The IRS provided COVID-19 guidance for health Flexible Spending Arrangements and section 125 cafeteria plans related to high-deductible health plans through Notice 2020-29.
| The amended rules under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act provide flexibility for health-care spending related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. 1 High-deductible health plans cover telehealth services Under the CARES Act, a high-deductible health plan (HDHP) can temporarily cover telehealth and other remote care services without a deductible, or with a deductible below the minimum annual deductible otherwise required by law. Telehealth and other remote care services also are temporarily included as categories of coverage that are disregarded for the purpose of determining whether an individual who has other health plan coverage in addition to an HDHP is eligible individual to make tax-favored contributions to his or her health savings account (HSA). Thus, an otherwise eligible individual with HDHP coverage may still contribute to an HSA despite receiving coverage for telehealth and other remote care services before satisfying the HDHP deductible, or despite receiving coverage for these services outside the HDHP. These changes are effective for services provided on or after January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2021. Additions to qualified medical expenses The CARES Act also modifies the rules for “qualified medical expenses” that are reimbursable from tax-advantaged health savings accounts (HSAs), Archer Medical Spending Accounts (MSAs), health flexible spending accounts (FSAs), and Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs). Specifically, the cost of menstrual care products is now reimbursable. These products are defined as tampons, pads, liners, cups, sponges and/or other similar products. In addition, over-the-counter products and medications are now reimbursable without a prescription. The new rules apply to amounts paid after Dec. 31, 2019. Taxpayers should save receipts of these purchases for their records and so that they are able to submit claims for reimbursement. 1) IR-2020-122 |
| IMPORTANT DISCLOSURES Dightman Capital does not provide tax or legal recommendations. The information presented here is not specific to any individual’s personal circumstances. To the extent that this material concerns tax matters, it is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, by a taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed by law. Each taxpayer should seek independent advice from a tax professional based on his or her individual circumstances. These materials are provided for general information and educational purposes based upon publicly available information from sources believed to be reliable — we cannot assure the accuracy or completeness of these materials. The information in these materials may change at any time and without notice. This communication is strictly intended for individuals residing in the state(s) of CA, KS, MO, TX and WA. No offers may be made or accepted from any resident outside the specific states referenced. |
| Prepared by Broadridge Advisor Solutions Copyright 2020. |
