When do you have to buy health insurance?

The Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare, requires most Americans to have health insurance. There are a few exceptions to this rule, but in general, you must have health insurance if you are:

- A U.S. citizen or legal resident

- Not eligible for Medicare or Medicaid

- Not incarcerated or in a nursing home

- Not a member of a federally recognized Indian tribe

- Not working for an employer that provides health insurance

You can buy health insurance through your employer, on your own, or through a government program such as Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). If you don't have health insurance, you may have to pay a tax penalty.

The deadlines for buying health insurance vary depending on your situation. In general, you must buy health insurance by March 31st of each year. However, if you have a qualifying life event, such as getting married, having a baby, or losing your job, you may be eligible for a special enrollment period.

For more information about the ACA and the deadlines for buying health insurance, please visit the HealthCare.gov website.