Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

Reduce your out-of-pocket expenses with an FSA!

Optum Bank is the plan administrator for the Flexible Spending Account (FSA) plan. An FSA is an IRS tax-favored account, you can use for eligible out-of-pocket expenses. You determine how much money you want to contribute to the account(s) for the calendar year. That amount is taken out of your paycheck in equal installments and placed in the account(s) you elect. Optum will issue an Optum Bank Debit MasterCard® after your enrollment is processed. You may use the card to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses, or you may submit claims by fax, mail, online at the Optum website, or through the Optum mobile app. Go to the Optum website to learn more about the FSA accounts and debit card. 

An open enrollment period for the Flexible Spending Account plan is held annually. Unlike health and dental insurance, employees who wish to participate in this program must re-enroll during each open enrollment period.

What types of FSAs are available?

FCPS offers two types:

  • Dependent Day Care FSA
  • Health Care FSA

 

Dependent Care FSA

You may use this FSA to claim reimbursement for eligible day care expenses for your child under age 13, or for a spouse/eligible dependents who are unable to care for themselves. The day care expense must be incurred so that you (and your spouse, if applicable) can work or attend school. View the list of Dependent Day Care FSA Eligible Expenses.

Minimum Annual Election $250
Maximum Annual Election *

For 2024: $5,000 for single or married filing jointly, and $2,500 for married filing separately.

For 2023: $5,000 for single or married filing jointly, and $2,500 for married filing separately

 

Health Care FSA

You and your eligible dependents’ medical, dental, and vision expenses that are not fully covered by insurance can generally be reimbursed through this FSA. You do not need to be enrolled in an FCPS health plan to enroll in the Health Care FSA. View the list of Health Care FSA eligible expenses.

Minimum Annual Election$250
Maximum Annual Election

For 2024: $3,200. If both you and your spouse are employed by FCPS you may each set aside $3,200

For 2023: $3,050. If both you and your spouse are employed by FCPS you may each set aside $3,050

 

Health Care Maximum Carryover Amount

For 2024: $640

For 2023: $610

 

 

How to Enroll

 

To participate, you must enroll within 30 days of your hire date, within 30 days of a qualifying event, or during open enrollment (every fall). During open enrollment, you will elect to participate via UConnect. You must re-enroll each year. Outside of open enrollment, submit HR Form HR-135 within 30 days of your hire date or qualifying event.

When you enroll, you designate the amount of money you want to contribute to the account(s) for the calendar year (not school year). That amount is taken out of your paycheck in equal installments and placed in the account(s) you elect. Be sure to plan your election carefully, as you could forfeit any amounts not expended. Since the FSA plan is a tax-favored account, you cannot cancel or change your election after you enroll unless you have a qualifying event.

After Optum has processed your enrollment, you will receive your Optum Bank Debit MasterCard®. To view your account balances, or to submit claims or supporting documentation, you will need to register at Optum for your Optum Bank FSA account.

 

Claims Submission

You may use the Optum Bank Debit MasterCard® to pay for eligible health care expenses. You may also use the Optum Bank debit Mastercard to pay for dependent day care expenses if your provider accepts Mastercard. Optum may require documentation to approve your debit card transaction, so remember to keep your receipts with date, description of service, provider, amount paid, and name of the individual who received the service. If you must substantiate your claim, Optum will notify you by email or letter.

If you choose to not use Mastercard, you may submit a claim to Optum for reimbursement by fax, mail, online at the Optum website, or through the Optum mobile app. Claims are processed daily, and Optum deposits your reimbursement into the account you designate. Reimbursements are made via direct deposit, so be sure to set up your Optum Bank FSA account and designate the bank account to which your reimbursement will occur.

Claims must be incurred (i.e. services received) during your period of enrollment and prior to the end of the calendar year. You have 90 days from the end of the calendar year to submit claims for reimbursement.

 

Plan Administrator Contact Information

Optum Bank 
11000 Optum Circle,
Eden Prairie, MN 55344
844-875-5714, available 24/7
Fax: 1-855-244-5016
https://www.optumbank.com/fcps