Form 1095-C & 1095-B
Just like a W-2, UA is required to provide Form 1095-C to you for tax preparation purposes (1095-B for COBRA plan participants). Form 1095 is required as part of the Employer Shared Responsibility Provision in the Affordable Care Act. This form helps verify that you, your spouse, and any eligible dependent children were offered health insurance coverage from UA. Some households will receive multiple forms if they were covered under different plans or changed plans during the year.
Important Notice Regarding Print Availability of Form 1095-C & 1095-B
On Dec. 23, 2024, the Paperwork Burden Reduction Act was signed into law which amended Section 6056 of the Internal Revenue Code. Effective immediately, UA is no longer required to mail a printed copy of Form 1095 to all employees, except upon request. As a result, UA will not print and mail Form 1095-C or 1095-B to employees for the 2024 tax year (Jan. 1 – Dec. 31, 2024). View instructions to access your electronic Form 1095-C.
Do I need Form 1095-C or 1095-B to file my taxes?
It depends. Your Form 1095-C / 1095-B may or may not need to be attached to your individual tax return, so you are encouraged to speak to your dedicated tax professional.
The Affordable Care Act previously imposed a tax penalty for those who didn't have health insurance or qualify for an exemption, however, this mandate was repealed by Congress in 2017 and took effect Jan. 1, 2019 for all future tax years.
How do I obtain a copy of my 1095-C or 1095-B form now?
Active employees will have access to your electronic Form 1095-C no later than Jan. 31 in a stand-alone portal. View instructions to access your form in the Health e(fx) employee portal now. You have the right to request a printed copy of your Form 1095-C via the portal, and it will be available for in-person pickup from the HR Service Center by the later of Jan. 31 or within 30 days after the request is received. Alternatively, you may contact the HR Service Center directly to request a copy by phone at (205) 348-7732, by e-mail at hr@ua.edu, or in-person at 1515 Flint River Drive, Tuscaloosa, AL 35404.
Terminated employees who enrolled in COBRA continuation coverage will not have access to this portal, so must request a copy of your Form 1095-B from the HR Service Center if your tax professional determines it is necessary to attach with your individual return. Alternatively, you may contact the HR Service Center directly to request a copy by phone at (205) 348-7732, by e-mail at hr@ua.edu, or in-person at 1515 Flint River Drive, Tuscaloosa, AL 35404.
Medicare
Medicare is a federal health care plan available to older adults age 65 or older and those with disabilities or permanent kidney failure. In it’s simplest form, Medicare coverage is made up of different parts – Medicare Parts A, B, C and D. Receiving your Medicare benefits is not automatic. The rules are different for employees and retirees; so to be sure you enroll properly, avoid Medicare premium penalties and understand how Medicare works with your UA-sponsored medical plan, it’s important to visit your local Social Security office to discuss your coverage options.
Review coverage options, drug cost assistance, and find providers
24/7/365 phone and virtual support from Medicare counselors
Free counseling about Medicare & Social Security from State Health Insurance Programs
Other Medicare-Related Resources:
- Visit Getting Started with Medicare for plan information, costs, and enrollment.
- West Alabama Area Agency on Aging provides Medicare Counseling services as part of the State Health Insurance & Assistance Program.
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield outlines Medicare basics and available supplemental plans online.
COBRA Continuation Coverage
The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) gives employees and their families who lose their medical, dental or vision coverage the right to choose to continue these group health benefits provided by The University of Alabama for limited periods of time due to certain “qualifying events” including voluntary or involuntary job loss, reduction in hours worked, transition between jobs, death, divorce, and other life events. After a qualifying event, COBRA coverage may be offered to each person who is a “qualified beneficiary.” You, your spouse, and/or your dependent children may become qualified beneficiaries if you lose coverage due to a qualifying event.
Inspira Financial administers the COBRA benefit for The University of Alabama. Employees and/or eligible dependents will receive a letter mailed to their home address on file after experiencing a qualifying event. COBRA coverage must be accepted within 60 days from the date of the qualifying event. By law, COBRA benefits are required to be the same as those made available to similarly-situated active employees. If UA changes the plan coverage, coverage will also change for you. Qualified employees and/or dependents will be required to pay premiums for COBRA coverage directly to Inspira. Your premiums will equal the full cost of the coverage plus a two percent administrative fee (102%) and costs may change overtime.
Healthcare Exchange Notice
NOTICE: New Health Insurance Marketplace Coverage Options and Your Health Coverage
The official term when talking about Americans using a health insurance exchange is “health insurance marketplace.” Healthcare.gov is the marketplace which offers government-regulated, standardized plans and is designed to be the main venue for individuals and small business owners to find and obtain affordable healthcare coverage. Employees with additional questions about the marketplace can reference the Quick Start Guide on Healthcare.gov.