Q1 2016 Date of Publication: February 24, 2016 FSA MYTH BUSTERS Since the IRS sets the rules for flexible spending accounts (FSAs), knowing the rules and resources available helps you maximize your savings. Check out these myth busters to learn more – and make the most of your FSA dollars! Myth:  If funds aren't used during the plan year, you forfeit all the money left in your health FSA. Fact:  Not anymore! The UC Health FSA plan includes a carryover feature, and with it, you don't have to rush to spend all of your health FSA funds or worry about losing money when the plan year ends. Even though you have more control over your health care dollars from year to year, there are a few IRS rules you need to know:   •  The carryover allows you to carry over up to $500 of unused funds from one year to the next.   •  The IRS "use-it-or-lose-it" rule still applies. You will lose the funds remaining in your health FSA after the $500 carryover is applied after the run-out period ends.   •  Be aware that IRS rules do not allow a dependent care FSA to have a carryover. Myth:  You don't need to keep your receipts for eligible FSA expenses. Fact:  If you're audited or need to verify an expense, you'll need itemized receipts and other supporting documentation of your eligible FSA expenses. Credit card receipts, canceled checks, and balance forward statements do not meet the requirements for acceptable documentation. Save your itemized receipts, explanation of benefits (EOBs), statements of work, etc. that include specific details needed to prove the eligibility of your expenses. Myth:  Over-the-counter (OTC) medicine isn't an eligible expense like it was in the past. Fact:  A few years ago, health care reform changed the eligibility requirements of OTC medicines and drugs. They're still eligible health FSA expenses when prescribed by a doctor (or another individual who can legally issue a prescription) in the state where you purchase them. Just give a written or electronic prescription to a pharmacist who'll then issue the OTC medicine as a prescription drug before you purchase it, or submit the doctor's prescription and itemized receipt to us when you file a claim.   OTC health care items, such as bandages and first aid kits, are also eligible health FSA expenses that do not require a prescription. Learn more… Myth:  There's no easy way to know my account balance. Fact:  Keeping up with your FSA has never been easier! You can access your FSA account anytime – 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Use one of these options:   •  Log in to your online account from any computer or mobile device. Your account balance is listed on the home page.   •  Call our interactive phone system. The number is on your FSA statement or in your online account under the Message Center tab.   •  Use our MyCONEXIS app from any mobile device. If you haven't done this yet, just download the free app and then log in with the same username and password as your online account.     Download MyCONEXIS app from the App StoreSM     Download MyCONEXIS app from Google Play™     App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc.     Google Play is a trademark of Google, Inc. Log Your Miles Effective January 1, 2016, you'll receive 19 cents per mile if your employer's health FSA plan includes reimbursement for travel to obtain eligible health care services. Although this is a decrease of four cents from the 23 cents per mile in 2015, your mileage can still add up. Simply log your miles and then submit a reimbursement request. For more info, check out our FSA Expenses Guide. WHY WAIT TO FEEL GREAT? Achieving a healthy weight can help you control your cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar. It might also help you prevent weight-related diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and more. Get started by creating and following a plan for healthy eating and ramping up your physical activity. Try these helpful tips: •  Set realistic goals and expect a few setbacks. Just stay committed to your goals when those setbacks happen. •  Seek support from family and friends. They can help motivate you and keep you moving in the right direction. •  Rid foods high in fat and in sugar from your home. Stock up on healthy fruits and veggies. •  Make and stick to a shopping list. And try not to grocery shop when you're hungry. •  Keep a food diary to track your daily progress. Jot down how you feel after meals and exercise. •  Eat at the table – not while watching TV. Many people tend to overeat when distracted. •  Add in regular aerobic activity and strengthening activities. Mix it up with brisk walking, swimming, dancing, or other activities that get you moving. Before beginning any weight-loss or exercise program, it's best to talk to your doctor. Keep in mind that weight-loss programs (excluding the cost of food), gym memberships, and exercise equipment can potentially be eligible health FSA expenses if recommended by your doctor to treat or prevent a chronic condition. Just have your doctor complete a Medical Determination Form and submit it to us with your reimbursement request. You'll find this form in your online account. Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services BENEFIT CARD CORNER After an appointment, I paid my doctor using my benefit card, but my doctor's office keeps sending me a bill. Did my card work? Yes, your card worked when you paid for the service. The amount of purchase is deducted automatically from your health FSA, and the funds are transferred electronically to the doctor's office for instant payment. When you swipe your benefit card, the card system confirms your account status, the status of your benefit card, the merchant category code, and the funds that are in your account. Check with your doctor's office to see if you still owe for services not included in your card payment.   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. © 2016 CONEXIS, a division of WageWorks, Inc. All rights reserved. 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