Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is an employer-sponsored benefit that lets you use pre-tax dollars for medical, childcare, and transportation costs. The IRS regulates these accounts, including setting the annual contribution limits, rollover amounts (Medical, Transportation), plan dates, and the eligible expenses. As our plan administrators, BenefitHelp Solutions (BHS) ensures the County, and County employees, are following the IRS regulations. Their role is critical to ensuring the County is able to continue offering FSA plans.
Types of Flexible Spending Accounts
The Medical Expense FSA Account can be used for qualifying medical, dental, and vision care expenses.
The Dependent Care Assistance Plan (DCAP) can be used to pay for childcare expenses such as preschool, before or after school programs, and elder daycare.
The Transportation Reimbursement Plan (TRP) can be used to pay for eligible commuting expenses to/from work (two types of TRPs are available; one for parking and one for transit).
When can I sign up?
- New employees can sign up within 31 days of employment.
- During the annual Open Enrollment period (October/November), you can sign up for a FSA for the upcoming year. Enrollment does not automatically continue from one year to the next, so you must re-enroll and select your contribution amount annually to participate.
- You may also be able to change or enroll during the plan year within 60 days of certain qualifying events (marriage, adding a new child to the family, loss/gain of other coverage). New diagnoses and changes to medical expenses are not qualifying life events. Email employee.benefits@multco.us if you think you may have a qualifying life event!
How do FSAs work?
- Begin by estimating your eligible, out-of-pocket health care, dependent care, and transit expenses for the upcoming year. (There are many FSA calculators online if you need help with this).
- Use your estimate to enroll in a medical expense, dependent care or transportation account. Consider that the Medical FSA has very few opportunities for changes mid-year, while DCAP and TRP changes are allowed up to once a month when you experience a commensurate change in need or cost.
- The money you elect for your FSA is automatically deducted from your paycheck on a pre-tax basis. Your entire annual goal amount is available to you on your plan start date.
- If you leave the County during the plan year, you may elect to participate in COBRA for your medical expense FSA.
| FSA Type | Debit Card? | Use it or Lose it?* | Year-End Rollover? | Mid-Year Changes | Yearly Min Enrollment | Yearly Max Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medical | Yes | Yes* | 2026-2027: $680 | VERY Limited, within 60 days of qualifying life event | $240 | $3,400 |
| DCAP (Dependent Care) | No | Yes | No | Some limits; within 60 days of commensurate change in need/cost | - | $7,500 |
| TRP-Parking | Yes | No | Yes - All | Up to once per month | $240 | $4,080 |
| TRP-Transit | Yes | No | Yes - All | Up to once per month | $240 | $2,880 |
See individual FSA pages for more information.
* "Use it or lose it" refers to whether funds (over the rollover amount for medical expenses) are forfeit at the end of the plan year if not spent.
Documents
- DocumentBHS FSA Overview Brochure (1.45 MB)
- Benefit Help Solutions FSA Forms (Orthodontia, Claims Reimbursement, Recurring DCAP, Medical Necessity)
BenefitHelp Solutions Customer Service
Email: benefithelpsolutionsCDHSupport@healthaccountservices.com
Phone: (855) 378-0197 (M-F 5:00am-5:00pm, Pacific Time)
To discuss your benefits in your preferred language, please contact us to schedule a meeting with a Linguava interpreter.