Affordable Care Act

About the Affordable Care Act

The Affordable Care Act, or ACA, went into effect in the 2015 calendar year. This law requires all persons filing resident tax returns in the U.S. to demonstrate that they have a particular level of health insurance coverage called “minimum essential coverage.”

If you are in F-1 or J-1 student status and have lived in the U.S. for more than 5 calendar years and made income in the last tax year, you will file a resident tax return. On the resident tax forms you will be required to answer a question as to whether you and your family members had health insurance that met the minimum essential coverage requirements.

Most students are non-residents for tax purposes and do not have to attest to their health insurance coverage while completing a federal tax return.

  • What happens if I am required to have an ACA Compliant plan and don’t?

    You may be required to pay a penalty called a "shared responsibility payment." For more information, you can review the information on the IRS website.

  • I am covered under the International Student Plan

    Great! The IU International Student Plan is ACA compliant.  Aetna will be sending you a form 1095 which gives information about your insurance coverage and period of coverage. You may need this form if you will file a resident tax return for 2015.

  • I am covered under the Anthem Graduate Appointee/Fellow plan

    Great! The IU International Student Plan is ACA compliant. Aetna will be sending you a form 1095 which gives information about your insurance coverage and period of coverage. You may need this form if you will file a resident tax return for 2015.

  • I am covered by a different health insurance plan

    You will need to check with your insurer to find out if your plan is ACA compliant and whether you will receive a form 1095. Office of International Affairs does not evaluate health insurance plans on the basis of ACA compliance, rather we review health insurance for compliance with immigration regulations pertaining to F-1 and J-1 students.