Penalties for failing to get insurance would start at $750 a year for individuals and $1,500 for families. Households making more than three times the federal poverty level – about $66,000 for a family of four – would face the maximum fines. For families, it would be $3,800, and for individuals, $950.

Fines Proposed For Going Without Health Insurance

Compare this to the $13,000 it costs for a traditional insurance plan in Massachusetts for that same family of four…$13,000 vs. $3,800. That’s going to be a tough decision for many people.

Are the fines going to escalate at the same rate as the insurance premiums? If they don’t, that decision to pay the fine will get easier and easier.