If your employer offers help paying for education, it’s often through something called a Qualified Educational Assistance Program (QEAP). But what exactly does that mean—and what can you have reimbursed?
This guide breaks it down in simple terms so you can take full advantage of this valuable benefit.
What Is a Qualified Educational Assistance Program?
A Qualified Educational Assistance Program (QEAP) is an employer-sponsored benefit that helps pay for your education. Under IRS rules, it allows your employer to provide tax-free education assistance up to $5,250 per year.
✅ What makes it special?
You don’t pay federal income tax on eligible reimbursements (up to the limit)
Your employer can cover a wide range of learning opportunities
The education does not have to be job-related in most cases
What Expenses Can Be Reimbursed?
Depending on your company’s plan, a QEAP may cover:
Tuition and required fees
Books and course materials
In some cases, student loan payments
✅ The education does not have to be related to your current job, so you have flexibility to pursue different interests or career goals.
What Is Not Covered?
Some expenses are not eligible, including:
Meals, transportation, and lodging
Most hobby or recreational courses (unless required for a degree or job-related)
Supplies or equipment you can keep after completing the course (except textbooks)
Important Rules to Remember
Up to $5,250 per year is tax-free
Your employer may set requirements, such as:
Getting course approval in advance
Attending approved schools or programs
Earning a minimum grade
Bottom Line
A QEAP is a valuable benefit that helps you save on education costs while growing your skills. To make the most of it, review your company’s specific rules and get any needed approvals before enrolling.
June is Men’s Health Month—a time dedicated to raising awareness about preventable health issues and encouraging men to take proactive steps toward living healthier, longer lives. From routine screenings to mental health support, prioritizing wellness is essential. The good news? If you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Health Savings Account (HSA), or Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA), you may already have tax-advantaged funds available to support your health journey.
Why Men’s Health Matters
Many common health risks for men—such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and certain cancers—can often be prevented or managed with early detection and lifestyle adjustments. However, studies consistently show that men are less likely than women to visit a doctor regularly or seek preventive care.
Men’s Health Month serves as a reminder to:
Schedule annual physical exams
Monitor key health metrics (blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose)
Address mental health concerns
Stay active and maintain a balanced diet
What Are FSA, HSA, and HRA Accounts?
Before diving into how these accounts can support men’s wellness, let’s break down what they are:
FSA (Flexible Spending Account): Employer-sponsored account that allows you to set aside pre-tax dollars for eligible medical expenses.
HSA (Health Savings Account): A tax-advantaged savings account available with high-deductible health plans; funds roll over year to year.
HRA (Health Reimbursement Arrangement): Employer-funded account used to reimburse qualified healthcare expenses.
Each account helps you save money while investing in your health.
Eligible Men’s Health Expenses You Can Cover
Your FSA, HSA, or HRA can be used for a variety of services and products that directly support men’s health.
Preventive Care & Screenings
Early detection saves lives—and these accounts can help cover:
Annual physical exams
Prostate cancer screenings
Colonoscopies
Blood pressure monitoring
Fitness & Lifestyle Support
While gym memberships themselves may not always qualify, certain items and programs may be eligible with medical necessity:
Weight-loss programs prescribed by a doctor
Smoking cessation programs
Nutritional counseling
Mental Health Services
Mental wellness is just as important as physical health. Eligible expenses may include:
Therapy or counseling sessions
Psychiatric services
Telehealth mental health visits
Everyday Health Products
You can also use your funds for:
Over-the-counter medications
Pain relievers
First-aid supplies
Sunscreen (SPF 15+)
Pro Tips for Maximizing Your Benefits
Make the most of your FSA, HSA, or HRA this Men’s Health Month with these simple tips:
✅ Schedule checkups early: Don’t wait until the end of the year—stay proactive. ✅ Track your expenses: Use your plan’s portal or app to monitor spending and receipts. ✅ Know your deadlines: FSAs often have “use-it-or-lose-it” rules. ✅ Check eligibility: Not all items qualify—review your plan or use an eligibility tool.
Take Charge of Your Health Today
Men’s Health Month is the perfect opportunity to prioritize your well-being—and your FSA, HSA, or HRA makes it easier and more affordable to do so. Whether it’s scheduling a routine screening, addressing stress, or investing in healthier habits, every step counts.
Your health is one of your most valuable assets—make the most of it.
The IRS has released the 2027 cost-of-living adjusted limits for Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and High-Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs). Changes to these limits will take effect January 2027.
HSA Contribution Limits: The 2027 limit is $4,500 for individuals with self-only HDHP (up from $4,400 in 2026), and $9,000 for individuals with family HDHP coverage (up from $8,750 in 2026).
HSA Catch-Up Contribution: Individuals age 55 and older can contribute an additional $1,000 catch-up contribution annually. This amount remains unchanged for 2027.
HDHP Minimum Deductibles: The 2027 deductible is $1,750 for self only HDHP coverage (up from $1,700 in 2026), and $3,500 for family HDHP coverage (up from $3,400 in 2026).
HDHP Out-of-Pocket Maximums: The 2027 limit, including deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance, is $8,700 for self-only HDHP coverage (up from $8,500 in 2026), and $17,400 for family HDHP coverage (up from $17,000 in 2026).
EBHRA (Expected Benefit HRA) Contribution Limit: The 2027 maximum amount is $2,250 (up from $2,200 in 2026).
The short answer is no, you don’t file a Form 5500 for the cafeteria plan itself. But you might have to file one for the specific benefits inside it.
Think of a cafeteria plan (a Section 125 plan) like a shopping cart. The cart itself doesn’t trigger tax or reporting rules—but the items you put inside the cart might.
Here is how it works in three simple steps.
1. The “Shopping Cart” is Free (The IRS Rule)
A cafeteria plan is just a tax structure that lets employees buy benefits using pre-tax dollars. The IRS suspended the rule requiring a Form 5500 for the plan structure itself. So, you can cross the cafeteria plan itself off your filing list.
2. Check the “Items” Inside (The DOL Rule)
While the cart is exempt, the Department of Labor (DOL) cares about the actual benefits you are funding through it. These are called component plans.
You need to look at each individual benefit you offer pre-tax, such as:
Your group health insurance plan
A Health FSA (Flexible Spending Account)
Dental or vision insurance
3. The “Under 100” Rule (Who actually has to file?)
Most small businesses don’t have to file a Form 5500 because of a size exemption.
If you have FEWER than 100 participants: You usually do not have to file a Form 5500 for your benefits, as long as they are paid out of the company’s general bank account or through an insurance company.
If you have 100 or MORE participants: You must file a Form 5500 for that specific benefit (like your main health insurance plan).
> Note: “Participants” usually means employees signed up for the plan on the very first day of the plan year. You do not count their dependents (spouses or kids).
Summary Checklist for HR
Count your heads: Did any of your pre-tax benefits have 100 or more employees enrolled on day one of the plan year?
If NO: You are likely exempt from filing a Form 5500 entirely.
If YES: You must file a Form 5500 for that specific benefit plan. You’ll do this electronically using the government’s online system, called EFAST2.
Pro-Tip: If you do have over 100 employees, ask your insurance broker about a “Wrap Document.” This combines all your different benefits into one single bundle so you only have to file a single Form 5500 instead of three or four separate ones.
Yes—in many cases, you should. If an individual expects to receive COBRA coverage, even if they were never enrolled in your plan, you are generally required to provide a COBRA Notice of Unavailability explaining why they are not eligible.
When Is a Notice of Unavailability Required?
You must send this notice when:
A qualifying event is reported, but the individual is not entitled to COBRA, or
A request for a COBRA extension (disability or second event) is denied
Importantly, eligibility—not enrollment—doesn’t determine whether the notice is needed. If someone reasonably expected coverage, the notice applies.
Who Should Receive the Notice?
The notice must go to the individual expecting COBRA coverage, not necessarily the person who reported the event.
Example: If an employee reports a qualifying event for their child who was never covered, the child—not the employee—should receive the notice.
What Should the Notice Include?
The notice must be:
Written in clear, easy-to-understand language
A specific explanation of why COBRA is unavailable
Tailored to the individual’s situation
Include:
The qualifying event (or request)
The reason coverage is denied (e.g., not enrolled in the plan)
Contact information for questions
Timing Requirements
Provide the notice within 14 days after the plan administrator receives notice of the qualifying event or request—the same deadline as a COBRA election notice.
How Should It Be Delivered?
Use a method reasonably calculated to ensure receipt. Best practice: send via first-class mail, though hand delivery and compliant electronic delivery are also acceptable.
Key Takeaway
Even if someone isn’t covered under your plan, you must send a COBRA Notice of Unavailability if they expected coverage. Doing so within the required timeframe helps ensure compliance and reduces potential risk for your organization.
