Bookmark & ShareThe PEBB Program offers a medical flexible spending account (FSA) program that allows you to set aside money from each paycheck—before taxes—to pay for out-of-pocket health expenses. The FSA is only offered to PEBB benefits-eligible state and higher-education employees.
How the FSA can help you
- Setting aside a portion of your pay with an FSA reduces both your annual taxable income and the amount you pay for out-of-pocket health expenses.
- The full amount you set aside for your calendar FSA contribution is available on your first day of coverage for expenses.
- Your FSA helps you pay for deductibles, copays, coinsurance, dental, vision and many other expenses (see list of eligible expenses).
- You can use your FSA for your or your dependent's health care expenses, even if they are not enrolled in your PEBB medical or dental plan.
Enrolling in a Flexible Spending Account
You can set up an FSA at the following times:
- When you become eligible for PEBB benefits. You must enroll no later than 31 days after you become eligible (usually on your first day of employment).
- During the PEBB annual open enrollment.
- During the plan year if you or an eligible family member has a qualifying event that creates a special open enrollment. You must enroll no later than 60 days after the event that created the special open enrollment.
You decide how much you want to contribute per pay period when you enroll.
Minimum annual amount: $240
Maximum annual amount: $3,600
Using your funds
When you incur expenses that qualify for reimbursement, you can use your ASIFlex debit card to pay for the expenses or you can submit a claim form (via toll-free fax, mail or online) to request reimbursement.
If you are enrolled on the last day of the plan year (December 31), you have an extended grace period from January 1 through March 15 of the following year when you can incur expenses and use up funds from the previous plan year. ASIFlex must receive your claims no later than March 31 after the end of the plan year. If you don't file claims by March 31, your account will be closed and any balance remaining will be forfeited to the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA). Once the money is forfeited you will not be able to claim it.
The HCA's healthcare FSA is administered by ASIFlex. You can call ASIFlex at 1-800-659-3035 (TTY 1-877-879-9038) or visit the website.
Read the 2011 Washington Flex Enrollment Guide or 2012 Washington Flex Enrollment Guide for more details on this benefit.
