How to Prove You Had Health Insurance for Taxes in 2025
When tax season rolls around, one common question that many Americans face is:
"How do I prove I had health insurance for my taxes?"
Even though the federal tax penalty for not having health insurance was eliminated in 2019, some states still require proof of coverage, and keeping records can be important for verifying tax credits or avoiding state-level penalties.
Whether you're filing taxes on your own or through a professional, having the right documents in place can save time and reduce stress. Here’s a complete guide to proving you had health insurance for your taxes in 2025.
📝 Why You Might Need to Prove Health Insurance Coverage
Even though the Affordable Care Act (ACA) no longer mandates health coverage federally, states like California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and DC have their own individual mandates.
You may need proof of health coverage to:
- Avoid a state-level penalty.
- Reconcile your premium tax credit (if you bought a plan on the ACA marketplace).
- Prove eligibility for certain tax deductions or exemptions.
- Show coverage for your dependents.
📄 What Documents Count as Proof of Health Insurance?
You can use any of the following official forms as evidence of coverage:
1. Form 1095-A (Health Insurance Marketplace Statement)
- For those who bought insurance through the HealthCare.gov or a state marketplace.
- Lists coverage details and advance premium tax credits received.
2. Form 1095-B (Health Coverage)
- Provided by insurance providers, including Medicaid, CHIP, and some private insurers.
- Confirms minimum essential coverage for each month of the year.
3. Form 1095-C (Employer-Provided Health Insurance Offer and Coverage)
- Given to employees of large companies (50+ full-time workers).
- Shows whether coverage was offered and whether you enrolled.
✅ Tip: While these forms are not required to be attached to your federal tax return, you should keep them with your records in case of an audit or state requirement.
💼 Additional Documents That Help Prove Coverage
If you didn’t receive a 1095 form, you can use:
- Insurance cards showing active coverage.
- Statements or letters from your insurer confirming coverage dates.
- Pay stubs showing health insurance deductions.
- Explanation of Benefits (EOBs) from your insurance provider.
- Enrollment letters from Medicaid, Medicare, or CHIP.
📅 How Long Should You Keep These Documents?
It’s best to keep proof of health insurance for at least 3 years, which is the standard IRS audit window. For those in states with individual mandates, check your state tax office for retention guidelines.
🌎 What If You Lived in a State With a Health Insurance Mandate?
As of 2025, these states require proof of health insurance:
| State | Mandate Active | Proof Required? |
|---|---|---|
| California | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Massachusetts | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| New Jersey | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Rhode Island | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Vermont | No Penalty | ⚠️ Optional |
| Washington, D.C. | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Each state provides its own state-specific 1095 form, so check your state’s Department of Revenue website.
📌 What If You Didn’t Have Insurance All Year?
You may:
- Be eligible for a state hardship exemption.
- Pay a state-level penalty (calculated based on income and months uninsured).
- Need to file Form 8962 to reconcile advance premium tax credits (if applicable).
✅ Summary: Proving Health Insurance Coverage for Taxes in 2025
| Document Type | Who Gets It | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| 1095-A | Marketplace users | Premium tax credit |
| 1095-B | Medicaid, CHIP, some private | Basic proof of coverage |
| 1095-C | Employer-provided insurance | Large employer coverage |
| Insurance Card | Everyone | Supporting proof |
| Pay Stub / EOB | Everyone | Backup proof if 1095 is missing |
🧾 Final Tips:
- Double-check your 1095 forms for accuracy before filing.
- If missing a form, contact your insurer or employer.
- Keep both digital and paper copies of all health insurance records.
- Use Form 8962 if you received subsidies through a marketplace plan.
Need help drafting a sample email to request a 1095 form from your employer or insurer? I can write that too!