|
 The announcement came after Congressmen LaHood,
Wenstrup, and their colleagues sent a bipartisan letter to the Trump
administration requesting additional flexibility for FSA
beneficiaries.
“The announcement by the Trump Administration to give patients who
utilize FSA and DCFSA accounts more flexibility is welcome news for
my constituents,” said Rep. LaHood. “COVID—19 is leaving an impact
on all Americans and families shouldn’t be penalized or lose
healthcare savings because of this unexpected pandemic. I am pleased
that the Administration incorporated some of our recommendations,
and I will continue to work with my colleagues to ensure families
get needed relief in the wake of COVID—19.”
“This coronavirus pandemic has thrown a wrench in many of our plans,
and individuals and families with Health and Dependent Care Flexible
Spending Accounts shouldn’t be penalized because of these unforeseen
events. I thank the administration for incorporating some of my
recent recommendations to give more flexibility for FSA and DCFSA
utilization. As this crisis wears on, Congress must be ready to make
additional statutory changes as needed so that Americans can fully
utilize their savings, and I look forward to that continuing work,”
said Congressman Wenstrup.
[to top of second column] |
Background:
Today the IRS announced it will provide taxpayers greater
flexibility by:
Extending claims periods for taxpayers to apply unused amounts
remaining in a health FSA or dependent care assistance program for
expenses incurred for those same qualified benefits through December
31, 2020.
Expanding the ability of taxpayers to make mid-year
elections for health coverage, health FSAs, and dependent care
assistance programs, allowing them to respond to changes in needs as
a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Applying earlier relief for high deductible health plans to cover
expenses related to COVID-19, and a temporary exemption for
telehealth services retroactively to January 1, 2020.
Last month, Congressman LaHood, along with Congressmen Brad Wenstrup
(R-OH-02), Thomas Suozzi (D-NY-03), Bradley Schneider (D-IL-10),
Mike Kelly (R-PA16), Kenny Marchant (R-TX-24), Daniel Kildee
(D-MI-05), Ron Estes (R-KS-04), John Larson (D-CT-01), Ron Kind
(D-WI-03), and Drew Ferguson (R-GA-03), wrote to the Trump
administration asking for temporarily flexibility for FSA and DCFSA
accounts.
[Office of Congressman Darin LaHood] |
