California Health Insurance Penalty Calculator

Introduction

California reinstated an individual mandate requiring residents to maintain health insurance or face a penalty. Understanding how this penalty is calculated—based on income, household size, and months without coverage—helps you make informed decisions about enrollment and exemptions. Use this interactive calculator to estimate your penalty for the current tax year and learn strategies to avoid it.

How to Use

1. Enter your Annual Household Income.
2. Select the Household Size (number of tax dependents + yourself).
3. Enter the Months Uninsured (1–12).
4. Click Calculate Penalty to see your estimated penalty.

Calculation Method

California penalty is the greater of:

• Flat Dollar Amount: $850 per adult, $425 per child, capped at $2,550 per household.
• Percentage of Income: 2.5% of annual household income above the state filing threshold, prorated by months uninsured / 12.

FAQs

1. Who must pay the penalty?

California residents without minimum essential coverage and not claiming an exemption owe the penalty.

2. Are there exemptions?

Yes. Exemptions include hardship, income below 138% of federal poverty level, short gaps (<3 months), and certain religious groups.

3. How do I avoid the penalty?

Enroll in coverage during open enrollment or qualify for a special enrollment period or exemption.

4. Where to enroll?

Visit Covered California for plans and enrollment options.

5. Explore more tools

Discover additional calculators at Explore more tools.

6. Disclaimer

This calculator provides estimates. Consult a tax professional or visit the California FTB for official figures.