Advanced Flex Plan Administration with the Human Touch
Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
Save on Healthcare and/or Dependent Care Expenses with an FSA
An FSA allows you to contribute pre-tax funds through payroll deductions to an account that lets you spend on eligible health and/or dependent care expenses. Depending on your tax bracket, this will save you between 25% and 40%.
This page explains the FSA for employees who have not yet enrolled. Click here if you have already enrolled and want to know how to use your Plan.
Download EMPOWER’s FSA Flyer
Two Benefits in One!
You may enroll in the Health and/or the Dependent Care FSA through your Employer.
Health FSA
Dependent Care
Covers:
Covers eligible medical, dental, and vision expenses for the employee, spouse, and dependents.
Covers dependent care expenses while you are at work.
Eligibility:
All employees who are eligible for their Employer’s Group Health Insurance may enroll.
Maximum Annual Contribution:
The annual limit is set by your Employer.
Dependent Care is subject to an IRS allowed maximum of $5,000.
What Happens to unused funds at the end of the Plan Year:
The amount (if any) that can be carried over to the next Plan Year is set by your Employer.
All funds remaining at the end of the Plan Year are forfeited.
How an FSA Saves You Money
Your contributions to your FSA are made pre-tax. This reduces your taxable income, allowing you to save on eligible expenses.
Example:
John and Mary’s combined gross income is $30,000. They have two kids and file their income taxes jointly. Since the couple expects to spend $1,800 on dental work and expenses and $3,500 for day care in the next Plan Year, they decide to contribute a total of $5,300 into their EMPOWER FSA.
FSA Contributions
Adjusted Income
Estimated Taxes
Out-of-Pocket Expenses
Remaining Income
Spendable Income Increase with FSA
With FSA
$5,300
$24,700
$1,890
$0
$20,314
$1,359
Without FSA
$0
$30,000
$2,295
$5,300
$18,955
$0
How an FSA Works
Health FSA
Dependent Care
Enrollment
Enroll in the FSA through your Employer during your Employer’s open enrollment. Choose your annual election carefully as you cannot change it during the Plan Year unless you experience a qualifying event. You must re-enroll every Plan Year to stay in the FSA.
EMPOWER Online Portal & Mobile App
After EMPOWER processes your enrollment, you will be able to create your account on the Online Portal and/or download the EMPOWER Flex Mobile App. Both allow you to check your balance, submit claims, and enter receipts.
EMPOWER Visa Debit Card
EMPOWER will mail two Debit Cards to you. These cards make it easy to pay for eligible expenses. You may also pay for expenses with a different method and file a claim to EMPOWER for reimbursement.
Contributions
Each payday, your Employer will deduct a prorated, pre-tax amount from your paycheck.
Available Funds
Your full annual contribution is available to you on the first day of the Plan Year for the Health FSA.
Dependent Care is pay-as-you go. Only contributed funds are available to spend.
End of the Plan Year
The amount (if any) that can be carried over to the next Plan Year is set by your Employer.
All funds remaining at the end of the Plan Year are forfeited.
How to Enroll
Enroll in the FSA through your Employer during your Employer’s open enrollment. During the enrollment process, you will choose your annual election for the Health FSA and Dependent Care FSA. When you choose your annual election, be sure to take into account the allowed carryover for the Health FSA. Please ask your Employer if you do not have this information.
EMPOWER Participant Mobile App Download
If you have an FSA, HRA, or HSA with EMPOWER, we encourage you to download the Mobile App to manage your benefits on the go!