Taxpayers would be exempt from penalty if they have insurance through their workplace, and also if Taxpayers are on either Medicare or Medicaid will also be exempt. In addition, "Americans below the 133% Federal Poverty Level threshold will be exempt as well." Per the IRS, it would seem that over 26 Million taxpayers would be exempt from any potential penalties.
Additionally the specific groups listed below are exempt from ObamaCare's mandate to "obtain minimum essential coverage" (i.e. buy insurance):
- Unaffordable coverage options Exemption.
People who would have to pay more than 8 percent of their household income for health insurance.
- No filing requirement.
People with incomes below the threshold required for filing taxes (in 2012, $9,750 for a single person and $27,100 for a married couple with two children).
- Hardship.
The Health Insurance Marketplace, also known as the Affordable Insurance Exchange, has certified that you have suffered a hardship that makes you unable to obtain coverage.
- Short Coverage Gap Exemption.
If go without coverage for less than three consecutive months during the year you will not be responsible for the fee for those months. Make sure to sign up for a plan that starts by April 1st, 2014 to avoid the per month fee in 2014. Open enrollment ends March 31st, but if you sign up after March 15th your coverage won't start until May 1st, 2014 and you may be responsible for the fee for going without health coverage in April.
- Religious conscience.
People who qualify for religious exemptions. The Social Security Administration administers the process for recognizing these sects according to the criteria in the law.
- Health care sharing ministry.
You are a member of a recognized health care sharing ministry.
- Not lawfully present.
Undocumented immigrants; You are not a U.S. citizen, a U.S. national or an alien lawfully present in the U.S.