Flexible Spending (commonly called an FSA) is an optional self-funded, pre-tax savings account you can use to pay for your qualifying out-of-pocket medical expenses not covered by insurance.

Dependent Care Flexible Spending (sometimes called a DCFSA) is also an optional self-funded, pre-tax savings account you can use to pay for your qualifying daycare expenses. 

All employees who are eligible for insurance are eligible to participate in either of the flexible spending accounts.  The flexible spending provider is Optum Bank.

With flexible spending, money is deducted before taxes and then reimbursed to you for your medical or daycare expenses.  So, in effect, the money you pay for medical or daycare expenses is not subject to federal or state income taxes or to social security taxes. 

Elections for the FSA or DCFSA must be re-elected each calendar year during open enrollment.  Open enrollment for this program occurs in the fall each year along with regular open enrollment for medical, dental, and vision insurances.  

IMPORTANT NOTE: If you have a Health Savings Account (HSA) you cannot participate in the medical flexible spending account – you would only be able to participate in the dependent care flexible spending account. 

If you elected the HSA Medical Plan with Medica or the HSA Compatible Medical Plan with PEIP as your insurance coverage but do not have a health savings account attached to it, you are eligible to participate in the flexible spending reimbursement program.

To be reimbursed from your Flexible Spending Accounts you will need to submit receipts to Optum.  For further information, you can call Optum directly at 1-800-243-5543, or use the forms found on this page: https://www.spps.org/Page/33330.

If you have additional questions about flexible spending, contact the Benefits Office at 651-767-8200 or email them at benefits@spps.org

     • Link:  Flexible Spending Forms