In 2014, everyone who doesn't have health insurance could be fined 1 percent of their income or $95, whichever figure is higher. The only caveat to this rule, among individuals, is if they are exempt, a stipulation that's based on eligibility.
But according to public policy news website Politico, even those who have a legitimate excuse for not purchasing coverage will have a hard time proving it.
The website noted how certain hardships – such as those affected by foreclosure, bankruptcy or homelessness – enable people to opt out of the individual health mandate if they so choose. However, because the insurance exchange websites have had so many false starts and glitches, the Department of Health and Human Services says it will be awhile before the system that corroborates these exceptions is up and running. It's estimated that 12 million people will make this type of request, but currently, the applications aren't even available.
Sen. Tom Coburn of Oklahoma told Politico that this is just one of many flaws that have resulted in the two weeks that the insurance exchanges have been open for enrollment.
"HHS's failure to clearly outline who is exempt on their website will likely have the most adverse effects on individuals who are most at risk," said Coburn.
He added that instead of focusing on how to prevent business owners from having to provide employee benefits right away, President Obama should be focusing on what coverage options consumers have available to them.
According to the Department of Health and Human Services, some insurance marketplaces have dozens of plans that consumers can choose from. In Florida, the state-based exchange has more than 100 plan offerings.
