Benefits Briefs in the Time of COVID-19, Part 9: Additional Flexibility for Cafeteria Plans; Increase in Health FSA Carryover Amount

In Notice 2020-29, the IRS gave plan sponsors additional flexibility to allow participants to make certain mid-year cafeteria plan election changes during calendar year 2020 without regard to the restrictions that typically apply, and to adopt an extended claims period for flexible spending accounts (“FSAs”).  In Notice 2020-33, the IRS has increased the $500 carryover …

Benefits Briefs in the Time of COVID-19, Part 6: Special Considerations for Mid-Year Changes to Cafeteria Plan Elections

Section 125 cafeteria plan elections are irrevocable for the plan year unless the participant experiences a change in status or other event that allows an election change under the Section 125 regulations. Common status change events that may be occurring due to the pandemic include the following: A commencement of an unpaid leave of absence. …