What are the potential consequences of not having health insurance under GCI?

Not having health insurance under the Get Covered Illinois (GCI) program can lead to significant consequences, particularly in terms of financial and healthcare access. One of the primary outcomes is the potential for tax penalties. Under the Affordable Care Act, individuals who do not maintain a qualified health insurance plan may be subject to a tax penalty when filing their federal income taxes, which can result in owing money to the IRS.

Additionally, lacking health insurance can severely limit access to affordable healthcare services. Without insurance, individuals may face high out-of-pocket costs for medical care, leading to deferred treatments, unmet health needs, and overall poorer health outcomes. Many healthcare providers may also require insurance before providing services, making it challenging to receive timely and necessary care.

In contrast to this option, the other choices do not adequately capture the implications of not having health insurance. For instance, while employment difficulties can arise in some contexts, they are not a universal consequence of lacking insurance. The assertion of no consequences at all overlooks the serious financial and health risks involved, and the option regarding inability to travel does not directly relate to healthcare access or insurance status.