FSA Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Click on a question, to get the answer.
1. What is an FSA account?
A flexible spending account (FSA) is a benefit plan that allows you to set aside tax-free dollars from your pay check into a special account that can be used throughout the year to reimburse yourself for eligible out-of-pocket expenses. Since you are reimbursed from an account that is never subject to taxes, you pay less tax on your total earnings.
2. What is “use it or lose it?”
If you do not use all the money that you contribute to your FSA for claims incurred by the end of the plan year, IRS rules require that the money be forfeited. Careful planning of your yearly expenses and awareness of your account balances and filing deadlines will assist you in using your FSA to its maximum potential. You have until March 31 to get your money out of your FSA account for expenses incurred during the previous plan year.
3. If my spouse has an FSA account through their employer, can I set up one, too?
Yes. If you both have FSA accounts, you cannot submit for reimbursement for the same expenses. The annual limit is $2,750 for the Health Care Account. For a Dependent Care Account, the total per household must not exceed $5,000 ($2,500 each if married and filing separately) in accordance with IRS rules.
4. What is the FSA plan year?
The FSA plan year is January 1 through December 31.
5. Will my participation continue from plan year to plan year automatically?
No. You must re-enroll each plan year if you wish to continue participating in the program.
6. How much could I save in taxes?
Your contributions are taken out of your salary before you pay federal income, FICA and most state taxes. The savings will depend on your individual tax bracket and where you live.
7. Do I have to claim any of my expenses on my year-end taxes?
Only dependent care expenses must be reported to the IRS. This is done on the same IRS form that is used for the Dependent Care Tax Credit. Your dependent care FSA contributions will be reported by the College on your IRS W-2 form for information purposes only. Health care FSA contributions are not reported. You may not claim health expenses that are reimbursed by your FSA on your tax form.
8. If I elect to contribute to both a Health Care FSA and a Dependent Care FSA and I exhaust all of my health care money, can I use my dependent care account to pay for health care expenses?
No. The Health Care and Dependent Care FSAs are two separate accounts and money cannot be transferred between them, nor can claims be reimbursed that are not consistent with the expense eligibility requirement for each account.
9. Can I change my election or stop contributing money to my FSA at any time during the plan year?
You may change an election during the plan year only if 1) a qualified status change (QSC) occurs, 2) the requested change is consistent with the QSC, and 3) you make the change within 30 days of the QSC. For example, your spouse becomes employed and can no longer stay home with the kids. In this case, you may add a Dependent Care Account because child care allows your spouse to work. Qualified Status Changes include changes in legal marital status, number of dependents (birth, adoption, death) and employment status. As noted, election changes must be made within 30 days of the QSC. Because this is an IRS regulated plan, no exceptions can be made.
10. Can I be reimbursed for a claim that exceeds the current amount in my FSA account?
The answer depends on the type of FSA you have. For the Health Care Account, you can receive reimbursement for claims that exceed the current amount in your account, as long as the total doesn’t exceed the total amount of your annual election. For the Dependent Care Account, you can only receive reimbursement up to the current amount in your account at the time your claim is processed.
11. What happens if I submit a claim for more money than I have in my Dependent Care Account?
PacificSource Administrators will reimburse you the funds that are in your account, and then hold the rest of the reimbursement until money has been deducted from your paycheck. PacificSource will then automatically reimburse you the remaining balance.
12. What are examples of eligible medical expenses?
See General Purpose Health Eligible Expenses.
13. What kinds of over-the-counter medications and products can I get reimbursed for through a Health Care FSA?
Most over-the counter (OTC) medicines are no longer eligible for FSA reimbursement UNLESS you have a prescription or letter of medical necessity from a medical provider. A few OTC items such as contact solutions and band aids do not require a prescription or letter of medical necessity. Non-prescription antacids, pain relievers, allergy medicines, cold medicines, arch and insole supports, home diagnostic tests/kits and other medicines or products purchased to alleviate or treat the personal injuries or illness of you and/or your dependents are eligible items for reimbursement with a prescription or letter of medical necessity. Some vitamins and other dietary supplements may be eligible for reimbursement. Keep in mind that when submitting a claim for over-the-counter medicines and products, a detailed receipt naming the product will be required.
14. Are prescription drugs obtained from Canada or other countries outside the U.S. eligible for reimbursement?
No. The Food and Drug Administration has determined that the import of prescription drugs from Canada and other foreign countries is illegal. As a result, the IRS does not allow reimbursement for these purchases from flexible spending accounts.
15. How does reimbursement for orthodontia work?
See FSA Guidelines for Orthodontia Reimbursements.
16. Are insurance premiums qualified FSA expenses?
No. Insurance premiums may not be reimbursed through a Health Care FSA.
17. What is considered a dependent care expense?
A dependent care expense refers to day care for children under age 13 or day care for a disabled spouse, dependent, or elderly parent who lives with you at least eight hours a day. Dependent care expenses must be necessary for you and your spouse (if applicable) to work.
18. How do I get reimbursed?
You must submit documentation of your expenses along with the Reimbursement Request Form. Documentation can include a copy of the bill or Explanation of Benefit report from your insurance carrier. Documentation must include the cost and date of service. Canceled checks, past due notices or receipts are not acceptable documentation. For health expenses, you may also use your Benny™ Card.
19. What is a Benny™ Card?
A Benny™ Card is a special prepaid MasterCard® that deducts charges for qualified purchases from your FSA. You can use your Benny™ Card at any health-related business that accepts MasterCard®.
20. How long will it take to receive reimbursement?
It takes approximately one week from receipt of request by PacificSource to receive Health Care FSA reimbursement. It may take several days from the date you are paid to receive Dependent Care FSA reimbursement because the money must be in your account before you can get reimbursed. When you use a Benny™ Card, no reimbursement is necessary.
21. How can I check my benefit balance?
You can go into your “InTouch” account on the PacificSource website to obtain this information.
If you cannot find your PIN, you can call Pacific Source (1-800-422-7038) to get your PIN reset.
22. What if I go on a period of leave without pay and incur an expense?
While on leave without pay your FSA is frozen or suspended because you’re not making contributions to the account. During those months, services received are not eligible for reimbursement from your FSA. Please contact a Benefits Specialist regarding options for your FSA account during your unpaid leave.
23. What happens if I quit or retire before the end of the FSA plan year?
For a Health Care FSA, you may request reimbursement through March 31 of the following year, for expenses incurred while you were an active employee on the plan. For a Dependent Care FSA, you may request reimbursement during the plan year even if the expense was incurred after your separation from the College.
You may elect to continue participation in the Health Care Account through COBRA (federal law allowing continuation of health care benefits) by making contributions on an after-tax basis. This option may be desirable for individuals who have a balance in their Health Care Account and will lose it unless they elect to continue participation. Please contact a Benefits Specialist if you wish to pursue this option.