Why does the IRS on your tax return ask you if you have health care insurance?

I am employed but for the time being I chose to have no health care last 3 years. This will change when I get my salary increase, raise and new promotion next month. Last two years on my tax return they asked me if I had health care insurance through my employer. I know there supposedly is a fine if you say no so I've been lying and saying I do have it. What idiot would say yes? I guess the government is that stupid? Shouldn't be any of their business anyways if I have it or not. I need my tax return money to pay off my credit card bill. Thanks to Obama, my health care was way too high to keep and the government health care is a rip off and I cannot meet the requirements like people on poverty level to benefit me. If something happens to me catastrophic then I guess I won't pay the bill. I don't really give a ****.
Answers

Anonymous

"What idiot would say yes?" The ones who would rather not pay the penalties and interest on top of the fine once the IRS realizes that no insurance company issued a Form 1095 verifying your coverage. The IRS likes to wait a good long time before they send you your bill. More penalties and interest for them. "If something happens to me catastrophic then I guess I won't pay the bill. I don't really give a ****." How about we just turn you away at the emergency room door instead? Don't expect anyone to give more of a damn than you do.

Casey Y

If they weren't forced to treat you when you showed up not breathing...I would agree with you. Since they are obligated by law to stabilize you at the very least...you should be required to have a mechanism to pay for it. I don't like the fine either, but I really don't like forcing anyone to work without getting paid.

ricky

There should not be any fines for no insurance. Trump ended that part.

AlCapone

Don't be surprised when you get a bill in the mail from the IRS for the fines for 3 years. And they WiLL get their money if you have a source of income (a job or other source).

Elaine M

You're penalized if you don't have it in 2018. I believe the penalty is $800. It's online someplace, you can check it.

Anonymous

IF you do not buy "For-Profit" Health Insurance the Obama Plan will TAX you for not having it. If you have any refunds due the "Affordable Health Care" Tax will reduce your over payment. And NO you still don't get any health care, it is just a penalty for your failure in providing Dividends to Stockholders.

Nibiru

because when you get hurt and don't have insurance everyone else has to pay for it You're worse than the socialists you demonize. No wonder Trump fools you so easily