HSA COVID-19 Updates

Telehealth

• What is Telehealth?

  Telehealth is the distribution of health-related services and information via electronic information and telecommunication technologies. It allows long-distance patient and clinician contact, care, advice, reminders, education, intervention, monitoring, and remote admissions.

• How does the CARES Act impact telehealth?

  The CARES Act provides for reimbursement for services for "telehealth and other remote care services" below the deductible and will be permitted in an HSA-compatible high deductible plan. This means that even if you have not yet met your deductible on an HSA-qualified health plan, you can now use telehealth services and still use your HSA.

• When do the new telehealth provisions start and how long will they last?

  The telehealth provision is temporary and effective for plan years beginning on or before December 31, 2021. So, these new telemedicine telehealth rules will apply to some plans through late 2022.

Over-the-counter drugs/medicines

• What are over-the-counter medications?

  Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs are medicines that can be purchased without a doctor's or other healthcare professional's prescription.

• How does the CARES Act impact over-the-counter medication?

  Previously, a member could not use health account funds to pay for over-the-counter medication unless they first received a prescription from a healthcare professional. The CARES Act now allows members to use health account funds to pay for over-the-counter medication without needing a prescription.

• When do the new OTC medication provisions start and how long will they last?

  The changes are retroactive to January 1, 2020. There is no listed expiration date on the provision, meaning the change is likely permanent.

• Which health accounts are impacted by the OTC medication change?

  The new rules apply to HSAs, Health FSAs and health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs).*

  *Health FSA and HRA plans vary by employer, and these changes do not necessarily change the benefits under your employer's plan.

• Can I submit claims now for OTC medication?

  Yes. Our claims team can accept manual OTC claims incurred on or after January 1, 2020 without a prescription (in the case of an HSA, they apply to amounts paid on or after January 1, 2020). Receipts are required.

• Will prior denied claims that are now eligible be reprocessed automatically?

  Prior denied claims will not be re-processed automatically, but you can resubmit a claim for a newly eligible product that was previously denied, as long as the expense was incurred on or after January 1, 2020 and not reimbursed under another plan or program.

  Claims for OTC medication purchased before January 1, 2020 still require a prescription.

• Can I use my health debit card now to purchase OTC medication?

  Cards and other applicable payment methods will allow for auto-substantiation at the point of sale in most cases. You can also pay out-of-pocket and submit receipts for reimbursement.

Menstrual care

• What products are included in the new rule about menstrual products?

  The IRS lists tampons, pads, liners, cups, sponges or similar products used by individuals with respect to menstruation. Note: Some feminine hygiene products are not covered under the CARES Act, such as feminine moisturizers, feminine powders or deodorants.

• How does the CARES Act impact menstrual care products?

  Previously, menstrual care products were considered personal hygiene products and not qualified medical expenses. The CARES Act now allows members to use health account funds to pay for menstrual care products directly.

• When do the menstrual care provisions start and how long will they last?

  The changes are retroactive to January 1, 2020. There is no listed expiration date on the provision, meaning the change is likely permanent.

• Which health accounts are impacted by the menstrual care change?

  The new rules apply to HSAs, Health FSAs and HRAs.

• Can I submit claims now for menstrual products?

  Yes. Our claims team can accept manual claims for menstrual care products incurred on or after January 1, 2020. In the case of an HSA, they apply to amounts paid on or after January 1, 2020. Receipts are required.

• Will prior denied claims that are now eligible be reprocessed automatically?

  Prior denied claims will not be re-processed automatically, but you can resubmit a claim for a newly eligible product that was previously denied, as long as the expense was incurred on or after January 1, 2020 and not reimbursed under another plan or program.

  Claims for menstrual products purchased before January 1, 2020 are not eligible.

• Can members use their health debit cards now to purchase menstrual care products?

  Yes. Cards and other applicable payment methods will allow for auto-substantiation at the point of sale in most cases. You can also pay out-of-pocket and submit receipts for reimbursement.