Federal Tax Return Information for 2024 SHIP Enrollees
The Federal Regulation
Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), UW–Madison SHIP has been approved as Minimum Essential Coverage (MEC). MEC is the type of health insurance coverage individuals need in order to meet the ACA individual shared responsibility requirement.
The ACA places the responsibility on the IRS to administer the individual MEC mandate. In accordance with the IRS directives, UW–Madison is required to report to the IRS those persons that maintained MEC under SHIP. The IRS also requires UW–Madison to make available a statement of coverage (Federal Tax Form 1095-B) to the primary covered person. Wellfleet, our SHIP third-party administrator is managing this process on behalf of UW-Madison. Federal Tax Form 1095-B will be made available to SHIP enrollees by January 31, 2025. SHIP enrollees in certain states may also receive this Federal Form 1095-B by mail.
Please note that in order to satisfy the federal reporting requirements, Wellfleet is also responsible for attempting to collect the Social Security Number (SSN) from those SHIP enrollees that have not previously submitted their SSN to Wellfleet. Separate directions on how to provide the SSN are sent by email directly from Wellfleet.
If you have any questions about your 1095-B or the SSN process, please contact Wellfleet directly by phone: 1-800-633-7867, option 7, Monday–Friday, 8:30-5pm (EST), or by email: 1095B@wellfleetinsurance.com.
Common Questions
Do I need my 1095-B to file my tax return?
No, you do not need to wait for your 1095-B to file your tax return. You should file your tax return before the deadline: April 15, 2025. When you receive your 1095-B you should keep it with your tax records.
What do I do with my 1095-B?
File it with your tax records; you are required to keep copies of your tax return and tax documents for three years from the date you filed your original return.
Does my SSN need to be reported anywhere else?
Your SSN is sensitive data and you should only provide it in rare cases. You should never send it over email as email is not secure. Your SSN can only legally be required by the U.S. government and your employer. Other businesses that may request your SSN for credit verification services, however you are not required to provide it.
If you are not eligible for an SSN you may ignore the email requests from Wellfleet. We are aware that many international students and scholars are not eligible for an SSN; however it is a federal requirement that the insurance carrier request, and if possible, obtain an SSN from all primary SHIP enrollees. These emails are being used universally, so please do not be concerned by their tone and urgency. Rest assured that not having an SSN does not affect your SHIP coverage.
Additional Questions?
Contact the SHIP Office
333 East Campus Mall, 8th Floor
Madison, WI 53715-1381
8am–4 pm, Monday–Friday
Phone: 608-265-5232; Fax: 608-265-5668
shipmail@uhs.wisc.edu
F1 and J1 International Students can also contact International Student Services.
All other visa holders can contact International Faculty and Staff Services.