Flex Spending Account (FSA)

The Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is designed to cover specific out-of-pocket health and dependent care expenses you anticipate during the Plan Year. The FSA allows you to use pretax dollars to pay for health expenses not covered by insurance. Expenses payable through the FSA include charges for contact lenses, eyeglasses, dental expenses, plus any deductibles and co-payments. In fact, any medical, dental, hearing or vision expenses that would otherwise qualify as a deduction on your income tax return will qualify for reimbursement if the expense is not paid by another benefit plan. You may also pay for dependent care expenses.

Southern State Community College offers three different FSA options through Custom Design Benefits:

Healthcare FSA - pre-tax benefit used to cover health care costs for medical, dental, vision, hearing and other out-of-pocket expenses not paid by insurance.
(Maximum pre-tax contribution $3,300)
Limited Purpose FSA - pre-tax benefit used to pay for eligible dental, vision care and post-deductible medical expenses for participants enrolled in a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP).
(Maximum pre-tax contribution $3,300)
Dependent Care FSA - pre-tax benefit account used to pay for eligible dependent care services, such as preschool, summer day camp, before or after school programs, and child or adult daycare.
(Maximum pre-tax contribution Married Filing Joint or Single $5,000 - Married Filing Separate $2,500)

The FSA is different from an HSA or HRA. The FSA runs calendar year (January - December). Enrollment for the FSA is typically in late October or early November for the next calendar year.