Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) are governed by Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 125. These accounts allow you to have pre-tax payroll deductions for certain medical and dependent care expenses. Section 125 also permits your insurance premiums to be taken on a pre-tax basis. This provides up to 40% tax savings to you depending on your tax bracket.

Here are some FSA basics as defined in IRC Section 125.

• Eligible medical and dependent care expenses are defined by IRC Section 125.
• FSA elections can only be made during designated open enrollment periods or when you meet the eligibility requirements set by your employer.
• Elections cannot be changed during a plan year unless the participant has a “qualifying event” as allowed by the IRS.
• Refer to your Plan Highlights on BRIWEB regarding unused FSA funds. Any forfeited funds are returned to your employer, but the IRS has imposed strict regulations on the use of these funds (they cannot be refunded to the employees who forfeited them).

A Medical FSA allows you to set aside funds on a tax-free basis to pay for eligible medical services provided to you, your spouse and your dependents. Some eligible expenses may include:

• Co-payments, co-insurance and deductible expenses
• Dental care (e.g. exams, fillings, crowns)
• Vision care, eyeglasses, contact lenses
• Chiropractic care
• Prescription drugs and certain over-the-counter medical items
• A more extensive list of eligible expenses can be obtained from our secure login page.

What are the limits for a Medical FSA?
The maximum limit that an employee can contribute to a Medical FSA on a tax-free basis is set by the IRS. To view the most up-to-date annual contribution limits established by the IRS for Medical FSAs, please visit our Plan Limits page. Your employer may establish a lower plan limit. Please review your Plan Highlights on BRIWEB for your specific limit.

When are funds available?
You will have access to your full annual Medical FSA election on the first day of the coverage period.

Can I change my election?
Generally, you are not able to change your FSA election once a plan year has started. There are certain life status changes that may permit changes, such as: marriage, divorce, and birth of a child. Learn more about qualifying events.

A Dependent Care FSA allows an employee to set aside funds from payroll to pay for certain dependent care expenses. These expenses must be for a dependent child under the age of 13 or a spouse or other dependent adult who is incapable of self-care.

What are the limits for a Dependent Care FSA?
The federal government sets the amount that can be contributed per calendar year to a Dependent Care FSA. The current rate is limited to the smallest of the following amounts:

• $5,000 if single or if married and filing jointly.
• $2,500 if married and filing separately.
• The participant’s earned income.
• The earned income of the participant’s spouse.

What expenses are eligible?
In order to qualify, the care must be necessary to enable you and, if married, your spouse to work, look for work or attend school full-time. Some eligible expenses include:

• Child care
• Nursery school
• Before- and after-school care
• In-home dependent care
• Adult care

You have enrolled, now what? The specifics for your plan may vary, but here is a quick reference on what to expect and tips for using your FSA.

Still need to enroll? Please contact your employer benefits representative to determine how and when enrollment will be available. Online enrollment may be an option for your plan.

1. Receiving your Beniversal^® Prepaid Mastercard^® (if offered): If you have enrolled in a Medical FSA for the first time, you will be receiving a Beniversal Card by mail. Your card arrives in a plain white envelope from BRI. Once you receive your card, you will need to activate it by calling the number on the activation sticker. If you already have a Beniversal Card, you can continue to use the card through the expiration date. Learn more about the Beniversal Card. 
2. Logging into BRIWEB: BRIWEB is your secure participant login for managing your accounts with BRI. The portal allows you to view balance and transaction information, submit claims, download plan documents, and much more. Learn more.
3. Download BRIMOBILE: BRIMOBILE is your on-the-go account access to view balances and recent transactions, submit claims and send receipts. The app is available for iPhone, iPad, and Android devices. Learn more.
4. Sign-up for BRI ALERTS: Receive real-time text or email alerts regarding transactions and account balance. To sign-up, log into
   BRIWEB or the BRIMOBILE app and select Notifications. (Note: Standard text messaging rates from your wireless provider may apply.)
5. Save Receipts: With a Flexible Spending Account, the IRS requires BRI to verify that 100% of transactions are for eligible medical and dependent care expenses. When an expense cannot be verified automatically, we may request a receipt.
6. Submitting Claims: When not using the Beniversal Card or for Dependent Care claims, you can submit a claim with your receipt or supporting documentation. Claims can be submitted online at BRIWEB, through the BRIMOBILE app, or by sending a claim form by mail. View a step-by-step walk-through for submitting a claim.
7. Checking Your Balance: Login to BRIWEB or BRIMOBILE to view the balance of your Medical and/or Dependent Care FSA. Alternatively, you can access our 24/7 automated QuickBalance Line. Just dial Participant Services at (800) 473-9595, select the card balance option from the menu prompt,and enter your card information.
8. Contacting Participant Services: Participant Services is available to assist with your questions by phone, chat, and email. Representatives are available in English and Spanish. Click here to view contact details.