Quote:
Originally Posted by retiredguy123
Maybe just semantics, but the actual ACA law calls it a "penalty", which, by definition, is a punishment for breaking a law.
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It's not semantics. It's actual words with actual meanings.
It was never illegal to not have insurance. If it were, you could have charges pressed against you, or have a misdemeanor summons issued against you if it was only a misdemeanor. It would be something you'd have the opportunity to plead guilty/not guilty/no contest to.
This was a fee that was intended to offset some of the costs of subsidies for people who -can't- afford health care and whose employers don't offer it. A mandatory fee in exchange for choosing not to have any health insurance.
Again, it was never actually implemented, no one has ever been made to pay the fee.