Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

A Flexible Spending Account allows you to reduce your take-home pay by an amount determined by you each November. The FSA will shelter these earnings from taxes in order to allow you to pay for approved medical and/or dependent care expenses tax-free. (You may open a medical account and/or a dependent care account, but these must be set up and maintained as separate accounts.)

Eligibility. To be eligible for participation, you must be employed in at least a nine-month position of at least 50% FTE. You may reduce your earnings up to $2,500 for calendar year 2013 to pay for un-reimbursed medical/dental expenses, and up to $5,000 to pay for dependent care expenses. See the Health Care Expenses brochure and/or the Dependent Care Expenses brochure for an overview of what kinds of expenses are eligible for reimbursement. (Note: As a result of federal legislation, maximum FSA contributions for health care expenses drop from $5,000 to $2,500 per year beginning on January 1, 2013.)

Important Reminder. When determining how much to contribute to your Medical and/or Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, be aware that Federal law requires you to forfeit any unused funds remaining in your account(s) at the end of the plan year.

How to Open a Flexible Spending Account

1. If FSAs are new to you, read the information below under "More Information and Resources."
2. Use the FSA Estimating Worksheet to determine how much money you should set aside in your account(s).
3. Complete the 2013 FSA Enrollment Form online. (Print. Sign. Send* to HRS.) This form allows you to create either a Healthcare account or a Dependent Care account, or both. (Need the 2012 form?)
4. If your child is enrolled in the Campus Children's Center, print and complete the 2013 FSA Enrollment Form for the Campus Children's Center, then send* that to HRS. (Need the 2012 form?)

*Send completed enrollment forms to: The University of Vermont, Human Resource Services, 85 So. Prospect St., Waterman Building 228, Burlington, VT 05405. Alternatively, you may scan and send them to HRSinfo@uvm.edu.

e-Mail HRSInfo@uvm.edu with any questions.

How to Submit Medical and/or Dependent Care Claims

Claims may be submitted online through the EBPA reimbursement portal. (If you prefer, you can still fax or mail in your claims.)

See the directions on the FSA Reimbursement page for guidance on filing claims. If you have questions:

• Contact EBPA, UVM's FSA vendor, or
• e-Mail HRSInfo@uvm.edu

How to Set Up Direct Deposit of Your FSA Reimbursements

If you prefer, EBPA will deposit your reimbursement checks directly into your bank account. This is the quickest, easiest and safest way to be reimbursed. Set up your account for Direct Deposit.

More Information and Resources

• EBPA FSA brochure (pdf): overview of FSA accounts and an example of potential savings
• FSA Worksheet for Estimating Health Care Expenses (pdf)
• Eligible Health Care Expenses (pdf)
• Allowable Over-the-Counter Expenses (pdf)
• Eligible Dependent Care Expenses (pdf)
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Notice of Privacy Practices - HIPAA (pdf)
• UVM's Flexible Spending Summary Plan Description (pdf)

e-Mail HRSInfo@uvm.edu with any questions.