COVID-19 Resources

Please find all of SBA’s COVID-19 related articles, FAQs and relevant forms here.

Articles

Once again with feeling, NO, you can’t pay your employee’s Medicare premiums…unless…

We may sound like a broken record, but for the multitudes who will ask, here is the resounding answer regarding employers paying for Medicare premiums.

August 22, 2023

Question of the month: After termination, when do pre-tax programs end?

When an employee terminates, pre-tax programs don’t necessarily follow the same timelines as medical plans. Gina explains.

August 22, 2023

When the Worlds of Medicare and HSAs Collide

We’ve long preached that you can’t contribute to an HSA once you enroll in Medicare, but with every federal program, it’s not so cut and dried. Gina explains.

July 31, 2023

FAQs

I’m worried about the COVID-19 pandemic. Can I buy disposable face masks as an eligible expense through my HSA or FSA?

Yes, when purchased because there is a current respiratory epidemic or you have a family member who is sick with a communicable illness, a disposable mask is eligible for reimbursement from your HSA or FSA.

Can I increase or decrease my monthly contribution to a transportation plan according to my needs?

Yes, check with your employer to see how frequently they allow changes.

My doctor and dentist cancelled my appointments due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Can I lower my Health FSA election during this pandemic?

On May 12, 2020, the IRS issued guidelines allowing employers to amend their FSA plans to permit changes to annual elections or allow new elections. Refunds of previously contributed contributions are not permitted. Check with your employer to see if your plan to allows for mid-year changes to your healthcare FSA. If allowed, you will need to complete a change of status form.

Keep in mind that even if you had an elective procedure planned and/or a doctor’s appointment scheduled, we are hopeful that you will be able to use your full election prior to the end of the plan year. You might also consider other procedures/services/products that could utilize un-used funds. Remember, the CARES Act now allows for OTC medications to be eligible for reimbursement without a prescription – but be careful not to stockpile.

Please note that if you are an HSA participant, you can increase, decrease or cease your contribution at any time.

I am enrolled in my company’s Dependent Care Assistance Plan (DCAP). Can I lower or stop my participation in the plan because my children are at home due to schools being closed during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Yes, DCAPs do allow you to make changes to your contribution due to a change in cost or coverage. Therefore, you can stop your participation because your need for daycare has stopped. Notify your Human Resource Manager as soon as possible and complete a “Change of Status” form within 30 days of the end of your Daycare expenses. When your need for daycare returns, complete another “Change of Status” form within 30 days of your need for daycare returns. You can also change the amount of your pay period contribution so you end the plan year having contributed as much as you need or up to $5,000 as allowed by the IRS.

Forms

Title	Summary	Categories	hf:tax:wpdmcategory

Still have questions?

Employer Information

Employers with FSA Plans:

Read more about the changes being allowed for FSA plan elections, Extended Grace Periods and Carryovers.
Complete our online form to amend your FSA plan here.