ObamaCare mandate looms ahead

When she was in her 20’s , Mynoska Tomlinson didn’t have health insurance.

“I felt invincible, nothing will happen to me. But, things happen,” Tomlinson said.

Something did happen.

“It was a pinched nerve from a previous fracture as a kid. At that point I was like, well I can’t feel my finger. I thought I’d wait it out then it wasn’t until I got my insurance that I’d get it checked out find out what it was,” she said.

Now, Tomlinson has insurance, and by 2014, the rest of Americans have to have it too. Starting October 1st, next week, you can begin to enroll. As you can imagine, many young people with student loans and bills who are feeling pretty healthy don’t feel they can afford health insurance.

“It’s kind of weird to have to pay a penalty. It’s everyone’s decision to have health insurance,” Robert Mirshafiee said.

There are rare exceptions for people who don’t have an affordable option, but most will have to pay a penalty if they don’t get it. That penalty will be about $95 or 1% of your taxable income, whichever is higher – but that number will grow.

“I think it’s crucial to have insurance, but some people who are unemployed, they’re parents are working part time, it’s harder for them to have insurance,” Tomlinson said.

The National Center for Policy Research concluded 3.7 million Americans 18-34 without kids will be about $500 “better off” per year if they skip insurance and pay the penalty. Another option, stay on your parents’ insurance until age 26.

“I know it’s going to be a lot more expensive if I go on my own. I am part time right now, so I won’t be able to afford it,” Adam Conover said.

The Obama Administration is counting on young people to enroll in the new healthcare exchanges.

“We need to get some premiums paying into the system from young people, most of whom probably won’t need the insurance, but like most things in life, we don’t know,” Bill Robinson, owner of Palm Canyon Insurance Agency, said.

Their premium payments will help pay for those who are older and generally need more medical care. Sign-up runs through March 31st 2014, and coverage will begin January 1, 2014.

To enroll under California’s health insurance exchange, visit http://www.coveredca.com.