Types of Form 1095: What They Are, How They Differ, and Why They Matter
If you had health insurance in the United States, chances are you’ve heard of Form 1095. What many people don’t realize is that there are three different types of Form 1095—1095-A, 1095-B, and 1095-C—and each one serves a different purpose.
Understanding which form applies to you is essential to:
Avoid mistakes on your tax return
Stay compliant with the Affordable Care Act (ACA)
Know whether you need to include the form when filing taxes
In this guide, we explain clearly and simply the types of Form 1095, how they differ, and what to do with each one.
What Is Form 1095?
Form 1095 is an informational document related to your health insurance coverage during the tax year. Its main purpose is to show whether you had health insurance and, in some cases, help calculate your taxes correctly.
Even though they share the same number, not all Forms 1095 are the same or apply to everyone.
How Many Types of Form 1095 Are There?
There are three types of Form 1095:
Form 1095-A
Form 1095-B
Form 1095-C
The key difference between them is who issues the form and how it is used.
Form 1095-A: Marketplace (ACA) Health Insurance
What Is Form 1095-A?
Form 1095-A is issued by the Health Insurance Marketplace (HealthCare.gov or your state marketplace).
This is the most important form when it comes to ACA health insurance.
Who Receives Form 1095-A?
You will receive this form if you:
Enrolled in a health plan through the Marketplace
Had ACA coverage for at least one month during the year
Received or were eligible for the Premium Tax Credit
What Is Form 1095-A Used For?
It is used to:
Report your ACA health coverage
Reconcile the Premium Tax Credit
Complete IRS Form 8962
Without Form 1095-A, your ACA-related taxes cannot be calculated correctly.
Information Included on Form 1095-A
Individuals covered under the plan
Months of coverage
Monthly premium amounts
Advance premium tax credits received
Benchmark plan information
Form 1095-B: Coverage Outside the Marketplace
What Is Form 1095-B?
Form 1095-B confirms that you had minimum essential coverage, but it is not related to ACA subsidies.
Who Issues Form 1095-B?
This form is issued by:
Private insurance companies
Medicaid
CHIP
Certain Medicare plans
Government-sponsored plans
Who Receives Form 1095-B?
People who had:
Private health insurance outside the Marketplace
Medicaid or CHIP
Some types of Medicare
Do You Need Form 1095-B for Taxes?
In most cases:
You do not need to attach it to your tax return
You should keep it for your records
It serves as proof of coverage if needed.
Form 1095-C: Employer-Sponsored Health Insurance
What Is Form 1095-C?
Form 1095-C is issued by large employers (50 or more full-time employees).
It reports whether:
Your employer offered health insurance
You accepted or declined coverage
Who Receives Form 1095-C?
You may receive this form if:
You work or worked for a large employer
Health insurance was offered through your job
What Is Form 1095-C Used For?
It helps:
Inform the IRS about employer coverage offers
Verify employer mandate compliance
Confirm months of job-based coverage
What If I Receive More Than One Form 1095?
You may receive more than one type if:
You changed jobs during the year
You had different types of coverage
You switched between employer insurance and ACA
Each form serves a different purpose and does not replace the others.
Common Mistakes with Form 1095
Confusing Form 1095-A with 1095-B or 1095-C
Forgetting to use Form 1095-A when filing taxes
Ignoring errors on the form
Assuming all forms must be sent to the IRS
What to Do If Your Form 1095 Has Errors
Review names, dates, and dollar amounts carefully
Contact the issuer of the form
Request a corrected version
Wait for the corrected form before filing taxes
When Are Forms 1095 Sent Out?
Typically:
Late January or early February
By mail or available online
Even if you don’t receive it by mail, you are still responsible for accessing your form.
