From the Compliance Manager: COVID-Related Plan Document Amendments

November 19, 2020

Chard Snyder continues to focus on compliance with the CARES Act and the ongoing National Emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic. There is still a chance that lawmakers will move to take up another COVID-19 response package before the year end. The House and Senate were scheduled to return to Washington for the “lame duck” session of Congress. However, the timing of additional Coronavirus relief could slip to early next year in the new session of Congress.

To keep administration of your FSA, DCA, and other pre-tax benefits compliant with legislation and agency guidance provided in 2020, Chard Snyder will amend all relevant plan documents for the permanent changes related to the indexed carryover, OTC changes that remove the ACA prescription rules, and HSA deductible exceptions for plans that offer telehealth through their medical coverage. Plan amendments for these permanent changes necessitated by the CARES Act must be implemented in the 2020 plan year with a signed amendment in order to be effective to your current plan. 

Over the past few months, we have been collecting, via survey, client preferences regarding optional changes. You should have already made your selections and intended plan changes for both amending the 2020 plans and renewing for 2021. These additional amendments will be released in early 2021. If you have any questions, please contact your Chard Snyder Client Relationship Manager.

Chard Snyder is here to support you in the compliant administration of your health benefits. Here’s to a prosperous 2021!