a tax credit under the law translates to your health plan cost being reduced. people do have the option of paying the full price of insurance throughout the year and then taking the credit at tax time. but most people will choose to have the credit applied to their health plan so they pay less for it each month. if you don't make enough money to file taxes you will no doubt qualify for medicaid and hopefully you live in a state that has decided to expand its program. if you do you'll gain coverage at no cost to you. also if you don't make enough money to file taxes you won't be held responsible for getting coverage. so if you don't have insurance you won't be on the hook for the penalty.
does "tax credit" mean credit on taxes? . i have so little income and so many deductions i already do not pay tax so a "credit" would not do me much good.