Under the Internal Revenue Code (Code), a taxpayer is ineligible to make pre-tax contributions to a health savings account (HSA) unless the taxpayer is covered by a high deductible health plan (HDHP). A plan will not qualify as a HDHP unless it satisfies Code minimum deductible and other requirements.
On March 11, 2020 the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued guidance to provide that a health plan will not lose HDHP status if it covers testing and/or treatment for coronavirus (COVID-19) for an individual before he or she satisfies the plan’s deductible or cost-sharing requirements. Consequently, a health plan can provide first dollar coverage for coronavirus testing and treatments without jeopardizing the ability of plan participants to make pre-tax HSA contributions. This guidance applies until the IRS issues further clarification.
IRS guidance does not require that a plan cover these services. Rather, it allows a plan to cover them at no charge to participants without jeopardizing HDHP status. If you have uncertainty about your plan’s coverage of costs related to COVID-19, you should review your plan document and/or summary plan description.
If you have a media request or need an attorney with particular knowledge for comment, please contact Kyle Mondy, Marketing & Communications Manager, at 414.287.9481 or kmondy@gklaw.com.
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