Yes. Under the Affordable Care Act, every American must have individual health insurance either through their employer or on-exchange through their state or federal marketplace or off-exchange. If an individual fails to have health insurance coverage for more than 90 days, they will be accessed a tax penalty of $695 per person per household and $347.50 per child, OR 2.5% of their income, whichever is greater. There are specific exemptions, however, that protect you from having to pay a tax penalty. Exemptions are based on life events, financial hardship and other circumstances. Check out all of the hardship exemptions.