Missionaries and ObamaCare
If I work and live outside the US in the Dominican Republic as a missionary for a religious organization am I eligible to apply for Obama Care?
Answer
Missionaries living outside of the US for more than 330 days in a 12 month period are not required to get coverage but can get coverage. Your access to cost assistance is based on your tax filing for the year, you must make between 100% - 400% of the Federal Poverty Level and have a primary residence in the US. Generally it wouldn't make much sense to hold a health insurance policy based in the US as it would work primarily in your state and in the US and do little or no good outside of the country. If you travel back and forth, and have a low income, you may qualify for Medicaid while you are in the US or may be able to enroll in special enrollment when you are moving back for a period of time. Those who will be outside of the country for less than 330 days in a 12 month period should consider having coverage, paying the fee, or looking at exemptions as they may be required to pay the fee depending upon their income claimed in the US.