> I would still think you would want to avoid coverage gaps, unless the law definitely mandates retroactive coverage. You do, but not for the reason you think

> I would still think you would want to avoid coverage gaps, unless the law definitely mandates retroactive coverage. You do, but not for the reason you think. If you have a coverage gap of more than three months you'll see a fine added to your income tax at the end of the year, which for most people on HN would be 1% of household income above the filing threshold[1] [1]: http://www.irs.gov/Affordable-Care-Act/Individuals-and-Families/ACA-Individual-Shared-Responsibility-Provision-Calculating-the-Payment http://www.irs.gov/Affordable-Care-Act/Individuals-and-Famil...