Amid concerns about people being misled, the Internal Revenue Service today reminded taxpayers and health spending plan administrators that personal expenses for general health and wellness are not considered medical expenses under the tax law. This means personal expenses are not deductible or reimbursable under health flexible spending arrangements, health savings accounts, health reimbursement arrangements or medical savings accounts. See alert. 

To avoid a partial government shutdown, Congress last week approved a continuing resolution (CR) to extend six appropriations bills until March 8. The deadline for passing the remaining FY 2024 appropriations bills is March 22.

While none of the language specifically touches on HRAs or individual marketplace plans, Division G of the legislation text contains a number of health care policies and extensions of programs relating to public health, Medicare, and Medicaid including: an extension of the community health center program, protections against reductions to the disproportionate share hospital program, and increases in Medicare physician payments. Read more about the health care provisions here.

The text of the 1000+ page continuing resolution can be found at the House's list of Bills This Week. 

HRA Council members Remodel Health and PeopleKeep are making news. Read more here.

The IRS recently announced ACA pay or play penalty amounts for 2025. The penalties apply to all Applicable Large Employers (ALEs). See more here. 

PeopleKeep  released its seventh annual report on the qualified small employer health reimbursement arrangement (QSEHRA). Read the summary and get the link to the full report here. 

On February 13, 2024, Nexben  and Lynx announced a strategic partnership. See story here. 

eHealth, Inc. , a leading online private health insurance marketplace., surveyed  more than 550 owners and manager of small to mid-sized companies and found what we would consider a great case for ICHRAs/QSEHRAs.

In BenefitsPro, Nima Olumi looks at "how ICHRA can elevate your benefits strategy in the changing economic landscape." See article.

Tech Times includes benefitbay's AI work in its recent Tech Buzz. 

Claire Martin offers an HRA Primer.