I heard the Affordable Care Act’s individual mandate ended. Does it still make sense to sign up?

While there is no longer a federal tax penalty for being uninsured, some states (CA, MA, NJ, and RI) and DC have enacted individual mandates and may apply a state tax penalty if you lack health coverage for the year. Regardless of any tax penalty, it is still important to have insurance coverage to help reduce the risk of large medical bills if you get sick, to pay for medications, and to pay for check-ups and preventive care.

If you need health insurance coverage, you can apply for health plans and financial help during the annual Open Enrollment Period. People already enrolled in a Marketplace plan should review their plan choices, renew or change coverage, and update their application for financial assistance during this time. Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) remain open for enrollment year-round for eligible individuals with lower incomes.