2012 Transit and Parking Limits – IRS announcement

Update October 31, 2011 — This page has been updated to reflect the fact that the Qualified Transportation Fringe Benefits changes under ARRA which were to expire at the end of 2010, were extended through December 2011 by the Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2010. Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), [...]

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IRS Issues New Guidance on PPACA Changes to OTC Medical Expenses for Flexible Spending Accounts

On September 3, 2010, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued Notice 2010-59, a guidance reflecting statutory changes related to the use of health reimbursement arrangements (HRA) and health flexible spending accounts (FSA) for payment of over-the-counter drugs and medications. Related to accident and health plans that are provided by employers, including FSAs and HRAs, The [...]

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A Look at Healthcare Reform’s Impact on HSAs and FSAs

If your company currently sponsors a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA) to allow employees to pay out-of-pocket medical expenses with pre-tax dollars, be prepared for upcoming changes. Under the new law, maximum annual FSA contributions are reduced, and there are new regulations affecting how the funds can be used. The intent [...]

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IRS Issues New Guidance on PPACA Changes to OTC Medical Expenses

On September 3, 2010, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued Notice 2010-59, a guidance reflecting statutory changes related to the use of health reimbursement arrangements (HRA) and health flexible spending accounts (FSA) for payment of over-the-counter drugs and medications. Related to accident and health plans that are provided by employers, including FSAs and HRAs, The [...]

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Breast Pumps as Eligible Items for Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Reimbursement Accounts

In February 2011, the IRS ruled that the cost of breast pumps, and related equipment, will now be considered as tax-deductible medical expenses.  This new ruling means that pre-tax funds from flexible spending accounts (FSA) and health reimbursement arrangements (HRA) can be used for the purchase of these supplies. Please note that in order to [...]

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Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs) Help Introduce Employees to Health Care Consumerism

HRAs Help Introduce Employees to Health Care Consumerism Discussions of consumer-directed health plans frequently focus on high-deductible health plans coupled with health savings accounts (HSAs). Sometimes overlooked are health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs) or a cafeteria pan, employer-funded accounts that can be a solid first step in transitioning to a consumer-directed approach to health care. In [...]

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Using your Flex Debit Card for Presrciptions and Eligible OTC items

USING YOUR FLEX DEBIT CARD FOR PRESCRIPTIONS AND ELIGIBLE OVER-THE-COUNTER ITEMS IS EASY! Use your flex debit card at merchants which can identify FSA/HRA eligible expenses. You can determine if a merchant is participating by referencing the list below. Check the list to find your store before you order prescriptions or shop for eligible over-the-counter [...]

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