Developments in Benefits - January, 2012
IRS Code Section 213(d) Eligible Medical Expenses 
An eligible expense is defined as those expenses paid for care as described in Section 213 (d) of the Internal Revenue Code. The lists below include examples of eligible and ineligible medical expenses. For more detailed information, please refer to IRS Publication 502 titled, “Medical and Dental Expenses.” - View the PDF
Dependent Care Assistance Programs (DCAPs)
In August 2007, the Internal Revenue Service finalized regulations governing tax‐favored treatment of dependent care expenses. The regulations affect Dependent Care Assistance Programs (DCAPs) and the dependent care tax credit under IRC Section 21. The regulations became effective August 14, 2007 for taxable years ending after that date. - View the PDF
Dependent Care Assistance Programs (DCAPs)
In August 2007, the Internal Revenue Service finalized regulations governing tax‐favored treatment of dependent care expenses. The regulations affect Dependent Care Assistance Programs (DCAPs) and the dependent care tax credit under IRC Section 21. The regulations became effective August 14, 2007 for taxable years ending after that date. - View the PDF
Common Costs of Healthcare Services by Region 2011
Common Costs of Healthcare Services by Region 2011 - View the PDF
Preventive Care Recommendations
A growing number of employers include preventive care provisions as part of their health plans. As the old saying goes, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Consider these facts:
- With over one million heart attacks occurring each year, heart disease has become the number one killer of both men and women in the United States.
- About one in every three American adults has high blood pressure. High blood pressure is a risk factor for heart and kidney diseases, as well as stroke – meaning that having high blood pressure increases your risk for these conditions. This is serious business since heart disease is the number one killer in the United States, and stroke is the third most common cause of death.
- Seriously overweight employees are more likely to call in sick, be injured on the job and be hospitalized. Being overweight is linked to many health problems, including Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, arthritis, sleep apnea and stroke.
- More than 13 million Americans may have an undiagnosed thyroid condition.
- Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer death among American women. Early detection is the key to saving lives. The American Cancer Society reports that the five‐year survival rate for all women diagnosed with breast cancer is 89 percent. With early detection (when the tumor is confined to the breast) the five‐year survival rate jumps to 98 percent.
A focus on preventive care is also part of health care reform. The health care reform law requires some plans to cover certain preventive care services. Note that the requirement does not apply to grandfathered plans. However, new and non‐ grandfathered plans must provide the recommended services without any cost‐sharing when delivered by an in‐network provider, for plan years beginning on or after September 23, 2010. - View the PDF
What is a medical child support order?
A medical child support order is a judgment, decree, or order (including an approval of a property settlement) that: Is made pursuant to State domestic relations law (including a community property law) or certain other State laws relating to medical child support (see Q1-8); and Provides for child (more)
