The Internal Revenue Service and Treasury Department on July 17 expanded what is considered preventive care under high-deductible health plans to include more services and treatments for people with chronic illnesses.
The notice includes a list of 14 specific treatments associated with common chronic conditions, such as insulin for people who have diabetes or SSRIs for people with depression. Previously, these services were not considered preventive, and people with high-deductible health plans had to pay out of pocket for them until they hit their deductible. However, cost barriers led many people to put off care, which often worsened their health conditions and led to the need for more extensive care down the line.
The IRS and Treasury Department chose services that were low-cost, had a significant impact on the health of someone with a chronic condition, and could prevent the need for higher-cost treatments. The agencies will review and update the list every five to 10 years.
The notice was issued to comply with a June 24 executive order from President Donald Trump calling for guidance on expanding high-deductible health plans with HSAs to cover low-cost preventive care for people with chronic conditions.
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