It's as un-American as you can get in my opinion - if that's worth much. But here is the law: If a USA Citizen does not have health insurance beginning Jan. 1, 2016 here are the "penalties" or "taxes" imposed:
If you don’t have coverage in 2016, you’ll pay the higher of these two amounts:
2.5% of your yearly household income
$695 per person ($347.50 per child under 18)
In future years, the tax is adjusted for inflation.
Contact me to discuss your situation and see how we may help with various options.
https://www.healthcare.gov/fees-exemptions/fee-for-not-being-covered/