What if I decide my plan is too expensive?

Individuals who cannot afford coverage, meaning the individual’s required contribution for coverage for the month exceeds 8% of the individual’s household income are exempt from the individual mandate and thus will not be subject to the penalty.
There are also options that make coverage more affordable. If your household income for the taxable year is below 138% of the federal poverty level (FPL), you may be eligible for Medi-Cal if you also meet the other eligibility requirements. If your household income for the taxable year is within 138% and 400% of the FPL, you may be eligible for premium assistance through Covered California if you also meet the other eligibility requirements. If your household income for the taxable year is within 138% and 250% of the FPL, you may also be eligible for a cost-sharing reduction through Covered California if you meet the other eligibility requirements. However, cost-sharing reductions are only available to people who enroll in a silver plan through Covered California.
See pages 8-19 in the Eligibility for Individuals and Families participant guide.