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Health/Medical-Related Tax Changes

Archer Medical Savings Accounts (MSAs)

2010 Changes

For Archer MSA purposes for 2010, the minimum annual deductible of a high deductible health plan increases to $2,000 ($4,050 for family coverage). The maximum annual deductible of a high deductible health plan increases to $3,000 ($6,050 for family coverage). The maximum out-of-pocket expenses limit increases to $4,050 ($7,400 for family coverage).

2009 Changes

For Archer MSA purposes for 2009, the minimum annual deductible of a high deductible health plan increases to $2,000 ($4,000 for family coverage). The maximum annual deductible of a high deductible health plan increases to $3,000 ($6,050 for family coverage). The maximum out-of-pocket expenses limit increases to $4,000 ($7,350 for family coverage).

Health Coverage Tax Credit

Increase in the amount of the health coverage tax credit (HCTC). For coverage months beginning after April 2009 and before 2011, the credit increases to 80%.
Payment for monthly premiums paid prior to commencement of advance payments. For coverage months beginning after 2008 and before 2011, newly-enrolled monthly participants will be able to receive a retroactive credit on their HCTC account for qualified health insurance payments they paid while enrolling in the monthly HCTC program.
Note. Although these payments will not begin until August 2009, the credits will apply to any coverage month beginning after 2008.
TAA recipients not enrolled in training programs eligible for credit. For coverage months beginning after February 2009 and before 2011, training and waiver requirements have changed for TAA recipients, making it easier for them to be eligible for the HCTC. Certain individuals who are receiving unemployment compensation (whether or not they meet TAA training requirements) and certain individuals who have a break from training, are now eligible for the HCTC.
Other changes. Effective as of February 17, 2009, qualified health insurance is expanded to include coverage under an employee benefit plan funded by a voluntary employees’ beneficiary association.
Individuals receiving COBRA premium assistance are not eligible for the credit for any month that assistance is provided.

Health Flexible Spending Arrangements (FSAs)

Qualified reservist distribution from a health FSA. A special rule allows amounts in a health FSA to be distributed to reservists ordered or called to active duty. This rule applies to distributions after June 17, 2008, if the plan has been amended to allow these distributions. A qualified reservist distribution is allowed if:

  1. The individual was, by reason of being a member of a reserve component, ordered or called to active duty for a period in excess of 179 days or for an indefinite period, and
  2. The distribution is made during the period beginning on the date of such order or call and ending on the last date that reimbursements could be made for the plan year which includes the date of such order or call.

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)

2010

High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP). For HSA purposes, the minimum annual deductible of an HDHP increases to $1,200 ($2,400 for family coverage) and the maximum annual deductible and other out-of-pocket expenses limit increases to $5,950 ($11,900 for family coverage).
Limits on contributions. The maximum HSA contribution increases to $3,050 ($6,150 for family coverage).

2009

High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP). For HSA purposes, the minimum annual deductible of an HDHP increases to $1,150 ($2,300 for family coverage) and the maximum annual deductible and other out-of-pocket expenses limit increases to $5,800 ($11,600 for family coverage).
Limits on contributions. The maximum HSA contribution increases to $3,000 ($5,950 for family coverage). The maximum additional contribution for individuals age 55 or older increases to $1,000.

Long-Term Care Premiums

Increase in Deductible Limit for Long-Term Care Premiums
For 2009, the maximum amount of qualified long-term care premiums you can include as medical expenses has increased. You can include qualified long-term care premiums, up to the amounts shown below, as medical expenses on Schedule A (Form 1040).

  • Age 40 or under – $320.
  • Age 41 to 50 – $600.
  • Age 51 to 60 – $1,190.
  • Age 61 to 70 – $3,180.
  • Age 71 or over – $3,980.
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Tax, Accounting, Consulting - Emil Estafanous, CPA, CFF, CGMA