However, members of federally recognized tribes are one of several groups exempt from the penalty for not having insurance. Others include people who can't afford coverage or are experiencing a hardship, or those who have a short gap in coverage of less than three months. In 2014, the penalty for not having insurance will be $95 or 1 percent of family income, whichever is greater. That amount will increase to $695, or 2.5 percent of income in 2016. Members of Indian tribes who qualify can complete a form to apply for an exemption from the requirement to have insurance. The form is currently under development, according to an IHS spokesperson.Get the Story:
A Reader Asks: If My Son Gets Insurance From The Indian Health Service, Is He Fulfilling His Health Law Requirements? (Kaiser Health News 11/1)
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