New data show that few people who are uninsured and thus facing tax penalties are aware of the requirement to report insurance coverage status on their taxes. The data, funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Urban Institute, show that of the uninsured population likely to file a federal tax return, nearly half (47.5%) said they had heard nothing at all or very little about the requirement to report their insurance status on their tax return—often referred to as the individual mandate.
“These findings suggest that there is still an awareness gap about basic features of the Affordable Care Act a half decade after it was passed,” said Kathy Hempstead, who directs coverage issues at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. “It remains to be seen how this tax season and the special enrollment period will help people learn more about how the law can benefit them, and the penalties they may face for not having insurance.”
If you would like to speak with an expert about the data, please contact Frank Walsh at [email protected] or 504-309-5164.
###
For more than 40 years the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has worked to improve health and health care. We are striving to build a national Culture of Health that will enable all to live longer, healthier lives now and for generations to come. For more information, visit www.rwjf.org. Follow the Foundation on Twitter at www.rwjf.org/twitter or on Facebook atwww.rwjf.org/facebook.
