How did the Affordable Care Act affect taxes?

Asked by: Talia Breitenberg  |  Last update: July 10, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (21 votes)

To raise additional revenue for reform, the ACA imposed excise taxes on health insurers, pharmaceutical companies, and manufacturers of medical devices; raised taxes on high-income families; and increased limits on the income tax deduction for medical expenses.

Does affordable healthcare increase taxes?

Additional taxes at higher incomes

The Affordable Care Act also imposes two new taxes in addition to new reductions to exemptions and itemized deductions on people with higher income. The first new tax is the Net Investment Income Tax, which was added to the bill to help offset the costs of the law's major provisions.

In which 3 ways did the Affordable Care Act affect individuals?

How does health care reform affect me?
  • If you get sick, an insurance company cannot cancel your policy.
  • Health insurance companies cannot turn down your application because of your health status.
  • Women can no longer be charged more for insurance than men.

How does a 1095-C affect my taxes?

Form 1095-C provides information about the health coverage offered by your employer and, in some cases, about whether you enrolled in this coverage. Use Form 1095-C to help determine your eligibility for the premium tax credit.

What was the downside of the Affordable Care Act?

Impact on Individual Insurance

It was also known that consumers would face a very different health insurance world under the ACA, with some people seeing their premiums go down and some seeing them go up, and the majority of Americans seeing higher deductibles, higher copays, and a smaller pool of providers.

Obamacare Explained: Understanding the Affordable Care Act

27 related questions found

How does ACA affect taxes?

To increase health insurance coverage, the ACA provided individuals and small employers with a tax credit to purchase insurance and imposed taxes on individuals with inadequate coverage and on employers who do not offer adequate coverage.

Why do Republicans dislike the Affordable Care Act?

The opposition to a government role in health care is based on the fact that that the vast majority of our citizens do not trust their government. Republicans are much less trusting of the federal government and much less supportive of a government role in health care than Democrats.

Does a 1095-a lower my tax refund?

Yes. In some cases, the information on the corrected Form 1095-A may be in your favor – it may decrease the amount of taxes you owe or increase your refund.

Does a 1095-C make me get a refund?

No, the 1095-C form just proves that you had health coverage. It would not affect your refund as long as you answered the Health Insurance questions accurately. You don't need your form 1095-C to file your tax return. TurboTax will ask you questions about your health coverage but your form 1095-C isn't needed.

What happens if I don't report my 1095-C?

Employers who fail to meet filing or furnishing deadlines or report incorrect information on an informational return may be subject to IRS penalties. For forms due in 2025, failure to file an informational return such as the 1095-C can result in a penalty of $330 per form, capped at $3,987,000.

Who benefits most from the Affordable Care Act?

The biggest winners from the law include people between the ages of 18 and 34; blacks; Hispanics; and people who live in rural areas.

Who is not eligible for Obamacare?

Must live in the United States. Must be a U.S. citizen or national (or be lawfully present). Learn about eligible immigration statuses. Cannot be incarcerated in prison or jail.

Is the Affordable Care Act the same as Obamacare?

The Affordable Care Act (ACA), formally known as the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) and informally as Obamacare, is a landmark U.S. federal statute enacted by the 111th United States Congress and signed into law by President Barack Obama on March 23, 2010.

How can I avoid paying back my premium tax credit?

Report any changes in your income during the year to the Marketplace, so your credit can be adjusted and you can avoid any significant repayments at the end of the year.

Do I need my 1095-C to file taxes?

No. Individuals do not need a copy of their 1095-B or 1095-C when filing tax returns. However, you should keep the form with your tax records.

Is ACA tax deductible?

Type of insurance plan: Dental policies, Medicare, and health insurance policies purchased through the ACA marketplace may be eligible for a deduction if you pay for the premiums out of pocket. However, long-term care insurance is only deductible up to a certain annual limit based on your age.

Does a 1095-C mean I owe money?

Much like the Form W-2 is used to determine whether or not you owe taxes, the IRS will use the information reported from your Form 1095-C to determine whether you (or your employer) may have to pay a fine for failing to comply with the Affordable Care Act.

Why do I owe taxes because of health insurance?

Owe taxes if you used more of the premium tax credit than you qualified for in 2024. You'll have to report the excess amount on your 2024 tax return by filing Form 8962, Premium Tax Credit (PDF, 115 KB). Find instructions for Form 8962 (PDF, 348 KB).

Does the IRS still require proof of health insurance?

Health care coverage documents

You are not required to send the IRS information forms or other proof of health care coverage when filing your tax return. However, it's a good idea to keep these records on hand. This documentation includes: Form 1095 information forms.

Does having Obamacare affect your tax return?

Obamacare and the premium tax credit

It makes health insurance premiums for coverage purchased through the Health Insurance Marketplace more affordable for eligible individuals. The premium tax credit is the main way that having Obamacare impacts your taxes.

What happens if I don't put my 1095 on my taxes?

Form 1095-B is not required to file your state or federal taxes and you may self‑attest to your health coverage without it. You should get a Form 1095-B in the mail by January 31 following the reported tax year.

What happens if I overestimate my income for marketplace insurance?

If you overestimate your income and end up claiming less help than you are entitled to, the difference will be refunded to you when you file your income taxes the following year.

What is the biggest problem with the Affordable Care Act?

Obamacare has increased the cost of health care and health insurance. The ACA's federal mandates and spending, including Medicaid expansion and subsidized individual plans, have drastically increased the cost of health care and health insurance. 2. Obamacare increases Americans' reliance on the federal government. …

Do Democrats want affordable healthcare?

Democrats believe that quality, affordable health care is a right – not a privilege – for every American.

What is considered a preexisting condition?

A “pre-existing condition” is a health condition that exists before someone applies for or enrolls in a new health insurance policy. Insurers generally define what constitutes a pre-existing condition. Some are obvious, like currently having heart disease or cancer.