If you received a Form 1095-B in the mail, you might be wondering what it is and whether it affects your taxes. This form plays a key role in documenting your health insurance coverage, especially under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). In this guide, we’ll break down what Form 1095-B is, who sends it, why it matters, and what you should do with it during tax season.
What Is Form 1095-B?
Form 1095-B is a tax form used to report information about your health insurance coverage. It shows whether you and your family had minimum essential coverage (MEC) for some or all months during the year.
The form is issued by:
- Insurance providers (like Blue Cross Blue Shield or UnitedHealthcare)
- Government programs (like Medicaid, CHIP, or TRICARE)
- Small employers that provide self-insured health plans
It includes details such as:
- The name of the covered individual(s)
- The months each person had coverage
- The name and EIN of the insurance provider
Who Receives This Form?
You’ll receive this form if you had qualifying health coverage through:
- A government-sponsored program (e.g., Medicaid, Medicare Part A, CHIP)
- A self-insured employer (typically small businesses)
- An insurance company that provided individual or family coverage outside the Marketplace
If you got your insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace, you’ll instead receive Form 1095-A.
When Do You Get This Form?
Form 1095-B is typically mailed out by January 31 each year. However, the IRS has allowed insurers and providers to delay mailing the form unless you request it. So if you don’t receive it automatically, you can contact your provider to request a copy.
Why Is Form 1095-B Important?
While the federal individual mandate penalty for not having health insurance was reduced to $0 starting in 2019, some states still enforce their own mandates. These states include:
- California
- Massachusetts
- New Jersey
- Rhode Island
- Vermont (reporting only)
- Washington, D.C.
If you live in one of these states, this form helps you prove you had coverage and avoid a state-level penalty.
Even if you don’t need it to file your federal return, it’s a good idea to keep the form for your records.
What’s on Form 1095-B?
Here’s a breakdown of the key sections:
| Part | Description |
|---|---|
| I | Responsible Individual (your name, SSN, and address) |
| II | Employer Sponsored Coverage (if applicable) |
| III | Issuer or Provider Information |
| IV | Covered Individuals and the months they had coverage |
Each covered individual will have a checkmark for each month they had minimum essential coverage.
Do You Need Form 1095-B to File Taxes?
No, you don’t need to attach Form 1095-B to your tax return or wait for it to file. The IRS doesn’t require it for federal filing purposes. However, you should:
- Keep it with your tax records
- Use it to verify coverage if your state requires proof
- Refer to it if the IRS sends you a notice about your health coverage
What to Do If You Didn’t Receive Form 1095-B
If you believe you should have received this form but didn’t:
- Contact your insurance provider or the government agency that provided your coverage.
- Request a copy if they didn’t automatically send one.
- Check your online account with your insurer—many forms are available digitally.
Difference Between Forms 1095-A, 1095-B, and 1095-C
Here’s a quick comparison to help you understand the differences:
| Form | Issued By | Who Receives It | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1095-A | Health Insurance Marketplace | Individuals with Marketplace coverage | Used to claim the Premium Tax Credit |
| 1095-B | Insurance providers or government programs | Individuals with non-Marketplace coverage | Verifies minimum essential coverage |
| 1095-C | Large employers (50+ employees) | Employees offered employer-sponsored coverage | Shows offer and coverage details |
Key Takeaways
- This form reports your health insurance coverage for the year.
- It’s issued by insurers or government programs—not the Marketplace.
- You don’t need it to file your federal taxes, but keep it for your records.
- It may be required for state tax filings in certain states.
- If you didn’t receive it, contact your provider or check your online account.
Even though Form 1095-B isn’t required for most tax filings, it’s still a valuable document. Keep it with your tax records for at least three years in case the IRS or your state tax agency needs verification.