Income tax forms related to healthcare can seem a little complicated, and when you first become eligible for Medicare, you may wonder what information you need when filing your annual tax return. Changes in healthcare have also contributed to some confusion regarding the forms you may receive. People must provide information about their income to the IRS, but understanding forms related to your Medicare coverage can help you keep track of important tax-related documents.
What Is The 1095-A Form?
In short, the 1095-A form is the document provided to people who purchase their health insurance through the government-run healthcare Marketplace. The form includes basic personal information, such as your name, address, and insurance provider. It also lists anyone covered on the insurance policy, such as you, your spouse, and any children. It gives a breakdown of each month of the previous year, noting which months you had coverage, the cost of your premium, and any tax credit advance. Since this form applies only to insurance coverage purchased through the Marketplace, Medicare and Medicare Advantage programs do not provide a 1095-A form.
What Form Can You Expect with Medicare Coverage?
Original Medicare Part A and Medicare Advantage programs provide minimum essential coverage required by law as defined by the Affordable Care Act. The government provides a slightly different form to individuals with this coverage, which can include Medicare Part A, Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, CHIP, Tricare, and more. You will receive the 1095-B form if you are enrolled in these programs.
The 1095-B is quite similar to the 1095-A form. It includes your personal information and also lists the months you received coverage. Since the 1095-B form also covers certain employer-sponsored plans, it provides space for other people covered by the insurance plan. These extra spaces typically shouldn’t apply to you or be a source of concern.
What Should I Do with the Form?
Do you need to fill out any information on the 1095-B form? As a general rule, no. You shouldn’t have to fill out the 1095-B form. If you receive one, it should come to you pre-filled by Medicare or your Medicare Advantage provider.
The 1095-B form is a tax document with proof of your coverage and should be stored with any of your other tax documents for the previous year. Beyond that, you shouldn’t need to do much of anything with the actual form. You retain the document simply as proof of coverage in case some questions arise later.