Every year, hurricane season brings the same question for employers: What will you do after the storm? When disaster strikes, employees may face the loss of their homes, unexpected medical expenses, and financial stress. Offering meaningful support in those moments can make a lasting difference.
The Medcom Cares Disaster Recovery Program gives employers a way to step up in times of crisis. Based on IRS Section 139, the program allows businesses to provide tax-free financial assistance to employees affected by federally declared disasters. That means real help without added tax burdens for your business or your team.
How the program works:
- Funds can be made available by the employer on a pre-loaded debit card or via manual claim submission
- No claims or receipts required
- Employers control where the funds can be spent (choose from six merchant categories)
- Unused funds are returned to the employer after 90 days
- Payments are tax-free and don’t need to be reported on a W-2 or 1099
Covered expenses may include:
- Temporary housing, food, and clothing
- Medical costs not covered by insurance
- Cleanup, evacuation, or funeral expenses
- Childcare during school closures
- Transportation and other urgent needs
The program is built for flexibility. Employers decide the amount of aid and eligible spending categories. Medcom handles the setup, administration, and compliance so your team can focus on recovery, not paperwork.
So why is this important during hurricane season? Because when disaster strikes, every minute counts. Having a plan in place enables employers to act quickly and support employees when they need it most.
Supporting your team after a disaster doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right program in place, it’s not just possible, it’s powerful. Be prepared for when disaster strikes.
