 [ Symptoms ] i can not afford to buy groceries how can i afford the penalty or the health insurance  my income is 1 500 a month and that does not pay all the bills what can i do [ Disease ] you will likely qualify for subsidies to lower the cost of your insurance as well as what you pay for medical services it is a good idea to shop your options on healthcare gov many people concerned they can not afford insurance are surprised to learn they qualify for financial help that can make coverage affodable