On March 26, 2021, the IRS issued IRS Announcement 2021-7, which clarifies that amounts paid for certain personal protective equipment (“COVID-19 PPE”) used to prevent the spread of COVID-19, including masks, hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes can be treated as amounts paid for medical care under § 213(d) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Accordingly, because these amounts are expenses for medical care under § 213(d) of the Internal Revenue Code, these amounts can also be eligible expenses under a health flexible spending account (health FSA), health savings accounts (HSAs), health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs) and Archer medical savings accounts (Archer MSAs). Note, that if the amount is paid or reimbursed under one of these accounts, it is not deductible under § 213.
The IRS announcement also provides relief for group health plans, including health FSAs and HRAs, to amend their plans pursuant to provide for reimbursements of expenses for COVID-19 PPE incurred for any period on or after January 1, 2020.
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As always please connect with your Total Benefit Solutions, Account Manager at (215)355-2121 for any additional questions or concerns.
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