Will undocumented immigrants all be fined under ObamaCare?

Answer 1

It appears that may be the case. Beginning in 2014, everyone in the US will be required to have medical insurance, or pay an additional tax (popularly called a "fine") at the end of the year. In the beginning, the fine is fairly small, but it increases incrementally and after a few years becomes quite substantial (several thousand dollars). If your job does not provide medical insurance, then you must purchase it on your own. If you qualify for Medicaid or Medicare, then you are okay. If you don't qualify for these, but are not able to afford medical insurance, the government will assist eligible persons by providing subsidies.

Because undocumented immigrants are not legally permitted to work in the US, they typically settle for very low paying jobs, often for less than minimum wage, off the books. These jobs do not provide medical insurance benefits. Undocumented immigrants generally do not qualify for Medicaid or Medicare. They are also not permitted to participate in the subsidized "insurance exchanges" set up by the government. They typically do not have enough income to purchase private health insurance. Many do, however, work, pay taxes and file income tax returns.

As a result, it seems that many, many undocumented immigrants will be fined for not complying with the new law.