Medical Expense Reimbursement Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

What is it?

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.

What are qualified health care expenses?

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.

What kind of expenses are not eligible?
How does the plan work?

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.

How do I participate?
When do I elect to participate?

You must enroll each year during the open enrollment period and prior to the plan anniversary date.

How much money will I save?

Your savings will be your share of FICA (7.65%) and your Federal Income Tax rate (10% to 35%).

EXAMPLE


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.

Without
Health Care FSA
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
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.