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Member's Flexible Spending Account FAQs

Healthcare Account Questions

Dependent Care Account Questions

Healthcare Account Questions

How do I file a claim for reimbursement?

Complete a Flexible Spending Account claim form and attach an itemized copy of the bill from your provider or an explanation of benefits (EOB) from your insurance company. Send the completed claim form and supporting documentation to BenefitHelp Solutions - PO BOX 67230, Portland, OR 97268-1240.

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What if the medical service is not a benefit under my health plan and I do not have an Explanation of Benefits?

If the service is not covered under your health plan, you must submit a receipt or an itemized billing from the provider of service and the signed Flexible Spending Account claim form for reimbursement.

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Is Lasik Eye surgery reimbursable?

Yes, the cost of Lasik Eye is reimbursable under your Health Flexible Spending Account Plan.

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Are travel expenses for the Lasik Eye Surgery reimbursable?

If you travel outside of the area for surgery, such as to Canada, the travel expenses are reimbursable. While the cost of the Lasik surgery and travel would be reimbursable, food or lodging would not. This is because Lasik surgery is available in the area.

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Is Massage Therapy reimbursable?

Massage Therapy is only reimbursable for trauma or injury with a written physician referral explaining the medical reason. Massage Therapy for stress or tension headaches is not reimbursable even if your treating physician recommends it.

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Are homeopathic remedies from my Naturopath reimbursable?

Yes, homeopathic remedies are reimbursable from your healthcare FSA.  However, a referral is required from the prescribing physician stating that the specific remedy is required to treat a medical condition.

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What happens if I don't claim reimbursement for all the money that has been deducted from my paycheck?

If you have set aside dollars through salary reduction, and you do not use those dollars by the end of the plan year, you will lose those dollars. The IRS requires that all funds that have been deducted from your paychecks and placed in the Dependent Care Account must be used during the plan year. It is important to deduct from your salary only the amount that you are sure you will incur as expenses during the plan year.

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Can I use the money in my healthcare account to help pay for day care for my child?

Contributions allocated to one benefit account can only be used to pay a claim from that benefit program. For example, your contributions to your healthcare account cannot be used to pay a dependent care expense claim.

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Can I change my healthcare Flexible Spending Account deduction amounts during the plan year?

Changes to the amounts deducted from your salary and deposited into your healthcare Account can be made if any of the following qualifying events occur.

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Dependent Care Account Questions

When submitting expenses for childcare, are receipts from the Daycare provider required?

Yes, you must complete the Reimbursement Request Form and attach a receipt of payment indicating the dates of service. (Please see Instructions and Tips for Filing Claim Forms)

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Are childcare expenses that I pay to a family member reimbursable under my Flexible Spending Account?

Yes, as long as the family member is not a dependent of the member. The definition of a dependent is either a minor child or an adult living in the member’s household receiving 50% of support from the member.

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If a 5-year-old child is in a private school, is the entire expense reimbursable under my Flexible Spending Account?

The IRS has made the determination that a 5-year-old child in school is considered to be in a kindergarten level class. The cost of the services for instructional education is not reimbursable. If a 5-year-old child or younger does not receive instructional education for a full day, but instead receives daycare services for a portion of that day, the provider must itemize a receipt with the hours of education and the hours of daycare services. The cost for the hours of daycare is reimbursable under your Flexible Spending Account. The cost for the hours of educational instruction is not reimbursable.

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What happens if I don't claim reimbursement for all the money that has been deducted from my paycheck?

If you have set aside dollars through salary reduction, and you do not use those dollars by the end of the plan year, you will lose those dollars. The IRS requires that all funds that have been deducted from your paychecks and placed in the Dependent Care Account must be used during the plan year. It is important to deduct from your salary only the amount that you are sure you will incur as expenses during the plan year. Therefore, it is important to deduct from your salary only the amount that you are sure you will incur as expenses during the plan year.

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Can I use the money in my Dependent Care Account to help pay for medical expenses not covered by my insurance?

Contributions allocated to one benefit account can only be used to pay a claim from that benefit program. For example, your contributions to your Dependent Care Account cannot be used to pay a medical care expense claim.

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Can I change my Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account deduction amounts during the plan year?

Changes to the amounts deducted from your salary and deposited into your Dependent Care Account can be made if any of the following qualifying events occur:

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