The IRS said Thursday those who fail to get health insurance this year will be fined up to $2,448 per person and as much as $12,240 for a family of five.
Obamacare requires Americans to obtain health insurance or pay a fine, and puts the IRS in control of ensuring compliance.
Those with family incomes that surpass $19,650 a year and who don’t buy insurance that meets the standards of Obamacare are to be fined 1 percent of their annual income. Those who make less than that amount are fined a flat rate of $95, or not fined at all if they earn less than $10,150 per year, The Hill reported.
The IRS used Bronze level plans to calculate the actual amounts non-complying Americans can expect to pay. By the agency’s math, the national monthly average premium for Bronze plan holders is $204 per person — and those who don’t pay will be fined that amount for each month they don’t have the insurance, for a total of $2,448 per year, The Hill reported.
For a family of five or more, the monthly average premium in the Bronze plan is about $1,202, the IRS found. Families that violate the Obamacare mandate for the full year could face penalties of $1,202 times 12 — $12,240.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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