Employers with insured plans may be getting feedback from employees about requests for Social Security numbers from their insurance company.
Many insurers are contacting participants and asking them to provide Social Security numbers for themselves and their spouses and children. Employers should advise employees that the requests are legitimate and the employees should provide the requested information.
Health Insurers are responsible for certain reporting requirements under health care reform. For an insured plan, the health insurance company must issue a Form 1095-B to each covered individual. The individual will need the Form 1095-B to prepare his or her individual tax return. The IRS requires Social Security numbers to be reported on Form 1095-B.
For a recently released set of Questions and Answers from the IRS about providing Social Security numbers upon an insurance company’s request, click here.
