High Deductible Health Plans and Expenses related to COVID-19

Many of the nation’s largest insurers have announced that they will be waiving the deductible or other cost-sharing for testing or other expenses related to the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (“COVID-19”).  Plan sponsors that offer coverage to employees through a high deductible health plan (“HDHP”) asked whether this waiver would affect the health plan’s status as …

High Deductible Health Plans Allowed to Provide Additional Preventive Care Benefits for Individuals with Chronic Conditions

A high deductible health plan (“HDHP”) is not permitted to pay for medical expenses until the plan’s deductible has been satisfied, with the exception of medical expenses incurred for preventive care.  Preventive care did not generally include expenses for any service or benefit intended to treat an existing illness, injury or condition. In a welcome …