Healthcare FSA Changes for 2014
An Internal Revenue Service (IRS) change to the Healthcare Flexible Spending Account (FSA) carryover rules relaxes the "use it or lose it" rule and allows participating employees to carry over up to $500 in unused funds from one year to the next. MIT has implemented the new carryover provision for 2014. This means you will be able to carry over up to $500 of unused funds as of December 31, 2014 into your 2015 FSA.
There was no impact on Healthcare FSAs for 2013. If you participated in a Healthcare FSA in 2013, you were not able to carry over unused 2013 funds to 2014, but you had a "grace period" until March 15, 2014 to spend your 2013 FSA dollars, as long as you submitted claims by April 30, 2014. This grace period is not available under the new rules starting in 2014.
Please note the IRS limit on the amount you can set aside each year has not changed. The maximum for 2014 is $2,500.
Learn more about the carryover provision and see our FAQ.
My Crosby Benefits
Eligibility
You are eligible for an MIT Health Care FSA if you are paid by MIT, are appointed to work at MIT for at least three months, and work at least 50% of the normal full-time work schedule. Learn more about eligibility.
Next Steps
- Review MIT Health Care FSA details.
- Enroll or re-enroll in your MIT Health Care FSA (required annually).
How the MIT Health Care FSA Works
Although your MIT health and dental plans will cover much of your medical costs every year, you will probably have to pay some portion of your medical expenses out of pocket. The MIT Health Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is a voluntary account offered by MIT and administered by Crosby Benefit Systems Inc. The MIT Health Care FSA makes it possible for you to set aside money from your pay to cover some of the medical expenses not covered by your health plan. The money you contribute—up to the annual limits set by federal law (minimum $104, maximum $2,500 annually in 2014)—is not taxed as income, and there is no tax or penalty when you use the money for eligible medical or dental expenses.
When you, your spouse, or dependent children pay for an eligible expense, you are reimbursed through your account. You cannot be reimbursed for the expenses of domestic partners.
You can submit claims for reimbursement up until April 30, 2014 for eligible services received through March 15, 2014.
More on Eligibility
Who is eligible
- you have been appointed—and are currently employed—to work at MIT for at least three months
- you work at least 50% of the normal full-time work schedule
- you are paid by MIT
Who is NOT eligible
- contractor
- affiliate
- teaching or research assistant
- honorary lecturer
- summer appointment
- international visiting student
- member of the armed services assigned to MIT
- family member who is not employed by MIT
- work-study student
- paid by MITemps
Members of collective bargaining units
All the plan provisions are subject to the terms of your collective bargaining agreement.
Your Pay and the MIT Health Care FSA
When you make contributions to your MIT Health Care FSA, you receive certain tax benefits on the money you contribute to your account. By setting aside money for these expenses before taxes, you will generally pay less in federal, state and Social Security taxes.
Participation in an MIT Health Care FSA will not affect your salary for the purposes of
- annual salary reviews
- 401(k) participation
- life insurance coverage
- disability benefits
Use It or Lose It
Be as accurate as you can in estimating your annual eligible expenses, so that you do not contribute more to your MIT Health Care FSA than you expect to claim for reimbursement. For 2013 FSAs, you automatically lose any unused money left in your account after April 30, 2014. Use the Crosby FSA Calculator tool located on Crosby's website to help you determine how much money you would like to set aside in either account. You may not use this money for any other purpose or transfer the money to any other account.
New for 2014 FSAs: The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has relaxed the "use it or lose it" rule and allows participating employees to carry over up to $500 in unused funds from one year to the next. This means you will be able to carry over up to $500 of unused funds as of December 31, 2014 into your 2015 FSA.
There will be no impact on Healthcare FSAs for 2013, but you will still have a "grace period" until March 15, 2014 to spend your 2013 FSA dollars, as long as you submit claims by April 30, 2014. This grace period will not be available under the new rules starting in 2014.
Eligible expenses include
- copayments, deductibles, and other expenses not paid by your medical or dental coverage
- prescription drugs covered under any medical plan
- legally procured over-the-counter drugs required primarily for medical care
- hearing aids and batteries
- vision care expenses such as eyeglasses, contact lenses, and contact lens cleaning solution not paid for under any vision plan
- laser vision or eye-correction surgery
- weight-loss programs require a medical practitioner to verify medical necessity
- orthodontia treatments after the banding service has been performed
Review reimbursement procedures.
Expenses that are not eligible
- medical and dental premiums
- premiums you pay for other insurance (including COBRA)
- cosmetic surgery
- equipment that is not medically necessary
- over-the-counter drugs not required primarily for medical care
- health club dues or the cost of a personal trainer
- teeth whitening or bleaching
- tattoo removal
Contact Crosby Benefit Systems Inc. if you have questions about what is covered under your MIT Health Care FSA.
How to Enroll in an MIT Health Care FSA
Sign up when you begin work at MIT. Use Atlas to sign up for a Health Care FSA within 31 days of your date of hire or appointment—or within 31 days of the date you receive your official Welcome Letter, whichever is later.
Sign up during Open Enrollment. If you do not enroll within this 31-day period, you must wait until the next annual Open Enrollment period, which takes place in the fall. Your account will then take effect on the following January 1.
Enroll as a result of a life event. If you experience a change in your life that has an impact on your benefits, you can enroll outside the Open Enrollment period.
Learn more about enrolling or re-enrolling in an MIT Health Care FSA.
What Else You Should Know
Medical practitioner's notes vs. prescriptions
What's the difference between a Medical Practitioner's note and a Prescription for OTC medicines and drugs, and when is each required?
Medical practitioner (doctor's) notes:
- For some expenses (for example, dietary supplements), a medical practitioner note is required to verify that the expense qualifies as medical care.
- To be allowable, a medical practitioner note may be written by a doctor of medicine, dentistry, podiatry or optometry; an authorized chiropractor, an alternative healer; or other qualified medical practitioner.
- A medical practitioner note must contain all of the following items:
- date
- patient's name
- medical practitioner's name
- statement of medical necessity
- the prescribed treatment
- the duration of treatment required
- Crosby will keep a copy of valid Medical Practitioner notes on file so it is not necessary to include previously submitted notes with each submission.
Prescription for OTC medicines and drugs:
OTC medicines and drugs require a physician's prescription to be eligible.
- A valid prescription is an electronic or written order for a medicine or drug that meets the legal requirements of a prescription in the state in which the medical expense is incurred, and that is issued by an individual authorized to issue a prescription in that state.
- Due to its interpretation of IRS rules, Crosby will NOT keep a copy of prescriptions on file. For OTC medicines and drugs, you must submit your prescription with each submission.
- You may submit the same prescription as many times as the prescription allows (for example, three times if three refills are prescribed).
Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
MIT also offers a Dependent Care FSA, which covers expenses paid to care providers while you are at work.