High-deductible health plans will be able to keep their status even if they waive cost-sharing for COVID-19 tests before a member's deductible is met, according to an IRS notice.
Typically, high-deductible health plans don't pay for medical expenses until a deductible has been met. However, the notice allows an individual to receive coverage for COVID-19 tests regardless of deductible without jeopardizing the health plan's eligibility as a high-deductible health plan.
The notice also means a person with a high-deductible health plan that covers cost-sharing for COVID-19 tests can continue contributing to a health savings account.