The IRS today released an advance version of Notice 2019-45 that expands a list of preventive care benefits that can be provided by a high-deductible health plan (under section 223(c)(2)) without a “deductible” or with a deductible below the applicable minimum deductible (self-only or family) for a high-deductible health plan.
Individuals covered by a high-deductible health plan generally may establish and deduct contributions to a health savings account (HSA) as long as they have no disqualifying health coverage. To qualify, a high-deductible health plan generally may not provide benefits for any year until the minimum deductible for that year is satisfied. However, a high-deductible health plan is not required to have a deductible for “preventive care” (as defined by the high-deductible health plan/HSA rules).
The IRS previously issued notices in 2004, 2013, and 2018 that provided guidance on preventive care services and items. Notice 2019-45, which is effective on July 17, 2019, adds to the lists of eligible preventive care services and items.
Notice 2019-45 [PDF 126 KB] includes the following table that lists preventive care services and items for certain chronic conditions that may be treated as preventive care for purposes of section 223(c)(2)(C)).
Preventive Care for Specified Conditions |
For Individuals Diagnosed |
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitors |
Congestive heart failure, diabetes, and/or coronary artery disease |
Anti-resorptive therapy |
Osteoporosis and/or osteopenia |
Beta-blockers |
Congestive heart failure and/or coronary artery disease |
Blood pressure monitor |
Hypertension |
Inhaled corticosteroids |
Asthma |
Insulin and other glucose lowering agents |
Diabetes |
Retinopathy screening |
Diabetes |
Peak flow meter |
Asthma |
Glucometer |
Diabetes |
Hemoglobin A1c testing |
Diabetes |
International Normalized Ratio (INR) testing |
Liver disease and/or bleeding disorders |
Low-density Lipoprotein (LDL) testing |
Heart disease |
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) |
Depression |
Statins |
Heart disease and/or diabetes |
As explained further in Notice 2019-45:
A related IRS release—IR-2019-129—further explains that the Treasury Department and IRS consulted with the Department of Health and Human Services on this notice.
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