Using Your FSA
A flexible spending account (FSA) is a spending account that lets you set aside money on a pre-tax basis to pay for qualified expenses. With an FSA, a portion of your paycheck is deposited in one or more account on a pre-tax basis. You can then use these funds to pay for out-of-pocket eligible expenses.
Health Care FSA vs. Dependent Care FSA
There are two types of FSAs: health care FSAs and dependent care FSAs. A health care FSA helps you save money on eligible health expenses and a dependent care FSA helps you save on eligible dependent care expenses. For both types of FSAs, you choose how much pre-tax money you would like to contribute to the account(s), up to the annual limit.
You can participate in any FSA your employer offers, as long as you are eligible to participate. Review your My Company Plan to see what accounts you are eligible for. To access your My Company Plan:
- Log in to your online account
- In the main menu, select BESTflex Plan under the Account Information section
Health Care FSA
With a health care FSA, you may have the choice to enroll in either a standard health FSA or a limited health FSA. The difference between a standard health FSA and a limited health FSA is the types of eligible health expense that are covered.
- Standard Health FSA Eligible Expenses
Eligible medical, vision, and dental expenses not covered by another health plan - Limited Health FSA Eligible Expenses
Eligible vision and dental expenses not covered by another health plan
Dependent Care FSA
A dependent care FSA covers day care expenses for children or other eligible dependents.
To qualify for a dependent care FSA, you (and your spouse, if you’re married) must be working, looking for work, or be a full-time student. When you enroll in a dependent care FSA, you pay for your eligible day care expenses out-of-pocket and then are reimbursed after completing a claim form. Claims for reimbursement can be submitted through your online account or on our mobile app.
FSA Savings
With an FSA, you save approximately 30%* on your eligible expenses, making a $1,000 expense cost you about $700. You get these savings because the contributions you make to your FSA are exempt from Federal, State, and FICA payroll taxes.
*This tax example is a broad approximation of tax liability. Further, your contributions may be subject to state income tax in some states. Your specific savings depend on your tax bracket. You should consult a tax advisor for help with your own situation. Current IRS tax laws control all pre-tax payment and contribution matters and are subject to change.
Getting Started with Your FSA
Getting started with your flexible spending account (FSA) is simple—especially when you begin in the EBCentral mobile app.
Download Mobile App
To get started, download the EBCentral app on the App Store® or Google Play. The app lets you create your account, check your balance, submit claims, receive real‑time notifications, manage your Benefits Card, and update your profile information—all from your phone.
Create Your Online Account
Create your account directly in the mobile app by selecting Create Account on the login screen and following the prompts. You can also create your account at ebcflex.com, but the app provides the fastest setup experience.
Set Up Direct Deposit
To receive reimbursements faster, open the EBCentral app, tap More, select My Profile, and enter your banking information. Direct deposit can also be set up online, but using the app keeps everything in one place for easy management.
Add Authorized Users
If someone else will help manage or use your FSA funds, complete the Participant Authorization Form available at ebcflex.com/forms and follow the instructions provided.
Save Your Receipts
Whether you use your Benefits Card or submit a claim for reimbursement, you may need to provide documentation that includes the date of service, type of expense, amount charged, and the provider’s name. Keeping receipts on hand can prevent delays if a purchase cannot be automatically verified. Enabling mobile app notifications will ensure you’re instantly notified of documentation requests.
Start Using Your FSA
Use your Benefits Card to pay for qualified expenses at the point of service—either in stores or online—and some merchants automatically verify eligible purchases. If you pay out of pocket instead, you can easily submit a claim and supporting documentation through the mobile app or your online account. For more information on where you can spend your FSA funds, visit www.ebcflex.com/WheretoShop.
