IRS Expands List of Preventive Care for HSA Participants
Posted July 18, 2019 by Patrick Haynes
Please note: In prior guidance, the IRS/Treasury have not included preventive care services or benefits meant to treat an existing condition. With Notice 2019-45 that is changing for the better.
Important Factors:
- Under a notice issued Wednesday, July 17, 2019, HDHP enrollees can deduct contributions to a HSA (Health Savings Account) for some care and drugs for certain chronic conditions.
- This expansion is the Treasury Department’s response to the President’s Executive Order (from last month).
- Treasury Secretary Mnuchin said the expansion of preventive benefits “will enable more Americans to exercise greater control over their medical care.”
The U.S. Treasury has expanded preventive care benefits provided by high deductible health plans for some chronic conditions.
Under a notice issued Wednesday, July 17, 2019, HDHP enrollees can deduct contributions to a Health Savings Account for medical care and prescription drugs for conditions such as diabetes, asthma, depression, and heart failure. The expansion is the Treasury’s response to President Donald Trump’s executive order last month.
In prior guidance, the Internal Revenue Service and the Treasury have not included preventative care for services or benefits meant to treat an existing condition.
Notice 2019-45 provides that the following services and items for individuals with the specified chronic conditions listed are treated as preventive care.
| Preventive Care for Specified Conditions | For Individuals Diagnosed with |
| Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitors | Congestive heart failure, diabetes, and/or coronary artery disease |
| Anti-resorptive therapy | Osteoporosis and/or osteopenia |
| Beta-blockers | Congestive heart failure and/or coronary artery disease |
| Blood pressure monitor | Hypertension |
| Inhaled corticosteroids | Asthma |
| Insulin and other glucose lowering agents | Diabetes |
| Retinopathy screening | Diabetes |
| Peak flow meter | Asthma |
| Glucometer | Diabetes |
| Hemoglobin A1c testing | Diabetes |
| International Normalized Ratio (INR) testing | Liver disease and/or bleeding disorders |
| Low-density Lipoprotein (LDL) testing | Heart disease |
| Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) | Depression |
| Statins | Heart disease and/or diabetes |
For additional questions and comments, please contact your Account Manager or Sales Executive. Thank you.
Links:
2019 2nd Quarter Compliance Update
Posted July 17, 2019 by Megan DiMartino
Topics include:
- Expanded HRA Options
- Form 5500 is Due by July 31
- President Trump’s Latest Executive Order
- HDHP/HSA Limits Increase for 2020
- New EEOC Wellness Rules Expected by December
- ACA Limits, Penalties and Fees
- And more!
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