Coronavirus Testing & Treatment Covered by HDHPs
The IRS has issued Notice 2020-15, which allows high-deductible health plans (HDHPs) to cover testing and treatment for coronavirus (COVID-19) pre-deductible. This means coronavirus testing and treatment are considered a qualified medical expense under an HDHP, and people can use health savings account (HSA) funds to pay for it.
Due to the national health emergency coronavirus presents, this notice applies even to HDHPs that would otherwise be disqualified under section 223(c)(2)(A) – in other words, HDHPs offered by a health plan that provides other health benefits covering coronavirus testing and treatment, and HDHPs with a deductible that falls below the minimum requirement.
The HSA Council worked to get this measure passed as concerns over the spread of coronavirus intensify. Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) wrote to Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin to have the HSA Council request confirmed.
In addition, representatives Diana DeGette (D-CO) and Donna Shalala (D-FL) introduced H.R. 6173, which requires health insurers to cover the full cost of coronavirus tests for any American who has health insurance through their employer, or who purchased a health plan through the ACA exchange. If this measure passes, coronavirus testing would be added to the ACA preventive care mandate list, which HDHPs must cover without cost-sharing.