Flexible Spending Account FAQ
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA’s), known also as Reimbursement Accounts, are authorized by Section 125 of the IRS Code. FSA’s provide valuable benefits where both employer and employees save significant amounts on taxes and where employees have some freedom of choice in designing their own benefit packages. They allow employees to pay for qualified unreimbursed medical expenses with pretax dollars. This helps make these expenses more affordable.
Before the plan year begins, eligible employees elect to have a part of their pay placed in accounts before that money is taxed. This money will be deducted from a participant’s pay each pay period during the plan year. This information is forwarded to HealthCare Solutions Group. The money is held in the participant’s account and when an eligible expense is applied to the account the participant will be reimbursed by the plan. Therefore, the actual cost of paying for such services is less than it would have been if after-tax dollars were used. The money that has been elected to be payroll deducted will be used to cover any eligible un-reimbursable medical expense.
FSA arrangements offer substantial benefits to both employees and employers. Such benefit packages generate potential tax savings for employees and may contribute to improved morale by offering employees the flexibility of designing benefit packages to meet their needs.
Although the reduced employee salary may mean reduced Social Security benefits upon retirement, the difference is generally inconsequential. For employers, flexible benefit packages can be a very important tool for recruiting new employees and retaining current employees. When salaries are reduced, the cost to the employer for benefits related to salary may also decrease. The greatest savings to the employer will generally be the employer portion of Social Security.
It is very important that you estimate your expenses carefully, because amounts deposited to your account that are not used in the calendar year cannot be returned to you. Also, because you are reducing your social security contribution, there could be an effect on your future social security benefit. Although these reductions usually are not significant amounts, you need to be aware of them.
The employer pays the cost of administering these plans. In general, the payroll tax savings offset the cost of administering such plans.
The amount that a participant elects to contribute to a Flexible spending account is deducted from pay before taxes. The amount of money goes into an account where it is available for reimbursement of claims for eligible expenses. Because the money comes out of pay before taxes, taxable income decreases and employees pay less in Federal, State, Local and Social Security taxes.
All eligible employees, their spouses and IRS eligible dependents can participate. Eligible employees would be full-time employees who have completed their waiting period under the medical plan.
For 2015, the maximum annual contribution is $2,550 per family (Dependent Care $5,000).
You can only change the amount you contribute annually, prior to the beginning of each plan year. During the plan year you may change your contribution only if you experience a change in family status.
The IRS regulations dictate that up to $500 of unused medical reimbursement funds can be carried over to the immediately following Plan Year to pay or reimburse medical expenses incurred during the entire Plan Year to which it is carried over. You will have a 90-day grace period following the Plan Year to file for reimbursements for expenses incurred in the previous Plan Year for any unused funds exceeding the $500. At the end of the grace period, any unused funds exceeding the $500 that was carried over will be forfeited and retained by the Employer.
The IRS views FSA’s as a source of lost tax revenue. FSA participants have an advantage over those not offered an FSA in that they may not only recover more of their tax dollars but also receive them sooner. The best way to avoid losing FSA funds is to budget carefully when you make your contribution election.
Some Tips: Base your contribution from last year. Budget conservatively, but don’t overlook all those incidental expenses like co-pays, optical care and deductibles that add up. And remember, if a small amount is forfeited, it’s often outweighed by the tax savings and increased spending money you’ll net.
If you are a participant with HealthCare Solutions Group and have no other secondary carrier, your out-of-pocket expenses for medical services can automatically rollover to your Flexible Spending Account or be paid for using a Flexible Spending Debit Card. If you have medical, dental or secondary coverage with another carrier, you will have to file a request for reimbursement with appropriate documentation about the services rendered and what the other carrier paid in benefits.
Any “over-the-counter” expense or prescription copayment will need to be filed along with the itemized receipt to HealthCare Solutions Group in order to be reimbursed. Certain over-the-counter medications also require a prescription from your Physician. Health care claims should be accompanied by an Explanation of Benefits from your secondary carrier, if applicable, along with the corresponding receipts. If HealthCare Solutions Group is your only insurance carrier for all means of reimbursement, then no explanation or filing is necessary. If you elect the Flex Debit Card, you need to keep all receipts for all purchases/services paid for by the Debit Card as you may have to provide them later to substantiate the expense.
No, the FSA cannot make a payment on your behalf. All reimbursements must go directly to the participant.
No, premiums are not eligible FSA expenses. However, premiums for programs offered by an employer may be a separate pre-tax deduction.
No, HealthCare Solutions Group will do it for you.
You can continue your Flexible Spending Account under COBRA. You would continue to make contributions in your Flexible Spending Account, but on an after tax basis.
HealthCare Solutions Group will make reimbursements weekly.
Contact the Flex Department of HealthCare Solutions Group at (800) 749-1422.
A Flexible Spending Account can save you money by using before-tax dollars for unreimbursed medical expenses but requires careful planning. Keep in mind that money deducted from your pay and deposited in your flexible spending account must be applied to expenses incurred during the Plan Year. Eligible expenses must be received no later than March 31st. What about carry over? Up to $500 of unused funds can be carried over to the next year. Any unused funds in excess of $500 will be forfeited.
Following is a partial list of eligible and non-eligible expenses for reimbursement under this Plan. A comprehensive listing of eligible and non-eligible expenses can be found in IRS publication #502. (available from the IRS at 1-800-829-3676). These lists are subject to change.
What are eligible medical care expenses?
What are non-eligible expenses?
Following is a partial list of eligible and non-eligible “over-the-counter” expenses for reimbursement under this Plan. These lists are subject to change.
What are eligible “over-the-counter” expenses that require a prescription?
Acne medication
Allergy medications
Antacids
Antibiotic creams
Anti-diarrhea medications
Anti-fungal medications
Anti-itch medications
Anti-gas medications
Bug bite medication
Calamine Lotion
Cold medications
Cough/Cold/Flu/Fever reducers
Diaper rash ointments
Ear care/swimmer’s ear
Eye drops
First aid creams/ointments
Head lice treatment
Heartburn/indigestion medications
Hemorrhoid creams/suppositories
Laxatives
Medicated cleanser/soap
What are eligible “over-the-counter” expenses that DO NOT require a prescription?
Bandages (Band-aids)
Blood pressure monitors
Carpal tunnel (wrist) support
Cold/hot packs for injuries
Condoms (contraceptives)
Contact lens solutions
Contraceptive pills/suppository
Crutches
Diabetic supplies
Gauze
Hearing aid batteries
Incontinence supplies
Liquid adhesive
Night guards for teeth grinding
Pregnancy test kits
Reading glasses
Spermicidal foam - contraceptives
Thermometers
What are non-eligible “over-the-counter” expenses?
Chapstick/lip balm
Cleansers or soap that are considered toiletries (non-medicated)
Cosmetic products of any kind
Dental floss
Deodorants
Mouthwash
Shampoo
Skin moisturizers/lotions
Suntan lotion
Sunscreen
Teeth whitening products
Toothpaste
Toothbrushes
Vitamins – used to improve or maintain general health
*None of the above items are eligible for the Flexible Spending Account
Menstrual cramp/pain products
Motion sickness pills
Mouth pain
Nasal decongestant
Nausea/vomiting remedies
Nicotine gum/patches
Ointments for burns/sunburn
Pain relievers/fever reducers
Pain relievers/muscle pain
Pedialyte for child’s dehydration
Pinworm treatment
Poison treatment
Rashes: diaper rash/fever blisters
Rashes: poison oak/ivy/sumac
Sinus medications
Sleeping aids for insomnia
Smoking cessation treatment
Vaginal product/yeast infection
Wart removal treatments
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