Starting in 2016, the stakes are getting higher for those without health insurance. The federal fine for not having coverage will rise to $695, pushing the Obama administration to highlight this fact to boost health law sign-ups.
As we near the 2016 enrollment period beginning on November 1, the increased penalties are expected to encourage the millions of eligible but uninsured individuals to get covered. Missing out on insurance diminishes the benefits provided by large group health plans, such as routine blood pressure checks. Many of these uninsured individuals are reportedly more skeptical about the value of health insurance.