General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: How Many DUers Advocating Delaying Obamacare Are Themselves Currently Uninsured? [View all]lostincalifornia
(3,639 posts)the following conditions, WITHOUT a penalty or fine.
If 8% of your income is more than the monthly premium for the lowest plan, you can obtain a waiver.
In other words:
"If the lowest cost bronze is greater than 8% of a person's income, the consumer is eligible for an exception certificate from the individual mandate or may purchase minimum coverage plan."
The income level for subsidies is the following:
Single: less than 45960
Two people: less than 62040
etc.
The income determination is based on your AGI
There will also be a questionnaire which IS NOT posted with the Calculators which will take other factors into consideration.
In addition, you can request enrollment assistance to get the full facts without obligation
The premiums may become difficult for the demographic > than 50 years old and exceeding the subsidy income level. In most of those cases, they are exempt from penalties or participation because 8% of their income exceeds the minimum coverage plan.
There is also no restriction in obtaining coverage from insurance companies outside of the exchanges.
As to your situation, you are probably in the demographic where it is either too expensive or not to your advantage.
However, the majority of people will fit into those income levels, and receive the subsidies, be covered by an employer, or are young where the premium is much lower.
You, and for that matter, myself are in that other situation, and does not appear to represent the majority that will benefit from it
It is perfectly understandable your frustration if the ACA does not help you, however, under the political climate at that time, that was the only thing that could have been done, since there were enough Democrats at the time who would NOT have gone for a public option, and yes nothing would have been passed. At least the foot is in the door.
Will it be tweaked for those who fall outside the demographic for subsidies or evolve into Medicare for all? No one knows, but it will be better than what we had for most.