Human Resource Services
Flexible Spending Accounts
A medical reimbursement account is a way to set aside pre-tax dollars through payroll deduction to pay for certain eligible out-of-pocket medical expenses not covered by insurance. A few examples of these expenses include health and dental deductibles, copayments, and eye glasses.
All initial enrollments must be completed during the fall open enrollment period for the next calendar year (January 1-December 31). While funds accumulated in medical reimbursement accounts do not roll-over each year, the elections made (that is, the designated amount of reductions to be made each year) will carry forward from one year to the next unless you change or stop them during open enrollment.
Likewise, a dependent care reimbursement account is an advantage for those who need to provide day care for a dependent (or dependents). This type of account is payroll deducted on a pre-tax basis and is available for reimbursement as soon as enough money has accumulated to cover the expenses. Just as with the medical reimbursement account, initial dependent care reimbursement account enrollments must be completed during the fall open enrollment period for the next calendar year. Dependent care reimbursement amounts carry forward from one year to the next unless you change or stop them during open enrollment.
Below is summary information about the plans. For complete plan details and for comparison purposes, please visit the the MyBenefits section of MyFlorida's web site.
Medical Reimbursement
Expenses reimbursed: medical, dental, vision expenses including co-pays and deductibles
- Contribution Limit: $5,000 (subject to use it or lose it rule)
Dependent Care Reimbursement
- Expenses Reimbursed: dependent care expenses for child or elder care
- Contribution Limit: $5,000 (subject to use it or lose it rule)
Both the medical and dependent reimbursement accounts have a grace period that runs from January 1 through March 15 of each year which allows you more time to use up funds contributed to your account for the previous plan year. Expenses that have not been incurred by March 15 each year, the "use-it-or-lose-it" rule will still apply. To obtain reimbursement for expenses incurred for the prior plan year, FSA claims must be submitted by April 15th of each year.
In the future if you decide to switch from a medical reimbursement account to an HSA, please consult the People First Service Center or the Benefits office about how the grace period may adversely affect your HSA eligibility.
Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Eligible only if enrolled in a Health Investor Health Plan
- Expenses reimbursed: medical expenses including co-pays and deductibles
- Contribution Limit for Plan Year 2009: No employee contributions are required to participate in this plan; however, you may choose to contribute up to $2,500 (individual) or up to $4,950 (family) of your own money on a pre-tax basis. Depending on when you are hired during the plan year, the state may contribute an additional amount up to a maximum of $500 (individual) and $1,000 (family) to your account. The state's contributions for part-time employees will vary based on FTE. “Catch-up” contributions are also available for up to an additional $1,000 for those ages 55 and older.
- Not subject to use it or lose it rule
Limited Purpose Medical Reimbursement
- Expenses reimbursed: dental, vision and preventive care; medical expenses generally not included
- Contribution Limit: $5,000 (subject to use it or lose it rule)
- This account can be used to cover allowable expenses that are not covered by the Health Savings Account.
- The limited purpose account was designed specifically to coordinate with enrollments in the Health Investor plan and HSA. The account cannot be used to pay expenses covered by the medical plan, but can be used to pay dental, vision, and some preventive care expenses.
How to enroll
Choose one of the following ways to enroll:
- Enroll online via the People First (PF) web site.
- Call PF at 1-866-663-4735 to enroll or make a change by phone.
- Mail your form or fax it to PF at 904-828-6092.
- Attend the UF Benefits’ Group Enrollment Session for assistance with completing your online enrollment with People First.
Be sure to retain a record of your transactions.
Reimbursement claim forms are available from:
- People First web site
- myBenefits section of MyFlorida's site
Mail completed forms directly to:
People First Service Center
Flexible Spending Account
P.O. Box 1800
Tallahassee, FL 32302-1800