Q1 2015 Date of Publication: January 21, 2015 KNOWING THE FSA BASICS Since flexible spending accounts (FSAs) are regulated by the IRS, it’s essential to know the rules on eligible expenses. That way, you can maximize your FSA dollars. Here’s the scoop: Only eligible expenses incurred during the coverage period may be reimbursed by your FSA. And since your employer decides which expenses are eligible, see your FSA Summary Plan Description for specific details. Eligible Health FSA Expenses Generally, these are expenses you pay out of pocket for health care for yourself, your spouse, or your eligible dependents. They tend to include items and services that are meant to diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat, or prevent illness or disease. This also includes transportation for medical care. Here are some examples: •  Health care expenses: co-pays, co-insurance, and deductibles •  Dental expenses: exams, cleanings, X-rays, and braces •  Vision expenses: exams, contact lenses and supplies, eyeglasses, and laser eye surgery •  Professional services: physical therapy, chiropractor, and acupuncture •  Prescription drugs and insulin •  Over-the-counter health care items: bandages, pregnancy test kits, blood pressure monitors, etc. However, expenses such as cosmetic surgery, insurance premiums, and items for general well-being (toothpaste, deodorant, soap, etc.) are not eligible expenses. Learn more … Eligible Dependent Care FSA Expenses These are expenses that you pay out of pocket for child care or elder day care of qualified individuals so you (and your spouse if you’re married) can work or look for work. Eligible expenses include: •  Before- and after-school care •  Day care, preschool, or nursery school •  Au pair or nanny services (amounts paid for the actual care of the dependent) •  Baby sitter (in or out of your home) •  Summer day camp for your qualifying child under age 13 •  Elder day care expenses of a qualifying individual Some ineligible expenses include tuition for kindergarten and above, day care field trips, and overnight camp. Learn more … No Double-dipping If your expenses have been reimbursed previously under your health or dependent care FSA, you can’t be reimbursed for them again under any other plan or program. You also can’t use the reimbursed expenses to claim any federal income tax deduction or credit. Knowing these basics will help you make the most of your FSA funds. But don’t stop there. Check out your online account for additional resources and helpful information. Your online account is the best way to keep up with your FSA throughout the plan year. LESS STRESS IN 2015 Is one of your New Year’s resolutions to live a healthier lifestyle? If so, you might want to reduce your stress. Too much stress may lead to a variety of health problems, like high blood pressure, asthma, ulcers, and more. The American Heart Association suggests forming positive, healthy habits to reduce the negative effects of stress. Give these tips a try: •  Talk with family and friends. When possible, share your feelings. •  Engage in daily physical activity. It relieves mental and physical tension. •  Embrace what you can change. We’re never too old to learn something new. •  Laugh! Laughter makes us feel better. •  Give up bad habits. Replace them with healthy ones. •  Slow down. Plan ahead so you don’t have to rush. •  Get enough sleep. Aim for six to eight hours each night. •  Stay organized. Use to-do lists to stay focused. •  Practice giving back. Helping others tends to lift our spirits. •  Try not to worry. Put things in the right frame of mind. This may also reduce your stress: Your health FSA dollars can help pay for eligible expenses like doctor’s visits, prescriptions, and even blood pressure monitors. In addition, massage therapy may be an eligible expense if your doctor recommends it to treat a diagnosed condition. If so, ask your doctor to complete a Medical Determination Form and submit the form along with your supporting documentation. You can find a Medical Determination Form in your online account. Source: American Heart Association FSA TIP If we send you a notice asking for additional documentation of an eligible expense and you can’t find your itemized receipt, request a copy from the provider (pharmacy, doctor, dentist, etc.). Most health plans also provide Explanation of Benefits (EOB) statements on their websites. Then, simply submit your documentation along with the Rejected Claim Notice or EOB to the fax number or mailing address shown on the notice. Since the IRS requires proof of all eligible expenses, be sure to keep all of your receipts and other supporting documentation — especially for over-the-counter purchases since cash register receipts typically can’t be reproduced.   877.CONEXIS   |  WWW.CONEXIS.COM This email was sent from an unmonitored email address. While we cannot receive replies at this email address, we're happy to help you with any questions or concerns you may have. Please log in to your account at mybenefits.conexis.com and visit the "Contact Us" page for more information. CONEXIS does not offer medical, legal, accounting, or other professional advice. If you need additional guidance, please contact your doctor, attorney, or tax advisor. CONEXIS uses reasonable efforts to ensure that the information provided in this document is accurate as of the date of publication. © 2015 CONEXIS, a division of WageWorks, Inc. All rights reserved. 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