The Act will require that every U.S. Citizen, including children, show proof of coverage.
Here are some frequent questions and answers about the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and Alaska Native and American Indian people. Information courtesy of the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium.
DO I NEED TO FILL OUT AN INDIAN EXEMPTION FORM BEFORE I COMPLETE MY TAXES THIS YEAR?
No, you do not need to do anything this year. You can complete the Indian Exemption form anytime in 2014. The certificate number that you will receive from the Health Insurance Marketplace will be used when you file for your taxes in 2015 for the 2014 tax year.
WHAT DO I NEED TO ATTACH TO MY APPLICATION?
You will need to submit a copy of the following for each person who needs the Indian Exemption:
- Tribal Enrollment Card or Letter
- Proof of ANCSA (Regional or Village) Shareholder Status
- Certificate of Indian Blood (CIB) Card issued by the Bureau of Indian Affairs
- Send in copies only. Do not send original cards or documents. These items will NOT be returned to you.
HOW DO I GET A COPY OF THE INDIAN EXEMPTION FORM?
You can pick up a copy at your local clinic. ANTHC can mail it to you, or you can print it at the Marketplace website at http://marketplace.cms.gov/getofficialresources/publications-and-articles/tribal-exemption.pdf
You will also need to complete a separate “Step 2” page for each family member you claim on your taxes.
DO ELDERS NEED TO COMPLETE THIS FORM?
If an Elder has Medicare or veteran benefits they do not have to fill out the Indian Exemption form.
IF I HAVE MEDICAID OR DENALI KIDCARE DO I NEED TO FILL OUT THIS FORM?
This is a lifetime exemption. We encourage everyone to complete this application in case there is any time in your life that you do not have health insurance. That way, you will already have this form filed and will not have to worry about IRS tax penalties.
FURTHER QUESTIONS? VIST WWW.ANTHC.ORG/ACA, CALL 907.729.7777 OR CONTACT YOUR LOCAL TRIBAL HEALTH CLINIC.