If you qualify for a health coverage exemption, you don’t have to pay the fee for the months you didn’t have health coverage.

Note: Starting with the 2019 plan year (for which you’ll file taxes in April 2020), the penalty no longer applies. (The fee is sometimes called the “Shared Responsibility Payment” or “mandate.”) If you don’t have coverage during 2019 or later, you don’t need an exemption in order to avoid the penalty.

Find 2018 health coverage exemptions that may work for you

Answer a few questions to see health coverage exemptions that may apply to you for the 2018 plan year. We’ll tell you how to apply for each one.

FIND EXEMPTIONS

Exemptions for 2019 and beyond

• For the 2019 plan year, the Shared Responsibility Payment (“mandate,” “penalty”) no longer applies. You don't need an exemption for 2019 or beyond.
• If you’re 30 or older and want a “Catastrophic” health plan, see details about exemptions and catastrophic coverage.

Looking for exemptions for previous tax years? Visit our 2017 exemptions pages.

Below are health coverage exemptions for the 2018 tax year.

• You can claim most exemptions when you file your 2018 federal income tax return (which you’ll file in April 2019).
• In a few cases you need to fill out an application and mail it to the Marketplace. These are marked “application required” below.

Exemptions for 2018 and earlier, forms & how to apply

Follow the links below for exemption details, application forms, and instructions.

Income-related exemptions

• The lowest-priced coverage available to you in 2018, through either a Marketplace or job-based plan, would cost more than 8.05% of your household income. Application required. Get details about the Marketplace affordability exemption or the job-based affordability exemption.
• You don’t have to file a tax return because your income does not meet the tax filing requirement. Learn how to claim the exemption if your income is below the tax filing threshold.

Hardship exemptions

• You had a financial hardship or other circumstances that prevented you from getting health insurance. Application required. See all hardship exemptions and get the application form.

Health coverage-related exemptions

• You were uninsured for no more than 2 consecutive months of the year. Get details about the short gap exemption.
• You lived in a state that didn’t expand its Medicaid program and your household income was below 138% of the federal poverty level. Get details about this exemption.

Group membership exemptions

• You’re a member of a federally recognized tribe or eligible for services through an Indian Health Services provider. Get details about the Indian health coverage exemption.
• You’re a member of a recognized health care sharing ministry. Get details about the health care sharing ministry exemption.
• You’re a member of a recognized religious sect with religious objections to insurance, including Social Security and Medicare. Get forms and details for the religious exemption.

Other exemptions

• You’re incarcerated (serving a term in prison or jail). Get details about the incarceration exemption.
• You’re a U.S. citizen living abroad, a certain type of non-citizen, or not lawfully present. (Learn more about the definition of “lawfully present.”) Get details about this exemption.
• A member of your tax household was born or adopted during the year. This exemption applies only to the month of the event and the month before. You can claim this exemption only if you’re also claiming another exemption.
• A member of your tax household died during the year. This exemption applies only to the month of the death and the month before. You can claim this exemption only if you’re also claiming another exemption.