2016 Flexible Spending Account Reminder

For Faculty, For Staff, Human Resources

HR door

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:

  1. 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
  2. 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. 

 

About Franklin Ford Daniel

Franklin Daniel, a Human Resources Professional at Middlebury College, enjoys the administration of the College's retirement plans and other benefits. He is a member of WorldatWork Society of Certified Professionals where he earned the Certified Benefits Professional designation, trained to comply with U.S. legal and regulatory requirements and integrate benefits programs with business strategy and design. Prior to joining Middlebury College, Franklin started his career with the Service Employees International Union holding various roles where his professional training started in the field of employee benefits. Before his human resources career, Franklin spent his days in the soccer field as a professional soccer player with the NJ Nationals and Club Atlético Banfield (Argentina). He also spent a year working as a barista in a seedy Parisian cafe in Greenwich Village, which he still considers his most challenging job to date. He holds a B.A. from the University of Rhode Island. Outside the office, he can be found walking his Newfoundland, coaching and playing soccer and his perennial dream to explore and photograph New York City's backstreets on his motorcycle. Follow @franklindaniel_ on Twitter.