Although most currently uninsured Americans say they plan to purchase coverage next year, 28 percent say they will likely pay the penalty for not having insurance rather than enroll in a health plan, according to a recent Gallup poll.
Starting in 2014, Americans must purchase health insurance or pay a fine under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act's individual mandate. Still, the percentage of the 17 percent of U.S. adults who are currently uninsured who say they will pay the penalty rather than purchase coverage has remained steady on average since September, according to Gallup.
Additionally, the poll found 45 percent of uninsured Republicans plan on paying the fine, compared with 31 percent of independents and 15 percent of Democrats. Twenty-six percent of those younger than 30 say they will pay the penalty, compared with 30 percent of those 30 and older.
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