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Benefits Card Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Benefits Card?

The Benefits Card provides direct access to Flexible Spending Account funds, allowing participants to pay for eligible health care expenses at qualified locations wherever MasterCardTM is accepted. The amount of the transaction will be automatically deducted from the participant’s appropriate spending account to pay the provider of service.

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What is the advantage of the Benefits Card?

The primary advantage of using the Benefits Card is that you do not have to pay for eligible IRS expenses out of your own pocket, submit a claim form and wait to be reimbursed for the expense. The money is deducted directly from your flexible spending account at the time of purchase.

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When can I request a Benefits Card?

You can request a Benefits Card at Open Enrollment. Benefits Cards cannot be requested at any other time. If you have a card, you may request a second card for a family member at any time.

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Why am I required to send in supporting documentation for my Benefits Card transaction?

Using the Benefits Card does not eliminate the IRS requirement of submitting supporting documentation for Flexible Spending Account expenses. After using the Benefits Card for a purchase you may receive a letter from BenefitHelp Solutions requesting documentation.

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Why might I be asked to send in supporting documentation when I used the Benefits Card to pay for a fixed copay amount?

The IRS does not require supporting documentation if the transaction amount matches a fixed copay on your employer’s health or dental plan, such as a $10 or $15 office co-pay, or a $10 prescription co-pay. Because of IRS requirements, co-payments charged together, such as $10 and $20, for a total of $30, cannot be matched by the Benefits Card system and you will receive a letter requesting documentation. If you are asked for supporting documentation for a fixed copay amount, please call BenefitHelp Solutions at 503-219-3679 or 888-698-8057. In most instances this happens when the merchant code for your provider or place of purchase is not being recognized by the system.

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What type of supporting documentation am I required to submit?

The IRS requires supporting documentation that includes the name of the provider, the date of service, the type of service performed and the amount of the service. For examples, an itemized statement or receipt from your provider, or an Explanation of Benefits from your insurance company for healthcare expenses are acceptable. The receipt that you signed for the purchase, balance forward statements or balance due statements are not acceptable forms of documentation because these types of documentation usually do not list the type of service performed or the name of the product.

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How soon do I have to send in my documentation and what will happen if I don’t send it?

If you do not submit your documentation to BenefitHelp Solution, we will send you a second request letter. If you still do not sent in your supporting documentation, you will receive a final notice and your Benefits Card will be deactivated until we receive the requested documentation.

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Can I use my Benefits Card to pay for eligible over-the-counter (OTC) medicines and products?

Yes. The name of the OTC medicine or product needs to be clearly listed on the receipt. Receipts with handwritten product names or that say “pharmacy or OTC product” are not acceptable. Vitamins and herbal supplements will always require a physician’s letter stating the medical condition that is being treated.

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I received a statement from a provider for a service that was incurred last plan year. Can I use my Benefits Card to pay for this bill?

The Benefits Card can only pay for services incurred in the current plan year. You will be required to refund your account if you use the Benefits Card to pay for a service that was incurred last plan year.

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Can I use my Benefits Card to pre-pay my provider for services?

The service must have been incurred on or before the payment date and the service must have been incurred within the current plan year. Contact BenefitHelp Solutions at (503) 219-3679 or (888) 398-8057 concerning IRS regulations and special rules for orthodontia services.

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What happens if I accidentally use my card for an ineligible expense?

You will receive a letter from BenefitHelp Solutions for the transaction requesting supporting documentation. If the transaction was for an ineligible expense, you will need to refund your account. The IRS does not allow you to use pretax dollars to pay for ineligible expenses.

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Do I have to use my Benefits Card for all transactions or can I still pay for the expense out of my own pocket and request reimbursement with a claim form?

The Benefits Card is optional. You may pay for your expenses and submit them for reimbursement at any time.

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Does the Benefits Card work at my daycare center?

The Benefits Card does not work for daycare expenses. To use your Flexible Spending Account plan for daycare expenses you will need to pay for the expense at the daycare provider and then submit a request for reimbursement with a claim form to BenefitHelp Solutions. Claim forms can be found on our website at www.benefithelpsolutions.com under FSA members or you can get one from your Human Resources department.

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What happens to my Benefits Card if I have a name change?

You will need to notify your employer of your name change and submit a written request for your name change to BenefitHelp Solutions. Your Benefits Card will be deactivated and cannot be used until your new card is received.

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Can I check my account and transactions on line?

Participants can review their account balances and transactions by going to www.mbicard.com. The first time you log-on, you will be asked to set up a sign-on and password.

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For questions about your Benefits Card or your Flexible Spending Account contact BenefitHelp Solutions at 503-219-3679 or 888-398-8057 or .

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