On October 13, 2021, the EEOC updated its previously issued COVID-19-related compliance guidance concerning employer-provided vaccination incentives for employees and their family members under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) and other federal employment nondiscrimination laws. Overall, the updated guidance does not significantly change its prior guidance on vaccination incentives; instead, the revised language more clearly describes the COVID-19 vaccination incentive limits under the ADA and GINA.

On September 30, 2021, HHS, the DOL and the Treasury Department released Part II of interim final rules implementing the No Surprise Billing Act (the Act) that was part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 passed by Congress in late 2020. This set of interim rules focus on the independent dispute resolution process (IDR) between the payer and provider outlined in the Act, good faith cost estimates for the uninsured, the dispute resolution process for patients and providers, and rights to external review.

On September 16, 2021, the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and the Treasury (collectively, “agencies”) jointly published proposed rules regarding the implementation of provisions of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (CAA), including the No Surprises Act. Among other items, the regulations address required reporting of air ambulance services by group health plans (including grandfathered plans), insurers and providers.

On September 10, 2021, the Treasury Department released temporary regulations related to tax credits under the American Rescue Plan Act’s (ARPA’s) paid sick and family leave and employee retention provisions under the CARES Act. The rules are effective immediately but are applicable to all paid sick and family leave monies credited or refunded on or after April 1, 2021; and employee retention monies credited or refunded on or after July 1, 2021.

On September 10, 2021, the IRS issued News Release 2021-181, which reminds taxpayers that the cost of COVID-19 home testing kits is a qualified medical expense and therefore eligible for reimbursement through a health FSA, HRA or HSA. A qualified medical expense is an expense related to the diagnosis, prevention or treatment of a health condition. Thus, the cost associated with the diagnosis of COVID-19 is a qualified medical expense.

On August 30, 2021, the IRS published Rev. Proc. 2021-36, which provides the 2022 premium tax credit (PTC) table and the employer contribution percentage requirements applicable for plan years beginning in calendar year 2022.

On June 25, 2021, the IRS released two information letters responding to the inquiries regarding whether the HSA excessive employer contribution error can be corrected and what amounts are counted toward the minimum annual deductible for an HDHP when a discount, rebate or coupon was provided for healthcare services or products. (Letters 2021-0008 and 2021-0014)

On September 7, 2021, the IRS issued Notice 2021-53. This notice provides guidance on how to report the amount of qualified sick and family leave wages paid to employees for leave taken in 2021 on Form W-2. This guidance includes considerations for such leave taken in accordance with the FFCRA, as amended by the CARES Act, and the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

On August 20, 2021, the DOL, HHS and the Treasury jointly released FAQs regarding implementation of requirements under the Transparency in Coverage (the TiC) final rule and provisions of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 (the CAA), including the No Surprises Act. Importantly, the FAQs provide an update on the enforcement dates of provisions under these laws pending the issuance of regulatory guidance.

On June 25, 2021, the IRS responded to an inquiry from a congresswoman on behalf of her constituent who was concerned that the unused balance in her health FSA was forfeited when she was terminated from her employment because her health FSA was determined not to be eligible for COBRA. She asked for clarification of existing IRS guidance regarding health FSAs and the COBRA requirements (Letter 2021-0004).