A guide to buying individual health insurance in the United States in 2025: plans and costs, government subsidies, insurance companies and purchasing channels

1. Can I not buy insurance? (Why)

In the past, ObamaCare (officially known as the Affordable Care Act, ACA) stipulated that everyone must have health insurance. If they did not have it, they would not only have to bear huge medical expenses on their own, but would also be fined by the government. Although the Trump administration rescinded the mandatory fine in 2019, states have the power to set their own fines.

Although the federal government does not impose fines, the California government does!

Starting in 2019, the federal government will no longer force everyone to have health insurance, and there will be no fines for not having health insurance! However, state governments can still implement their own health insurance policies. California has passed a bill: starting January 1, 2020, everyone will be required to have mandatory health insurance, otherwise they will face fines, and it will continue to be enforced in 2025.

⚠️ California regulations stipulate that the fine amount is $900/year for each adult and $450/year for children 18 years and under, and the case will be investigated and handled during the annual tax filing.

2. Who needs to buy US health insurance (Who)

If you do not have health insurance provided by your employer, spouse’s employer, school, or the government, or if you are over 26 and can no longer be included in your parents’ insurance plan, you must purchase health insurance on your own.

• International students: The school will force students to buy insurance, and they can only complete the registration after providing insurance proof. Generally speaking, it is the simplest and most convenient procedure to purchase student medical insurance directly from the insurance company that cooperates with the school.
• Low-income households: Based on personal family income, those with an annual income below the poverty line can apply for Medicaid, a free medical assistance program hosted by each state. The eligibility restrictions vary from state to state. California’s Medicaid is called Medi-Cal. Click here to see if you are eligible . If you do not meet Medi-Cal qualifications, you can try to purchase from the Covered California platform , a medical plan market  , and then apply for government subsidies.