Yes, all FSAs can be terminated effective April 1, 2020 stopping contributions for April – June (end of current benefits plan year). Once the accounts are terminated, they can no longer be used. You have the option of re-enrolling during the Open Enrollment period. Re-enrolled accounts are effective with the new plan year beginning July 1, 2020.

Both the Benefits Enrollment form and Change in Status form are necessary to complete the FSA termination. The Change in Status form should note the reason as “unable to use funds due to closures related to COVID-19.”

Terminations of accounts are effective on the first of month that the request and subsequent forms are received. For example, forms received by the Benefits Department on April 14, 2020 mean the termination of the account is effective as of April 1, 2020. Forms received anytime in May, means the account is terminated effective May 1, 2020, etc.

Form submission dates may align with payroll cut-off dates, which may require an adjustment for the suspension. The Benefits Department will work with the individuals whom this affects.

To submit your forms and related documentation, please contact the Benefits Department to begin the process. Once you are contacted by a Benefits representative, you may submit your completed form(s) and documentation as long as they do not include a full nine (9) digit social security number. The Benefits Department will advise you on the most appropriate submission practice. Once your documentation has been received, you will receive a confirmation email.

Claims can still be processed against the FSA, but they need to be for services conducted prior to the FSA closure date. For example, if you elected to terminate your FSA for an April 1, 2020 closure, all claims need to be from March 31, 2020 or prior. Monies cannot be spent on claims or services conducted after the effective termination date.

You can re-enroll during the annual Benefits Open Enrollment period. Re-enrolled accounts are effective with the new plan year beginning July 1, 2020.

No, you can elect a new amount to contribute.

Currently, $500 will roll over to the new plan year if you keep your plan active. At this time, as determined by the IRS, if you terminate your account, no funds will roll over.

No, if you have already spent your full year’s balance, you cannot make any change to your FSAs, and you cannot terminate your accounts.

The University Benefits Department does not oversee University Parking Leases. Please contact the Parking Office to inquire on your lease deduction at by calling 412-624-4032 or emailing parking@bc.pitt.edu.

Instructions on how to check your flexible spending account balance, as well as how to submit claims for reimbursement are on the OHR website. If you have any issues or need additional guidance, please contact UPMC Member Services at 1-888-499-6885 (select option 1, then select option 1 again for flexible spending accounts).

• OTC products as eligible expenses: The CARES Act permanently reinstated over-the-counter products as eligible expenses for Health Savings Account (HSA), Flexible Spending Account (FSA), and Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) funds without a prescription. This reverses laws put in place by the Affordable Care Act nearly 10 years ago, which stated that those expenses were only eligible for reimbursement with a prescription. This change takes place retroactive to January 1, 2020.
• Menstrual care included as eligible:  Menstrual care products were added as eligible expenses as part of the legislation. That means employees can now use their HSA, FSA and HRA funds to purchase items such as tampons, pads and menstrual sponges. This change also takes place retroactive to January 1, 2020.

Additional Notes:

1. UPMC Health Plan’s FSA platform vendor is not yet programmed to accommodate these changes at a retail level. Online claim submittals through the Consumer Advantage app or website, as well are paper claim forms, for OTC and menstrual products are being accepted.
2. While merchant’s systems are still being updated to accept debit card transactions for OTC medications, your UPMC Consumer Advantage card may still be declined at the retail store point-of-sale.  As a reminder, FSA Store in partnership with UPMC Consumer Advantage can be utilized for these types of purchases.   The easiest way to access FSA Store is through your UPMC Consumer Advantage portal via my.pitt.edu.  You also have the option to submit online or paper claims for these medications/items.