Important 2017 Tax Information

For 2017 HealthSpan members regarding evidence of coverage for your 2017 tax returns.

The federal government requires healthcare insurers to furnish individuals the 2017 Form 1095-B, Health Coverage, and employers to furnish the 2017 Form 1095-C, Employer-Provided Health Insurance Offer and Coverage, by January 31, 2018.

HealthSpan will begin mailing the 1095-B forms to the appropriate 2017 subscribers (individuals holding the HealthSpan health insurance policy) by January 31, 2018.

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the 1095-B form.

1. I received a 1095-B – what is it?
   Form 1095-B is a new IRS tax form which provides information needed to report on your income tax return that you and other covered members had qualifying health coverage (referred to as “minimum essential coverage”) for some or all months during the year. As the recipient of this Form 1095-B, you should provide a copy to other individuals covered under your policy if they request it for their records.
    
2. What should I do with this form?
   Keep this form with your other important tax records. You will need some of the information on this form to file your personal income tax return on Form 1040. Do not attach Form 1095-B to your personal income tax return.
   
   Please check the following for accuracy. If any of the information is incorrect, contact HealthSpan Customer Relations at 216-621-7100 to provide the correct information.
   - Address
   - Coverage information
   - All members of your household that received coverage through your employer
   - Social security numbers
    
3. Am I eligible for a Premium Tax Credit?
   If you purchased health insurance coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace and wish to claim the premium tax credit, this information will help you determine whether you are eligible. For months that your employer offered you Affordable Care Act-defined “affordable coverage” (whether or not you enrolled in that coverage), you are not eligible for a Premium Tax Credit through the Health Insurance Marketplace.
    
4. Could I get a penalty if I didn’t have coverage?
   When filing 2017 taxes, your federal tax return will ask if you (and your dependents) had qualifying coverage. If you didn’t have coverage in 2017 for even one month of the year, you could be assessed a tax penalty.
    
5. If I have additional questions, what do I do?
   You can visit the IRS website at http://www.irs.gov/ACA for information about requirements under the federal law.

If you have other questions, please call HealthSpan Customer Relations at 216-621-7100.