Expansion Allows Coverage Without a Deductible for Some Chronic Conditions
A new IRS notice (PDF) expands the list of preventive care benefits that may be covered by a high deductible health plan (HDHP) without a deductible, or with a deductible below the minimum deductible for an HDHP. Except for preventive care benefits, an HDHP can pay for benefits only after the deductible has been reached.
The following treatments are those that have been newly classified as preventive care for the chronic conditions indicated:
- Angiostatin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (for congestive heart failure, diabetes, and coronary artery disease);
- Anti-resorptive therapy (for osteoporosis and osteopenia)
- Beta-blockers (for congestive heart failure and coronary artery disease)
- Blood pressure monitors (for hypertension)
- Inhaled corticosteroids (for asthma)
- Insulin and other glucose-lowering agents (for diabetes)
- Retinopathy screening (for diabetes)
- Peak flow meter (for diabetes)
- Glucometer (for diabetes)
- Hemoglobin A1c testing (for diabetes)
- International normalized ratio testing (for liver disease and bleeding disorders)
- Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) testing (for heart disease)
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (for depression)
- Statins (for heart disease and diabetes)
The change is effective immediately.
Posted by Hallier Benefit Advisors in HR News Alerts