Overview

The Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) are administered by Highmark Blue Shield. For all questions, Highmark's customer service representatives can be reached at 1-800-914-4384.

2013 FSA Tips & Tools

From Highmark Blue Shield’s website, you can easily submit your cost share (copayments, deductible, coinsurance) to your FSA and request payment be made directly to your network doctor or hospital. This prevents you from having to “pay up front” and wait for reimbursement from your FSA. If you would prefer to have the payment sent directly to you, that is an option as well. You can have the payment direct deposited to your bank account or have a check sent to you.

You also have the ease of using the “debit” card provided by Highmark, which gives you the benefit of having your entire year’s election UP FRONT; you may need to submit receipts after you have used your debit card in order to satisfy IRS regulations for “substantiation”.  Use of the debit card is voluntary, but provides the convenience of not having to pay out of pocket and wait for your reimbursement.

Please see the Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the great changes and how you can save tax money.

**NOTE** For 2013, Health Care Reform legislation has reduced the yearly maximum for the health care FSA to $2,500 per employee, so thoughtful planning is essential due to the reduced allowable amount. The dependent day care FSA allowable IRS maximum amount will remain at $5,000 per family, per year.

Tutorial Video on Managing Your FSA

 

 

Eligibility

Regular full-time employees may participate in either or both of the following flexible spending accounts (FSA):
 
Health Care Flexible Spending Account - This account allows you to set aside funds on a pretax basis to cover anticipated out-of-pocket medical, dental, and vision care expenses for yourself and for your dependents.  The maximum allowable amount for a health care FSA is $2,500 for 2013.
 
Dependent Day Care Flexible Spending Account - This account is for employees who have day care needs for their children or an adult dependent. It allows you to set aside funds on a pretax basis to reimburse work-related day care expenses that are incurred for the care of eligible dependents. Unlike the health care FSA, money contributed to the dependent day care FSA is still subject to Pennsylvania state income tax.  The maximum allowable amount for a dependent day care FSA is $5,000 for 2013.

Enrollment

  • Both FSAs require employees to make a new election each year
  • Newly hired employees must elect FSA participation during the first 31 days of employment

Additional Resources

Forms