Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), most Americans were once required to have health insurance or pay a penalty. However, starting in 2019, the federal individual mandate penalty—the fee for not having health coverage—was reduced to $0. This means that there is no longer a federal tax penalty for going without health insurance. 

That said, some states have their own individual mandates, and failing to maintain coverage in those states can result in state-level penalties. The amount of the penalty can vary based on your income, household size, and how long you go without coverage. Be sure to consult with a tax professional to understand the implications of you or your family going without coverage for any period of time.