy B. Fisher, CPA
Fisher CPA Firm, PC
932-482-4240
www.FisherCPAFirm.com