For millions, Obamacare coverage more expensive than penalties

By Robert King, Robert King

Published December 20, 2015

!--StartFragment-->

For about 7 million people, getting health coverage will cost more than paying Obamacare's individual mandate penalty.

The average penalty for not having coverage in 2016 rises 47 percent to $969, making it a significant factor in whether to buy insurance, according to a new analysis released Wednesday from the Kaiser Family Foundation.

But the penalty varies based on whether the person qualifies for a premium subsidy.