Vol. XV, Issue 3

March 9, 2018

HSA Limit Changes

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“Act”), passed by Congress with a January 1, 2018 effective date, changed the calculation for 2018 health savings account (“HSA”) limits. The IRS has issued new guidance, which includes a reduction in allowable HSA contributions for families—from $6,900 to $6,850. (The limit for employees with self-only coverage is unchanged at $3,450.)

Several large employer groups plan to ask the IRS for relief, since employee elections were made according to the previous IRS guidance. Wespath will monitor the situation until late summer. If the IRS has not responded, HealthFlex will modify participant contribution amounts to avoid excess contributions. (The HealthFlex plan document does not permit contributions in excess of the limit.) Since most participants elect to have their contributions made in equal amounts throughout the year, adjustments can generally be delayed until late in the year.

Quest Diagnostics Update—April 1

Quest Diagnostics will update the look and feel of its Blueprint for Wellness registration site on Sunday, April 1 to improve the participant experience. Quest is planning maintenance on Friday, March 9, from 9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., Central time, and again on Sunday, March 11, from 5:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Central time. Their website will be down during these times.

Save the Date—Webconferences for Via Benefits (formerly OneExchange) Plan Sponsors

Plan to join one of the April Via Benefits plan sponsor webconferences, which will discuss the name change from OneExchange to Via Benefits. Webconferences are scheduled for:

Both webconferences will cover the same topics, so choose the date that is most convenient for you or a member of your staff. Dial-in instructions will follow in a future HealthFlex Express.

Participant Communications

 


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