You have until December 31st, 2016 to incur expenses that can be applied to your 2016 Flexible Spending Account. Below are some Frequently Asked Questions about the Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Plan and the Benefits Card. For additional information please see the FSA website at
http://www.middlebury.edu/offices/business/hr/staffandfaculty/benefits/flex.
Q: How do I access the funds in my 2016 Flexible Spending Account?
There are two ways to access your FSA funds:
- You may pay for eligible expenses using cash or check and then submit for reimbursement by completing a FSA claim form with a itemized receipt or explanation of benefits (you have until March 15, 2017 to submit claims on your 2016 FSA); or
- You may pay for eligible expenses, by December 31st, using your Benefits Card. After December 31st, 2016 you will not be able to utilize your Benefits Card to access your 2016 FSA account.
Q: How do I know how much is in my account?
FSA plan participants can find out current account balances anytime online by logging into their account at http://select.cbabluevt.com/middlebury/ or by calling Blue’s Customer Service Department at 1-888-222-9206.
Q: Can I rollover any unused money for the next plan year?
Yes. The IRS allows up to $500 to roll from one plan year to the next in the Health Care FSA only. Please refer to the Health Care FSA Rollover Q&A form:http://www.middlebury.edu/media/view/486763/original/fsa_rollover_qa_final.pdf.
Q: Will I be able to use my Benefits Card in 2017 to access my 2016 FSA account balances?
No, the Benefits Card can only access the available balance in your CURRENT FSA plan year. This means if you want to use your Benefits Card to pay for expenses from your 2016 FSA you must pay for them by December 31, 2016.
Q: Do I have to use the Benefits Card?
No, you do not have to use the Benefits card. The Benefits Card is provided for your convenience. If you choose not to use the Benefits Card, you may send in a paper claim form with the proper documentation for reimbursement to CBA Blue (via fax or mail). The paper claim form is available at http://www.middlebury.edu/media/view/170601/original/CBA_Blue_Flex_Claim_Form.pdf.