COVID Relief Recap
At the outset of the COVID-19 National Emergency period, the government recognized that employers and employees might have difficulty meeting certain plan deadlines due to the pandemic. Therefore, the IRS and DOL jointly issued temporarily extended deadlines for participants to submit claims towards their Health Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs). The extended deadlines were established as the earlier of the following:
60 days after the end of the national emergency (the “Outbreak Period”)
One year after the initial deadline for any given individual
Deadline Extensions Have Ended
On April 10, 2023, the Biden administration ended the national emergency. Even though 60 days after the national emergency's end would otherwise be June 9, 2023, the DOL has determined deadlines will remain extended to July 10, 2023. Claim submission deadlines will revert to the standard deadlines on July 10, 2023.
What to Expect
On July 10, 2023, the administration of all Vita Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs) claims will revert to the normal rules and deadlines. Claims submitted after the normal plan deadlines will be automatically denied. Please refer to the Vita Pre-Tax Summary Plan Description (SPD) that is available in the Tools & Support Page of your online account. To log into your online account, please visit www.vitaflex.net.