Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

Flexible Spending Accounts are designed to save you taxes when you pay for certain eligible expenses that are not covered by other benefit plans. You can be reimbursed for eligible expenses with money set aside from your earnings that is not subject to federal income or Social Security taxes. This can mean a substantial tax advantage for you.

New faculty and staff may enroll in an FSA online using Self Service. Enrollment must occur no later than 31 days from the date of hire or initial eligibility. The annual election amount may not be changed unless an individual has an IRS qualifying change in family or employment status and completes the paper enrollment process within 31 days of the qualifying event. Individuals must enroll online during Open Enrollment to continue FSA participation for the next year.

Participants in any of the FSA plans should submit claims to PayFlex as claims administrator.

What Plans are Available?

Health Care Account: Applies to health care expenses (incurred by you and your eligible tax dependents) that are not eligible to be paid by insurance. Available to individuals who enroll in the Premier PPO, Select PPO, HMO Illinois or UniCare HMO plans. Not available to individuals who enroll in the Value PPO plan. The maximum annual election amount is $10,000.

Health Care FSA Frequently Asked Questions
Listing of eligible and ineligible Health Care Account expenses

Dependent Care Account: Applies to dependent care (daycare, elder care) expenses that allow you to work. This is NOT for dependent health care expenses. The maximum annual election amount is $5,000. Employees with a family adjusted gross income up to $100,000 can apply for Northwestern matching funds by completing the Dependent Care FSA University Match Application.

Dependent Care FSA Frequently Asked Questions
IRS Publication 503: Dependent Care Expenses

Limited Use FSA: Applies to dental and vision services. Available to individuals who enroll in the Value PPO plan. It may also be used for health care and prescription expenses after the Value PPO annual deductible has been met. The Health Savings Account (HSA) partners with the Limited Use FSA and can be used to cover medical and prescription expenses even before the deductible is met.

For More Information:

Monthly Contributions

Summary Plan Description

Enrollment and Claims Forms

Create a PayFlex Account or File Claims

PayFlex Brochure

Important PayFlex Debit Card Information

NEW IRS Debit Card Regulations

Information Session Presentation

Protection of Personal Health Information