Earlier this month the U.S. marked the one-year anniversary of public shutdowns related to COVID-19. No one could have expected that the pandemic would last this long, but many have been encouraged to see parts of the country start to open up again due to lower infection rates and the vaccines becoming more widely available.

It’s likely not a surprise that last year saw a decline in healthcare spending due to closed medical offices and many other factors related to COVID-19. Because of this, provisions were included in December’s Consolidated Appropriations Act for both health Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and Dependent Care flexible spending accounts (DCAs).

While there were many uncertainties on election night this November, we did learn that Colorado voters passed Proposition 118 for Paid Family and Medical Leave. The new law will require employers state-wide to provide 12 weeks of paid time off for certain family situations beginning in 2024.