A Medical Expense Reimbursement Flexible Spending Account (FSA) allows you to save both FICA (7.65%) and Federal Income Tax (10%-35%) on qualifying health care expenses for you, your spouse, and your dependents.
Expenses incurred for the diagnosis, treatment or prevention of disease, or for treatments affecting any part or function of the body. Common eligible expenses include co-pays for prescriptions & office visits, the deductibles in your medical, dental, & vision plans, crowns, orthodontia, Lasik eye surgery, glasses, contact lens solution, physical therapy, Acupuncture, and mental health services.
Each pay period, your employer will deduct the amount you elected to have withheld from your paycheck. No FICA or federal income taxes will be deducted from your elected amount. These funds will be held in a disbursement account in your name until you make a claim for qualifying expenses.
You must enroll each year during the open enrollment period and prior to the plan anniversary date.
Your savings will be your share of FICA (7.65%) and your Federal Income Tax rate (10% to 35%).
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EXAMPLE |
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Jill earns $36,000 annually and has out of pocket costs for deductibles and co-pays on her Medical & Dental plans. Jill wears contacts and also needs a dental crown this year. |
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Without Health Care FSA |
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| Gross(taxable) Pay | $36,000 |
| Taxes @ 24.5% | (-8,820) |
| Net Take home | $27,180 |
| Out of Pocket Health Care costs | (-2,400) |
| Spendable Income after Health Care Costs | $24,780 |
With Health Care FSA |
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| Gross Pay | $36,000 |
| Pre-Tax Health Care Deduction | (-2,400) |
| Taxable Pay | $33,600 |
| Taxes @ 23.8% | (-7,988) |
| Spendable Income after Health Care Costs | $25,612 |
Jill has increased her take home pay by over $830.00 per year (approximately $70.00 per month) by participating in the Health Care Flexible Spending Account. Jill's savings will be even more if her premiums are also deducted on a pre-tax basis through the Premium Conversion Account.
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