if you have no income or very low income you may not have to pay the penalty under the aca. the law includes a so-called "hardship exemption" for people who cannot afford the coverage available to them. but be sure to check the specific rules at www. healthcare. gov. and remember if you do get a new job or your income rises during the year for another reason you may no longer be exempt from the penalty. if you do have no income now or very low income you should also check out your state's medicaid coverage option. you may be eligible for coverage there with little or no cost.
i'm unemployed and don't qualify for medical. i can barely get by with the little money i get now. . if i don't enroll in a health insurance plan what are the penalties?