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Amounts paid for certain PPE treated as qualified medical expenses

Personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks, hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes purchased for preventing the spread of COVID-19 is now treated as a qualified medical expense (IRS Notice 2021-7).

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On March 26, 2021, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) released IRS Announcement 2021-7, which states that personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks, hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes that are purchased “for the primary purpose of preventing the spread of COVID-19” is a qualified medical expense under Section 213(d) of the Code.

Health savings account (HSA) participants may use the funds in their HSA to pay for masks, hand sanitizer, and sanitizing wipes on a pre-tax basis. Sponsors of flexible spending accounts (FSAs) and health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs) may also allow these expenses to be reimbursed from their plans. Plan sponsors should review their plan documents with their legal counsel to determine if they need to make any amendments in light of the new announcement. 

Effective immediately, Optum® will consider masks, hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes qualified medical expense for claims processing purposes. Additionally, Optum will continue to review any further guidance released on this from the IRS. 

We advise you to speak with your tax or benefits counsel regarding interpretation of the legislation.

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Self-directed mutual fund investment options are made available through the services of an independent investment advisor, or your plan sponsor. Discretionary advisory services are provided by Betterment LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser, with associated brokerage transactions provided by Betterment Securities, Member FINRA/SIPC. For details and disclosures visit betterment.com. The Schwab Health Savings Brokerage Account is offered to certain account holders through Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC. For details and disclosures, visit schwab.com. Brokerage services are offered to certain accountholders through TD Ameritrade, Inc., Member FDIC/SIPC and a subsidiary of The Charles Schwab Corporation. For details and disclosures, visit tdameritrade.com.

Orders are accepted to effect transactions in securities only as an accommodation to HSA owners. Optum Financial and its subsidiaries are not broker-dealer or registered investment advisors and do not provide investment advice or research concerning securities, make recommendations concerning securities, or otherwise solicit securities transactions.

Health savings accounts (HSAs) are individual accounts offered through Optum Bank®, Member FDIC, or ConnectYourCare, LLC, an IRS-Designated Non-Bank Custodian of HSAs, each a subsidiary of Optum Financial, Inc. Neither Optum Financial, Inc. nor ConnectYourCare, LLC is a bank or an FDIC insured institution. HSAs are subject to eligibility requirements and restrictions on deposits and withdrawals to avoid IRS penalties. State taxes may apply. Fees may reduce earnings on account.

Flexible spending accounts (FSAs), dependent care assistance programs (DCAPs), health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs), Commuter and Parking Benefits, Tuition Assistance Plans, Adoption Assistance Plans, Surrogacy Assistance Plans, Wellness Benefits, and Lifestyle Accounts (collectively, “Employer-Sponsored Plans”) are administered on behalf of your plan sponsor by Optum Financial, Inc. or ConnectYourCare, LLC (collectively, "Optum Financial") and are subject to eligibility and restrictions. Employer-Sponsored Plans are not individually owned and amounts available under the Employer-Sponsored Plan are not FDIC insured. This communication is not intended as legal or tax advice. Federal and state laws and regulations are subject to change. Please contact a legal or tax professional for advice on eligibility, tax treatment, and restrictions. Please contact your plan administrator with questions about enrollment or plan restrictions.

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The promotional code OPTFSA7, OPTHSA5 and OPTHRA7 cannot be applied to previously placed orders, and cannot be combined with other promotional codes. Additionally, the code cannot be used for prescription drugs or virtual care visits. Promotional codes are not transferable or redeemable for cash or credit. To apply a promotional code you must enter it prior to completing the order.

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Your employer sponsored plan may exclude reimbursement for certain categories of items. Check your plan document and summary plan description or contact your benefits department for specific coverage details. 

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