Modern Healthcare July 17, 2019
The IRS on Wednesday issued guidance that makes it easier for patients enrolled in high-deductible health plans to get coverage for medications and drugs to treat chronic illnesses, including asthma, congestive heart failure and diabetes.
Under the guidance, chronically ill patients will be able to access coverage for certain services before they spend enough money out of pocket to meet the high deductible. Previously, those plans covered only low-cost preventive-care services prior to the deductible being met.
The guidance, effective immediately, follows President Donald Trump’s June 24 executive order that directed the U.S. Treasury Department to find ways to expand the use of health savings accounts paired with high-deductible health plans to pay for “medical care that helps maintain health...