The CARES Act Impacts Health Plan Coverage

 
A new COVID-19 relief law, the CARES Act, makes a variety of changes affecting health plans.

  • Health FSAs, HRAs and HSAs can pay for over-the-counter drugs (without a prescription) and menstrual care products.
  • Health plans must cover COVID-19 preventive services and vaccines without cost-sharing shortly after they become available.
  • High deductible health plans (HDHPs) can cover telehealth and other remote care services without a deductible.

Employers should become familiar with the changes impacting their health plans and communicate any changes to participants.