Fact Of The Day #59: How Much Could The Obamacare Penalty Cost You? (INFOGRAPHIC)

How Much Could You Be Penalized Under Obamacare?
President Barack Obama speaks at a campaign event at G. Richard Pfitzner Stadium, Friday, Sept. 21, 2012, in Woodbridge, Va. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
President Barack Obama speaks at a campaign event at G. Richard Pfitzner Stadium, Friday, Sept. 21, 2012, in Woodbridge, Va. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Penalties start in 2014 for those failing to purchase health insurance under the new Affordable Care Act. The fines will start as low as $95 per year for an individual, or 1 percent of a person's income. By 2016 the individual penalty will rise to $695 or 2.5 percent of income, whichever is higher, unless the individual meets a poverty test or is on Medicaid. This is the "individual mandate" upheld in 2012 by the Supreme Court as a tax, meaning the IRS will collect any penalties.

How many Americans are likely to have to pay up? The Congressional Budget Office has an idea. How do you feel about the "individual mandate?"

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Before You Go

Healthcare In America Is Already 'The Best In The World'

Lies And Distortions Of The Health Care Debate

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