The ACA does not require that you carry medical insurance, but you may be subject to a tax penalty if you are uninsured for half a year. (The penalty is waived for low-income tax filers.)If you want insurance coverage, you will have several options.VA Health Care satisfies the ACA insurance mandate. Frequently Asked QuestionsMedicaid, if your annual household income is below 138% of the federal poverty line (about $16,394 for a single adult).Private insurance through the Exchange. You always have the option to purchase it out of your own pocket. You may qualify for assistance if both of the following are true:you donu2019t have another source of health insurance coverage, including VA benefits, Medicaid or employer-sponsored insuranceyour projected annual household income is between 100% and 400% of the federal proverty line ($11,880 - $47,520 in 2022 for a single adult).You can find the exchange website for Washington here: Washington Health Benefit Exchange The website doesnu2019t look too useful right now because they are getting ready for the next open enrollment period. Check back November 1st or later.If you are married, and your spouse has insurance through an employer, you can be added to your spouseu2019s policy.If you are 25 or younger, you can be added to your parentu2019s insurance policy.If you decide to work a civilian job between your army discharge and grad school, you may be offered health insurance from your employer.