How to Get a Copy of My 1095-B Form Online? Step-by-Step Guide

The 1095-B form is a critical tax document that proves you had health coverage throughout the year. While many people don’t realize they need it, this form can be essential when filing your taxes—especially if you’re claiming health insurance-related deductions or living in a state that requires proof of coverage.

The challenge? Most people have no idea where to find it or how to access it online.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn 5 proven methods to access your 1095-B form online, troubleshooting tips if something goes wrong, and everything else you need to know about this important document. Whether you had coverage through your employer, a health insurance marketplace, Medicaid, or the Veterans Administration, we’ve got you covered.

What you’ll discover in this guide:

• What Form 1095-B actually is and why you need it
• Five different ways to get your form online (fastest methods first)
• A step-by-step comparison to find YOUR best option
• Troubleshooting solutions for common problems
• Answers to frequently asked questions

Let’s get started.

What is Form 1095-B? (Why You Need It)

Before we dive into how to get your 1095-B form, it’s important to understand what this document actually is and when you’ll need it.

Form 1095-B, officially called the “Health Insurance Coverage Statement,” is an informational tax form that documents your health insurance coverage for the tax year. It shows which months you (and any dependents) had health insurance and who provided that coverage.

Who receives a 1095-B form?

You’ll typically receive this form if you had health coverage from one or more of these sources:

• Health insurance through your employer
• A self-purchased plan from the health insurance marketplace (like Healthcare.gov)
• Medicaid coverage
• CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program)
• VA health coverage
• Other government programs providing health benefits

Do you need the 1095-B for federal taxes?

This is where it gets interesting: The IRS does not require you to attach the 1095-B form to your federal tax return. Unlike the 1098-T (education credits) or 1099 forms, the 1095-B is informational only for federal purposes.

However, you SHOULD keep it because:

1. State tax requirements – Some states (like New York, Missouri, and Vermont) require proof of health coverage for tax filing. Learn more about how taxes differ by state
2. Verification – If you claimed a premium tax credit on the marketplace, you need it to reconcile those credits
3. Documentation – It serves as official proof of coverage if you’re ever audited
4. Health insurance subsidies – If you received advance premium tax credits, reconciling with your 1095-B is mandatory

Bottom line: Download and keep your 1095-B form, even if you don’t need it for federal taxes. For a complete overview of tax document requirements, check out our comprehensive tax filing checklist.

5 Ways to Get Your 1095-B Form Online

We’ll walk through five methods ranked from fastest to most complex. Read through all five to find which one applies to your situation.

Method 1: Through Your Health Insurance Provider (Fastest)

Time to receive: 5-10 minutes Difficulty level: Easy Best for: People with employer coverage, private insurance, or marketplace plans

If you had commercial health insurance (private insurance, employer-sponsored, or marketplace plan), your insurance company is required to send you a 1095-B form by February 1st of the following year. Many insurers now allow you to download it directly from your online portal.

Step-by-step process:

Step 1: Visit your insurance provider’s website

Go to your insurance company’s official website. Common providers include:

• UnitedHealthcare
• Anthem/Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Aetna
• Cigna
• Excellus Health
• Oscar Health
• Local/regional carriers

Step 2: Log into your member account

Look for the “Sign In,” “Member Login,” or “My Account” button on the homepage. Enter your username and password. If you don’t have an account, you may need to create one using your member ID (usually found on your insurance card).

Step 3: Navigate to “Documents” or “Tax Forms”

Once logged in, look for a section labeled:

• “Documents”
• “Important Letters”
• “Tax Forms”
• “Letters & Forms”
• “My Documents”

The exact name varies by provider, but it’s typically found in the main menu or under “Account” settings.

Step 4: Find your 1095-B form

Look for the 1095-B document listed (it may also show other forms like explanation of benefits). It should be labeled as “1095-B” or “Health Insurance Coverage Statement.”

Step 5: Download or print

Click the download button (usually a PDF or printer icon) to save the document to your computer. Alternatively, you can print it directly from the portal.

Pro tip: Save your 1095-B with a clear filename like “1095-B_2024_[Your Name].pdf” and store it in a dedicated tax documents folder.

Having trouble logging in?

• Check your member ID on your insurance card
• Click “Forgot Password” and reset it via email
• Call your insurance company’s customer service number (found on the back of your card)

Method 2: State Medicaid Portals (For Medicaid Recipients)

Time to receive: 5-15 minutes (or up to 30 days by mail) Difficulty level: Easy to Moderate Best for: People who had Medicaid coverage during the tax year

If you received Medicaid coverage at any point during the tax year, your state Medicaid program is required to send you a 1095-B form. The easiest way to get it is through your state’s online portal.

Step-by-step process:

Step 1: Identify your state’s Medicaid website

Each state runs its own Medicaid program with a unique portal. Here are links to major state programs:

New York: NY State of Health (nystateofhealth.ny.gov)

• Login with your DOH username and password
• Navigate to “Account Settings” → “Letters & Forms”
• Select “1095-B” and download

Missouri: Show-Me Health (mo.gov/health)

• Click “Member Portal”
• Go to “My Information” → “Tax Forms”
• Download your 1095-B

California: Medi-Cal (dhcs.ca.gov/beneficiary)

• Select “Beneficiary Page”
• Login with your ID
• Look for “Tax Documents” section

DC (District of Columbia): DC Medicaid (dc.gov/service/medicaid)

• Enter your member ID
• Navigate to “My Documents”
• Select 1095-B

Texas: HHSC (hhs.texas.gov)

• Click “Customer Service”
• Select “Tax Forms”
• Download 1095-B

Utah: Utah Medicaid (health.utah.gov)

• Create an account if needed
• Go to “Documents” → “My 1095-B”

Step 2: Create or login to your account

On your state’s Medicaid portal, enter your Medicaid ID number (found on your Medicaid card). If this is your first time, you’ll need to create an online account, which typically requires:

• Your Social Security number
• Date of birth
• Email address
• Phone number

Step 3: Navigate to the tax forms section

Once logged in, look for sections labeled “Letters,” “Important Documents,” “Tax Forms,” or “My Mail.”

Step 4: Locate and download your 1095-B

Find the 1095-B document in the list and download it as a PDF.

What if you can’t find it online?

If your state doesn’t have a convenient online portal, you can request your form by phone:

• Call your state Medicaid agency (number on your Medicaid card)
• Ask specifically for Form 1095-B
• They’ll mail it to you (allow 5-7 business days)

Note: The 1095-B deadline for state Medicaid is typically February 1st, so if it’s early January, check back mid-to-late January when all forms are processed.

Method 3: VA Health Coverage (For Veterans)

Time to receive: 10-15 minutes Difficulty level: Easy Best for: Veterans with VA health coverage

If you received health coverage through the Veterans Administration (VA), you’re eligible for a 1095-B form. The VA provides this through their online portal.

Step-by-step process:

Step 1: Visit the VA website

Go to VA.gov and look for the “My HealtheVet” portal (this is the VA’s official health records system).

Step 2: Create or login to your account

Click “Sign In” and authenticate using:

• Your VA username and password, OR
• Your Veterans Health Identification Number (VHIC), OR
• Use Login.gov or ID.me (federal credential services)

Step 3: Navigate to “Military Service History” or “My Records”

Once logged in, look for a section labeled:

• “My Health”
• “Medical Records”
• “Letters & Documents”
• “My VA Documents”

Step 4: Download your 1095-B

The 1095-B should be listed in this section. Click to download or print.

If you can’t find it online:

• Call the VA Health Benefits Service Center: 1-877-222-8387
• They’ll email or mail your 1095-B form
• Have your Social Security number or VA claim number ready

Method 4: Request Through Your Employer (Self-Funded Plans)

Time to receive: 3-5 business days Difficulty level: Easy Best for: People with employer-sponsored group health plans

If you had health insurance through your employer, your company’s HR or Benefits department should have your 1095-B on file. Most large employers now allow you to access it through their benefits portal.

Step-by-step process:

Step 1: Check your employer’s benefits portal

Many companies use benefits platforms like:

• BambooHR
• Workday
• ADP
• Guidepoint
• Namely

Look for a link to your company’s “Benefits Portal,” “Benefits Center,” or “HR Portal” on your company intranet or employee website.

Step 2: Login and navigate to tax forms

Once in the portal, look for sections labeled:

• “Tax Documents”
• “Important Forms”
• “1095-B”
• “Year-End Documents”

Step 3: Download your form

Click to download as PDF and save to your computer.

What if it’s not in the portal?

Contact your HR or Benefits department directly:

• Email: benefits@yourcompany.com or your HR contact
• Phone: Call your company’s HR line
• In person: Visit HR during office hours

What to ask: “I need a copy of my 1095-B form for tax year 2024. Can you please email it to me or let me know where I can access it in our benefits portal?”

Important: The deadline for employers to provide 1095-B forms is also February 1st, so if you’re filing early, follow up if you haven’t received it by late January.

Method 5: Request Form 1095-B Directly From the IRS

Time to receive: 7-14 business days (online request) or 2-4 weeks (mail) Difficulty level: Moderate Best for: Last resort if you can’t locate it through other methods

If you’ve exhausted all other options—you’ve lost your form, changed insurance mid-year, or moved—you can request a copy directly from the IRS.

Step-by-step process:

Step 1: Visit IRS.gov

Go to the official IRS website at www.irs.gov and search for “Form 1095-B.”

Step 2: Use the online request tool

The IRS has an online tool that allows you to request missing tax documents. Look for:

• “Get a Copy of a Tax Return”
• “Missing Tax Form”
• “Form History”

Step 3: Complete the form request

You’ll need to provide:

• Your Social Security number
• The tax year you need (2024, 2023, etc.)
• Your current address

Step 4: Submit and receive confirmation

The IRS will process your request and either:

• Email it to you (5-10 business days), OR
• Mail it to your address (14-21 business days)

Alternative: Call the IRS directly

IRS Form Request Line: 1-800-829-1040

Available Monday-Friday, 7 AM – 7 PM (your local time)

Have ready:

• Your Social Security number
• Tax year needed
• Mailing address

Note: The IRS can provide information about your health coverage but may not have complete 1095-B forms for all providers. Your insurance provider is still the most reliable source.

Quick Comparison: Which Method is Right for You?

Pro tip: If you had multiple insurance providers during the year, you’ll need to get a 1095-B from EACH provider. The IRS has no master list—each carrier reports independently.

Troubleshooting: What If You Can’t Find Your 1095-B?

Problem 1: You Don’t Know Your Insurance Provider

Solution:

• Check your tax documents from last year
• Look at any explanation of benefits (EOB) letters you received
• Search your email for correspondence from your insurance company
• Check your credit card statements for insurance premium payments
• Call your doctor’s office—they often have records of your primary insurance

Problem 2: Your Email/Password Won’t Work

Solution:

• Use the “Forgot Password” option on the login page
• Check your spam folder for password reset emails
• Try resetting your password from a different device/browser
• Call customer service (number on your insurance card) and ask them to send a password reset link
• Request that they email your 1095-B instead of retrieving it online

Problem 3: The Form Isn’t Available Yet

Solution:

• Check the deadline (typically February 1st)
• If it’s before mid-January, wait—forms are usually processed in late January
• Call your insurance provider to confirm they have your current address on file
• Ask when the forms will be available (some providers upload them in waves)
• Sign up for email notifications if available

Problem 4: You Changed Insurance Mid-Year

Solution:

• Get your 1095-B from your OLD insurance provider for the months you were covered with them
• Get a separate 1095-B from your NEW insurance provider for the months you were with them
• Keep both forms—you may need both for accurate tax filing
• If you switched due to a life event (job change, marriage, etc.), you can typically keep both in your records

Problem 5: You Lost Your 1095-B and It’s After February 1st

Solution (in order of speed):

1. Contact your insurance company’s customer service and request a duplicate (usually 3-5 days)
2. If they can’t help, contact your state’s insurance commissioner (they regulate insurance companies)
3. Use Method 5 above: Request directly from the IRS (7-21 days)
4. If you absolutely need it before tax filing, file an extension using Form 4868 to give yourself more time to locate it

Problem 6: The IRS Says You Have No 1095-B on File

Solution:

• The IRS doesn’t match insurance forms to individuals automatically
• Contact your insurance provider and ensure they have your correct:
  • Full legal name
  • Social Security number
  • Current mailing address
• Ask them to verify they submitted your form to the IRS
• If your address changed, request a corrected form be sent
• Keep your original form as proof—you don’t need the IRS to have it for your records

FAQs About Form 1095-B

Pro Tips for Managing Your 1095-B

Tip 1: Download and Save Immediately

As soon as your 1095-B is available online, download it. Don’t wait until tax time. Websites change, accounts get archived, and links break. Saving it now ensures you have permanent access.

Best practice: Download it in late January when providers first release them, rather than waiting until March or April.

Tip 2: Create a Tax Documents Folder

Create a dedicated folder on your computer (or cloud storage) called “2024 Tax Documents” or “Tax Files 2024.” Store all tax-related documents together:

• 1095-B forms (all copies)
• W-2 forms
• 1099 forms
• Receipts
• Charitable contributions
• Medical expenses

This keeps everything organized for tax filing and makes it easy if you’re ever audited.

Tip 3: Backup Your Documents

Don’t rely on just your computer’s hard drive. Save a backup copy to:

• Cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive)
• An external hard drive
• Email yourself a copy

If your computer crashes, you’ll still have access.

Tip 4: Verify Information for Accuracy

When you receive your 1095-B, verify that:

• Your name is spelled correctly
• Your Social Security number is accurate
• The months of coverage match your actual coverage dates
• Your insurance provider’s information is correct

If you spot an error, contact your provider immediately to request a corrected form.

Tip 5: Check Coverage Months Carefully

Look at which months are marked with an “X” on the form. This indicates months you had coverage. If you:

• Changed jobs mid-year
• Signed up for marketplace coverage
• Lost Medicaid coverage
• Switched providers

Make sure all the boxes match your actual coverage dates. If something’s wrong, report it immediately.

Tip 6: Keep It After Filing

After you file your taxes, don’t delete or discard your 1095-B. Keep it for:

• Your records
• Proof of coverage if questioned
• Future reference
• At least 3-7 years (statute of limitations on audits)

Store it digitally and/or print and file it with your other tax documents.

Tip 7: Plan for Next Year

Set a calendar reminder for late January 2026 to download your 2025 1095-B form. Planning ahead prevents last-minute scrambling during tax season.

Key Takeaways

Remember these five methods to find your 1095-B form:

1. Your insurance provider’s online portal (fastest—5-10 minutes)
2. Your state’s Medicaid portal (if you had Medicaid)
3. VA My HealtheVet portal (if you’re a veteran)
4. Your employer’s HR department (if you had employer coverage)
5. Directly from the IRS (if all else fails, but slower)

Most important actions:

• ✅ Download your 1095-B by February 1st
• ✅ Verify all information is correct
• ✅ Save a backup copy
• ✅ Keep it with your other tax documents
• ✅ Check state requirements to see if you need to file it with your state taxes

Getting your 1095-B form doesn’t have to be complicated. In most cases, you can access it in minutes through your insurance provider’s online portal. Follow the method that matches your situation, and you’ll have your form before tax season even gets busy.

Ready to file your taxes? Having your 1095-B in hand is the first step toward accurate, hassle-free tax preparation.

Additional helpful resources:

• IRS Official Form 1095-B Page
• Healthcare.gov – Health Insurance Marketplace
• CMS – Health Insurance Coverage Information
• National Association of Insurance Commissioners

Have questions about finding your 1095-B form? Check your state’s Medicaid website or contact your insurance provider using the direct links provided in this guide.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not tax advice. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, tax laws and procedures change frequently. Always consult with a qualified tax professional or CPA for specific guidance regarding your individual tax situation. This guide references official government websites and insurance provider portals as of the publication date.