IRS Issues Guidance on COVID-19 Relief for Health FSAs and DCAPs

On Feb. 18, 2021, the IRS released Notice 2021-15 to clarify special rules for Section 125 plans, health flexible spending arrangements (FSAs) and dependent care assistance programs (DCAPs).

Temporary Special Rules for Health FSAs and DCAPs

The Notice is intended to clarify the application of special rules for health FSAs and DCAPs provided under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (CAA). The CAA provides flexibility with respect to carryovers of unused amounts, extends the time period for incurring claims, permits post-termination reimbursements from health FSAs and provides special rules for dependents who “age out” of DCAP coverage during the COVID-19 public health emergency. The Notice provides details and examples regarding these rules.

Section 125 Mid-year Election Changes

The Notice’s relief for mid-year Section 125 plan elections for plan years ending in 2021 is similar to prior guidance for calendar year 2020. Section 125 plans may permit employees to make or revoke election changes in certain circumstances. The Notice clarifies that employers can decide how long to permit mid-year election changes with no change in status during the plan year and can limit the number of election changes during the plan year that are not associated with a change in status

Over-the-Counter Drugs

The Notice also provides relief with respect to plan amendments expanding reimbursable expenses for health FSAs and HRAs to include over-the-counter drugs and menstrual care products. Amendments to these plans must normally be made on a prospective basis, but these amendments may allow these reimbursements beginning on or after Jan. 1, 2020

This Bulletin is not intended to be exhaustive nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as legal advice. Readers should contact legal counsel for legal advice. Design ©2020 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.