Important Tax Information For All Employer-Sponsored Health Plans

Throughout all of 2015 and part of 2014, payroll companies, CPA firms, insurance companies, attorneys and insurance brokers have sent multiple client notifications about employer reporting responsibilities—aka 6055 and 6056 reporting. It’s great that employers have access to so many great educational resources, but what about the employees? In 2016, employees received a new tax document from their insurance company (or employer if self-funded).

1095 – What About the Employees?

Regardless of employer coverage, every American is mandated to have health insurance, so the 1095 reporting is an issue that impacts all. While the government doesn’t mandate employers to educate employees on new tax codes, the reality is employees have received little (or no) education on ACA reporting.

Employees and Taxes

Now that 2015 is well behind us, individuals are gearing up to file 2015 tax forms. At the same time, many plan administrators (i.e. HR professionals) are starting to get questions from employees about 1095 forms.

Employee Education

In an effort to empower our plan administrators with the information needed to be a good resource to their employees, OneDigital worked with our legal team to prepare three comprehensive employee communication pieces explaining the 1095 forms. As a member of Benefit Advisors Network (BAN), we also have access to 1095 information communicated via email.

Timing

Each insurance company has a process and timeline for sending out forms, but most insurance companies supporting fully insured plans will disseminate 1095 forms to employees sometime between late January and March.

Additional Information

For more information on the ACA or other OneDigital planning and employee communication programs, please contact your OneDigital Health & Benefits Consultant or Advisor.