This guide is for employers and QSEHRA administrators determining eligibility for employees covered under group health plans, including spouse's employer-sponsored plans.
Yes, but eligibility may vary depending on your spouse’s employer-sponsored group plan and how it is structured. Remember: You must be covered by Minimum Essential Coverage (MEC) to receive QSEHRA reimbursements, and coverage through a spouse's group plan does qualify as MEC.
MEC Requirements
MEC stands for Minimum Essential Coverage. To participate in QSEHRA, an employee must be enrolled in a plan that meets MEC, which includes:
- Preventative care
- Pregnancy, maternity, and newborn care
- Emergency services
- Mental health services
- Prescription drugs (RX)
- And more
For more information about MEC please visit:
Premiums Reimbursement Rules
If your employee is covered by their spouse's group plan, here are the key rules:
Employer choice: You can include or exclude those covered under spouse's group plans
Eligible portion: Only the premium portion not paid by the spouse's company is eligible for reimbursement
Tax status: Most group premiums are paid pre-tax, so QSEHRA reimbursements will likely be taxable (IRS prevents "double dipping"—getting both pre-tax benefits and pre-tax QSEHRA reimbursement). Reimbursements are tax-free only if the employee proves post-tax payment by the spouse—very rare.
See IRS Notice 2017-67 Q48 for details.
Medical Expenses Reimbursement
If your QSEHRA reimburses both premiums and medical expenses:
Employees on spouse's group plans can submit one-time medical expense claims and be reimbursed on a tax-free basis
If your QSEHRA allows both premiums and medical expenses but does not allow taxable reimbursements:
Employees on spouse's group plans must use their entire allowance for tax-free medical expense reimbursements only (no premium reimbursement)
What Does Not Qualify
No MEC: Employees without Minimum Essential Coverage cannot participate in QSEHRA. Reimbursement is not applicable.
Pre-tax group premiums: Not eligible for QSEHRA reimbursement (IRS prevents double dipping on pre-tax benefits).
Full premium paid by spouse's employer: Not eligible for reimbursement.
QSEHRA without taxable reimbursement option + premium claims: Employees cannot reimburse premiums; must use entire allowance for medical expenses only.
Still not sure where to start? Check out our Admin Resource Center for more resources and support.