For Immediate Release:

Sunday, September 15, 2013

This week the IRS clarified that the expanded preventive services mandated under the affordable care act will not disqualify a plan from the tax advantages of Section 223 (c)(2)(c).

Without this clarification there was some concern that high deductible health plans would not be in compliance if they offered wellness services without payment of the deductible, even though the Affordable Care Act mandates certain services be offered without the insured paying the deductible. While this clarification is not unexpected the list of wellness benefits is important.
Here is the list of benefits listed in the IRS update.

• Periodic health evaluations, including tests and diagnostic procedures ordered in connection with routine examinations, such as annual physicals.
• Routine prenatal and well-child care.
• Child and adult immunizations.
• Tobacco cessation programs.
• Obesity weight-loss programs.
• Screening services

The list of screening services is extensive but is important to those who are covered under a high deductible health plan. These expanded screenings allow the insured to save their health care savings account dollars.
Cancer Screenings
Cancer Screening ,Breast Cancer (e.g., Mammogram),Cervical Cancer (e.g., Pap Smear),Colorectal Cancer, Prostate Cancer (e.g., PSA Test), Skin Cancer, Oral Cancer, Ovarian Cancer, Testicular Cancer, Thyroid Cancer
Cardio Vascular Screenings
Heart and Vascular Diseases Screening, Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm, Carotid Artery Stenosis, Coronary Heart Disease, Hemoglobinopathies, Hypertension, Lipid Disorders
Infectious Diseases Screening  
Bacteriuria, Chlamydial Infection, Gonorrhea, Hepatitis B Virus Infection, Hepatitis C, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infection, Syphilis, Tuberculosis Infection
Mental Health Conditions and Substance Abuse Screening
Dementia, Depression, Drug Abuse, Problem Drinking, Suicide Risk, Family Violence
Metabolic, Nutritional, and Endocrine Conditions Screening
Anemia, Iron Deficiency, Dental and Periodontal Disease, Diabetes Mellitus, Obesity in Adults, Thyroid Disease, Musculoskeletal Disorders Screening , Osteoporosis, Obstetric and Gynecologic Conditions Screening , Bacterial Vaginosis in Pregnancy, Gestational Diabetes Mellitus, Home Uterine Activity Monitoring, Neural Tube Defects, Preeclampsia, Rh Incompatibility, Rubella, Ultrasonography in Pregnancy, Pediatric Conditions Screening , Child Developmental Delay, Congenital Hypothyroidism, Lead Levels in Childhood and Pregnancy, Phenylketonuria, Scoliosis, Adolescent Idiopathic, Vision and Hearing Disorders Screening , Glaucoma, Hearing Impairment in Older Adults, Newborn Hearing
These screenings are part of the expanded wellness and preventive services required by the Affordable Care Act.  The Act seeks to put more emphasis on identifying potential disease and health issues early for preventive treatment.
It will be important for employees who are covered under a high deductible health plan to be informed of the new expanded wellness services. You can see the IRS notice at this link http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/n-13-57.pdf.
If you have questions regarding the Affordable Care Act or high deductible health plans contact Gary at 615-542-1919 or gary@illuminaregroupinc.com.
Gary Garner