Dear Secretary Snow:
I am writing with regard to the so-called “use it or lose it" rule that applies to health flexiblespending accounts (FSAs). As you know, section 125 of the Internal Revenue Code permitsemployees to contribute at the beginning of the year to an FSA in lieu of other forms ofcompensation. Then, as out-of-pocket (i.e., not covered by insurance) health expenses are incurred,the employee may pay for them out of the FSA with pre-tax funds. Under proposed section 125regulations, the employee forfeits unused FSA balances at the end of the year to the employer (the“use it or lose it" rule).
The Administration advanced proposals to modify the “use it or lose it" rule in the TreasuryDepartment’s FY2002, FY2003, and FY2004 budget proposals. I believe that there are strong policyjustifications for taking such action. First and foremost, I am aware of no other area of benefits lawin which we allow - let alone mandate -- that employee dollars set aside for benefit expenses revertback to the employer. The current rule unjustly enriches employers at the expense of hard-workingemployees who participate in FSAs.
In addition, the “use it or lose it" rule causes inefficient allocation of health care dollars byproviding an incentive for employees to incur unnecessary health care expenses at the end of the yearto use up the account. Of course, the “use it or lose it" rule also has the effect of dramaticallyreducing employee participation in FSAs because employees do not want to risk forfeiting or wastingtheir hard-earned money.
I know that a variety of legislative proposals have been advanced to modify or eliminate the“use it or lose it" rule. However, I would urge the Treasury Department to examine closely itsauthority to modify the “use it or lose it" rule administratively. Since the “use it or lose it" rule wascreated administratively -- and was done so through proposed regulations that have never beenfinalized -- it would seem that the Treasury Department does have such authority. I have heard fromnumerous Iowans in my home state and from taxpayers across the country that the “use it or lose it"rule makes no sense. Modifying this rule would help millions of Americans meet their health careexpenses and make the FSA rules more rational.
Thank you in advance for your consideration of this letter. I look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
Chuck Grassley Chairman, Finance Committee
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Source: Ranking Member’s News
