Executive Order Seeks to Expand Use of HRAs

Executive Order Signing

On October 12, 2017, the President signed an executive order asking the Departments of Treasury, HHS and Labor to explore how they can allow more businesses to use Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs).

How does this affect the QSE-HRA and how should you plan for your small business?

Until guidance is issued from the departments, there is no impact on Qualified Small Employer HRAs. Current regulatory requirements have not been changed by the executive order.

We at Plan Docs anticipate a roll-back of the guidance provided under IRS Notice 2013-54 and Technical Release 2013-03, which subjected Section 105, Self Insured Medical Reimbursement Plans, commonly referred to as HRAs, to the “market reforms” of the ACA.

Should this guidance be repealed, HRA Plan Docs is prepared to immediately offer Section 105 plans for small businesses. Moreover, we will provide existing clients the option of transitioning from the QSE-HRA to a Section 105 plan at no charge.

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