Will The IRS Have Access To Personal Health Records After 2013

News reports have stated that individuals are concerned the IRS could have access to personal health records due to the requirement to obtain health insurance or suffer penalties after 2013.

We have received information that insurance companies will send a report of coverage to the IRS and taxpayers, listing the names, addresses and tax ID numbers of all individuals with coverage.  If an employer self-insures, the employer will make the report.  No medical history will be listed.

The Service will then check to make sure that uncovered individuals have paid the penalty, which is capped at $95 a person for 2014.  IRS can enforce the penalty only by docking tax refunds as it cannot use liens or levies.