What if I have money left in my 2008 CIGNA account?
Any money in your 2008 CIGNA account will need to be received by submitting paper forms to CIGNA. Do not use your new Vantage Debit Card for 2009 Flex expenses if you want to use any remaining 2008 money. CIGNA forms are available on the HR website on in the HR office.

Do I have to wait until all my money is in the Flexible Spending Account to start using the funds?
No, once in the Plan Year, you may submit a qualifying claim for reimbursement up to the full amount of your annual election. This is regardless of the amount of money deposited in your Flexible Spending Account. Your contributions will continue to be deducted from your paycheck for the duration of the Plan Year.

Will I be charged for a lost card or if I need more cards?
You get two cards. If you need to replace a card or need more cards you will pay $5.00 to Vantage for that card(s).

What should I do with my card at the end of the year or if I run out of money?
Do not throw your card away. If you are going to enroll in Flex the next tax year you will use the same card.

Will I be getting quarterly statements?
No, your account balances and account details can be checked online or by phone. A printed statement will only be mailed once each year during the fourth quarter.

What if I change my mind after I enroll?
You may not change your mind after the enrollment period and the Plan Year begins. You can, however, decide not to participate the following year, but your deductions will continue throughout the Plan Year enrolled.
There are certain circumstances where you can change your participation. A change in status would be a qualifying event; this would permit you to change your Flexible Spending Account. A qualifying event is:
Change of health insurance coverage - (spouse loses coverage)
Change of family status: - (a birth or adoption of a child, a death, marriage, or divorce)
Change in your or your spouse's job status
A change in status must be reported to the Department of Human Resources within 30 days of the event. You will also need to include documentation to support the qualifying event.

How much may I take pre-tax?
Annual maximum amount allowed for Unreimbursed Medical Expense is $5,000.00. Annual maximum amount allowed for Child/Dependent Care Expense is as follows:
If filing single for income tax purposes, your election cannot exceed $2,500.00 If filing married for income tax purposes, your election cannot exceed $5,000.00 or the lesser of either your or your spouse's earned income (annual compensation).
YOU CANNOT USE THE SAME DEDUCTION FROM YOUR FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT AS DEDUCTION ON IRS FORM SCHEDULE A.

What do I need to do to enroll?
A new employee has a period of 31 days after their hire date to enroll in a Flexible Spending Account. If the employee decides not to participate during this enrollment period, they will not be eligible to enroll again until the next Open Enrollment period.
A current employee has the opportunity to enroll each October, during Open Enrollment. Enrolling during Open Enrollment will give the Flexible Spending Account an effective date of the January 1st of the following year.
Your Flexible Spending Account is only good for the calendar year in which it is opened. The IRS requires that a New Flexible Spending Account form be completed for each tax year.
When completing the form, remember to only put the MONTHLY amount of the deduction wanted. The completed form must be received by the Department of Human Resources by the end of your enrollment period.

Am I eligible to enroll?
Flexible Spending Accounts are available to all active, benefit eligible employees.