Customized Plan Information for
Brevard Public Schools
Flexible Spending Plan

Brevard Public Schools has partnered with CAS/TASC to administer the Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for all of the eligible employees. This website has been designed to provide you with access to all of the information and forms that you may need to participate in this program. You can also take advantage of the convenient web portal that gives you access to your account to look up claim and balance information as well as make any updates to personal information.

FlexPlan (FSA) Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do my Social Security Benefits at retirement get affected by my participation in the flex plan?
2. What are Flex Plan spending accounts?
3. What is the advantage of having a Flex Plan spending account?
4. How do Flex Plan spending accounts work?
5. What types of expenses are eligible under a medical spending account?
6. What types of expenses are not eligible for reimbursement?
7. Are over-the-counter (OTC) medicines and drugs eligible for reimbursement?
8. What type of receipt is required for an OTC drug or medicine?
9. What types of expenses are eligible under a dependent care spending account?
10. Are there annual limits for medical and dependent care spending accounts?
11. How do I submit a claim for reimbursement?
12. Who should I call if I have questions about Flex Plan spending accounts?

1. Do my Social Security Benefits at retirement get affected by my participation in the flex plan?
If you decide to participate in the flex plan, the amount withheld from your pay will not be subject to federal income or Social Security (“FICA”) taxes. This could result in a reduction in the Social Security benefits you receive at retirement if you earn less than the “taxable wage base.” The tax advantages you gain by paying your medical care coverage premiums with pre-tax income may, however, typically offset any possible reduction in Social Security benefits. You should consult a tax advisor to determine whether in your situation the benefits achieved outweigh any potential reduction of Social Security benefits.

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2. What are Flex Plan spending accounts?
The Flex Plan includes medical and dependent care spending accounts which allow employees to be reimbursed for certain qualified types of expenses on a tax-exempt basis.

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3. What is the advantage of having a Flex Plan spending account?
They save you money—with a medical and/or dependent care spending account you can pay for eligible expenses with Federal income and FICA taxexempt dollars.

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4. How do Flex Plan Spending accounts work?
As you incur qualified medical or dependent care out-of-pocket expenses, you can submit a voucher form documenting those expenses and be reimbursed for them from an account set up in your name which is funded with tax-exempt dollars.

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5. What types of expenses are eligible under a medical spending account?
Out-of-pocket (not covered by insurance) medical, dental and vision expenses are eligible for reimbursement including: · Acupuncture · Chiropractic · Health/dental plan deductibles · Eye examinations & lenses · Health/dental plan co-insurance · Lasik surgery · Health/dental plan co-payments · Hearing aides · Weight loss programs prescribed by a doctor to treat a specific illness

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6.What types of expenses are not eligible for reimbursement?
Examples of expenses not eligible for reimbursement include: · Cosmetic surgery · Dancing or swimming lessons · Insurance premiums · Vitamin for general health · Teeth whitening · Retin-A for cosmetic purpose (wrinkles) · Hair transplant · Breast augmentation · Weight loss programs not prescribed to treat an illness or diagnosed obesity.

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7. Are over-the-counter (OTC) medicines and drugs eligible for
reimbursement?
On September 3, 2003, the IRS announced that it had changed its position regarding OTC medicines and drugs and would allow them to be eligible for reimbursement. See attached sample list of over-the-counter items.

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8. What type of receipt is required for an OTC drug or medicine?
To receive reimbursement for an OTC medicine or drug, your receipt must include a description of the product, date of purchase, and the amount. Handwritten descriptions of products and/or box tops, etc. will not be acceptable.

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9. What types of expenses are eligible under a dependent care spending account?
Expenses for care of qualified dependents performed either inside or outside your home are covered provided those expenses are incurred so you, and your spouse can work. (Your spouse must either work, attend school full time, or be incapable of self-care.) Eligible dependents are children under the age 13, handicapped children or adults, or elderly individuals who rely upon you for financial support and are eligible to be claimed as an exemption on your Federal tax return.

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10. Are there annual limits for medical and dependent care spending accounts?
For medical spending accounts, the minimum contribution is $5.00 per pay period and the maximum is $5,000. In most cases, the maximum annual contribution to a dependent care spending account is $5,000. If you are married and file a separate tax return, however, the maximum is $2,500.

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11. How do I submit a claim for reimbursement?
Follow the directions on the Expense Reimbursement Voucher. They are available from the Benefit Contact at your location or from Insurance & Benefits Management.

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12. Who should I call if I have questions about Flex Plan spending accounts?
For Flex Plan spending account information, call our customer care center at 800-720-4460.

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