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You can generally only sign up for coverage during the Open Enrollment Period (Nov 1 – Jan 15 in most states) unless you experience a qualifying life event like marriage or job loss. Getting sick is not a qualifying event to buy insurance mid-year. Common Exemptions
Most plans cover 100% of preventive services like screenings and annual check-ups, which are critical for early disease detection. do you have to buy health insurance
Beyond legal penalties, being uninsured in 2026 carries substantial financial and health risks: You can generally only sign up for coverage
As of 2026, five states and the District of Columbia require residents to maintain qualifying health coverage or pay a state tax penalty: State/Jurisdiction 2026 Minimum Penalty (Flat Fee) Income-Based Alternative Penalty ~$950 per adult; $475 per child 2.5% of household income Massachusetts Sliding scale up to ~$2,532/year Based on affordability schedule New Jersey $695 per adult; $347.50 per child 2.5% of household income Rhode Island $695 per adult; $347.50 per child 2.5% of household income Washington, D.C. $795 per adult; $397.50 per child 2.5% of household income Vermont Coverage is required by law $0 (no monetary fine currently) Key Risks of Going Uninsured Beyond legal penalties, being uninsured in 2026 carries