Those without insurance by March 31 will pay fine

Obamacare, or the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, will begin on March 31.

This affects everyone in the United States. Those who do not have insurance will have to pay a fine, but will not be jailed if they do not have insurance.

The fine is $95 for adults, $47.50 per child, up to $285 for a family or 1 percent of the person’s taxable income. On March 23, 2010, President Barack Obama signed Obamacare into law.

This, coupled with the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act, allows substantial changes to our healthcare system in different ways.

Obamacare is supposed to make it easier for people to obtain affordable health insurance.

In the past, people could be denied health insurance for pre-existing conditions or have to pay substantial premiums, which could lead to individuals going without health insurance.

Evangeline Tutt, a freshman kinesiology major, is worried about the deadline.

“I am a little scared about it,” said Tutt. “But I believe I am on my family’s insurance plan so I think I am okay.”

If a student is under the age of 26 then they are allowed to stay on their family’s insurance plan.

Parker Neathery, a sophomore undeclared major, said he has looked up some information about Obamacare, but doesn’t know the specifics of it.

“I talked to my parents about it. They were cautious about how it is going to affect not just them but me too,” Neathery said.

Armand Arcilla, a junior computer science major, believes he will be greatly affected by Obamacare.

“Both of my parents are in health care, so yes, I’m assuming they’re probably getting a pay cut to offset the drop in medical insurance costs. and I only have one elderly relative in the States, so I think we will be affected,” Arcilla said.

But he’s optimistic about it.

“We won’t be hit as hard as families who make more than us. In fact, our insurance coverage will probably work out for the better,” Acillia said.

The majority of students that were asked if they were ready for the deadline knew that they were safe because of their family’s insurance plan, but eventually everyone will have to get insurance whether they want it or not.

Obamacare: The facts

• Does not replace private insurance, Medicare or Medicaid.
• People without health coverage in 2014 may have to pay a penalty of $95 per person that would be added to the 2015 income taxes.
• One can apply online, by phone or in person.
• Insurance purchased by the 15th of each month begins on the 1st.
• Also focuses on wellness programs to educate the public and new rules for employer wellness programs.