Many clients I have spoken with since tax season have incorrectly assumed the requirement to have health insurance coverage has been repealed. This is only partially correct. The requirement to carry health insurance on one’s self and every dependent in their household has been repealed, but not until 2019! For 2018, you still must have health insurance or you will be charged a penalty when you prepare your income tax returns.
The media did a poor job of educating the public on this matter. Many people have the erroneous opinion that they do not need to purchase health insurance this year. You also are required to have insurance coverage on all dependents you claim on your income tax return. It does not matter if the child lives with a former spouse or if the dependent is not your child.
The penalty provisions for not complying are still on the books. Congress simply assigned a rate of zero to the penalty beginning in 2019.