Save up to $2,250 on dependent care expenses this year!

Participating in a dependent care flexible spending account (DCA) is like receiving a 30% discount from your care provider.

How does a dependent care FSA work?

A dependent care FSA is a flexible spending account that allows you to set aside pre-tax dollars for dependent care expenses, such as daycare, that allow you to work or look for work.

You choose an annual election amount, up to $7,500 per family. The money is placed in your account via payroll deduction, in equal installments, and then used to pay for eligible dependent care expenses incurred during the plan year.

Why should I enroll in a dependent care FSA?

Child and dependent care is a large expense for many families. Millions of people rely on child care to be able to work, while others are responsible for older parents or disabled family members.

If you pay for care of dependents in order to work, you’ll want to take advantage of the savings this plan offers. Money contributed to a dependent care account is free from federal and most state taxes and remains tax-free when it is spent on eligible expenses. On average, participants enjoy a 30% tax savings on their annual contribution. This means you could be saving up to $2,250 per year on dependent care expenses!

How do I use my DCA to pay for dependent care expenses?

You can use your Flex Facts Debit Card to pay your provider for eligible dependent care expenses, or pay with your personal funds and submit a claim for reimbursement.

Qualifying Dependents

– Your qualifying child under the age of 13

– Your spouse or qualifying adult child or relative who is physically or mentally incapable of self-care

Qualifying Expenses

What qualifies?

Dependent care FSA funds can cover costs for:

– Before school or after school care for children 12 and younger

– Custodial care for dependent adults

– Licensed day care centers

– Nanny / Au Pair

– Nursery schools or preschools

– Late pick-up fees

– Summer or holiday day camps

What doesn’t qualify?

Certain expenses are not eligible, for instance:

– Expenses incurred in a prior plan year

– Expenses for non-disabled children 13 and older

– Educational expenses including kindergarten or private school tuition fees

– Food, clothing, sports lessons, field trips, and entertainment

– Overnight camp expenses

– Late payment fees for child care

For a full list of eligible expenses, go to www.flexfacts.com.

Online & Mobile Access

Get instant access to your account with the Flex Facts Portal and the Flex Facts Mobile App.

– View your account balance and transaction history

– Submit and view claims

– Upload and store receipts

– View important alerts and communications

– Sign up for direct deposit

– Sign up for text message alerts

Register for the Flex Facts Participant Portal at www.flexfacts.com. Download the Flex Facts Mobile App on the App Store or Google Play Store.

Helpful Hints

– You must have funds in your dependent care FSA before you can spend them.

– You can’t change your election amount during the plan year, unless you experience a change in status or qualifying event.

– Keep your receipts, you will need an itemized invoice for all reimbursement requests.

– The easiest way to manage your account is online at www.healthierbenefits.com or through the IMS Flex Wealthcare Mobile App.

– Any unused funds that remain in your account at the end of the year will be forfeited. Plan carefully and use all the money in your dependent care FSA by the end of the plan year.

Everyday health and wellness essentials all in one place and guaranteed eligible. Pierce Group Benefits partners with the HSA Store to provide one convenient location for Health Savings Account holders to maximize their long-term health savings and help ease the financial burden of medical needs, should they arise. Through our partnership, we’re also here to help answer the many questions that come along with having a Health Savings Account!

– The largest selection of guaranteed HSA-eligible products

– Phone and live chat support available 24 hours a day / 7 days a week

– Fast and free shipping on orders over $50

– Use your HSA card or any other major credit card for purchases

Other Great HSA Store Resources Available To You

– Eligibility List: A comprehensive list of eligible products and services

– HSA Calculator: Estimate how much you can save with an HSA

– Learning Center: Easy tips and resources for living with an HSA

– Savings Center: Where you can save even more on HSA-eligible essentials

– HSAPerks: Take your health and funds further with the HSA Store rewards program

NEED HELP? WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED!

HSA Store Customer Service

HSA Store Frequently Asked Questions

Stretch your dollars further and put more money in your pocket. Health Savings Accounts empower you to save more, spend smarter and invest in your healthcare.

HSAs are tax-advantaged employee-owned accounts that let you save pre-tax dollars for future qualified medical expenses. You can invest HSAs—and funds never expire.

Am I Eligible For A Health Savings Account?

To enroll in a HSA, employees must already be enrolled in an HSA-qualifying high deductible health plan (HDHP).

The Value for Employees

– Enjoy Lower Health Plan Premiums: HSA-qualified health plans offer lower premiums, enabling you to save potentially thousands every year.

– Keep Your Premium Savings: Just put the extra money you would’ve paid toward traditional premiums into your HSA. Voila! Long-term savings.

– Triple Tax Savings: Every dollar an employee contributes to an HSA lowers their taxable income, funds grow tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified expenses are tax-free.

– Roll Over Funds: Unlike Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), you own your HSA. That means your entire HSA balance rolls over every year—even if you change health plans, retire, or leave your employer.

Eligible HSA Expenses

– Pain relievers

– Doctor visits

– Glasses and contact lenses

– Cold and cough medicine

– Menstrual care products

– Chiropractic care

– Insulin Testing Supplies

– Sleep aids

– Shoe inserts

– Sunscreen

– Ambulance

– Dental work and orthodontia

For a full list of eligible expenses, go to www.earn.healthequity.com/qme.

Below is a series of instructions outlining the online self-enrollment process. Please have the following information available before you begin:

– Username, pin, and enrollment website URL from Step 1 of this page

– Dates of birth and social security numbers of your spouse and any dependents you wish to enroll

– Beneficiary names and social security numbers

Helpful Tips:

– If you are a new employee, please refer here for more information or contact PGB’s Employee Services at 800-387-5955 between 8:30am and 5:00pm for assistance.

– If you are an existing employee and unable to log into the online system, please contact PGB’s Employee Services at 800-387-5955, or speak with the Benefits Representative assigned to your location.

How To Enroll:

1. Logging In 

– Enter your User Name: Social Security Number with or without dashes (ex. 123-45-6789 or 123456789)

– Enter your Pin: Last 4 numbers of your Social Security Number followed by last 2 numbers of your Date of Birth year (ex. 678970)

To login, visit: harmony.benselect.com/hopewell

2. New PIN

The screen prompts you to create a NEW PIN [__________].

3. Security Questions

Choose a security question and enter answer [__________].

4. Confirm

Confirm (or enter) an email address.

5. Save New PIN

Click on ‘Save New PIN’ to continue to the enrollment welcome screen.

6. Click Next

From the welcome screen click “Next”.

7. Personal Information

The screen shows ‘Personal Information’. Verify that the information is correct and enter the additional required information (marital status, work phone, e-mail address). Click ‘Next’.

8. Adding Family Members

The screen allows you to add family members. It is only necessary to enter family member information if adding or including family members in your coverage. Click ‘Next’.

9. Benefit Summary

The screen shows ‘Benefit Summary’. Review your current benefits and make changes/selections for the upcoming plan year.

10. Sign & Submit

Click ‘Sign & Submit’ once you have decided which benefits to enroll in.

11. Review

Review your coverage. If any items are ‘Pending’, you will need to decide whether to enroll or decline this benefit.

12. Next

Click ‘Next’ to review and electronically sign the authorization for your benefit elections.

13. Sign Form

Review the confirmation, then if you are satisfied with your elections, enter your PIN and click ‘Sign Form’.

14. Download & Print

Click ‘Download & Print’ to print a copy of your elections, or download and save the document. Please do not forget this important step! Click ‘Log Out’.

IN-PERSON & SELF-ENROLL

During your annual enrollment period, a PGB Benefits Representative will be available by appointment to meet with you one-on-one to help you evaluate your benefits based on your individual and family needs, answer any questions you may have, and assist you in the enrollment process. If you prefer, you may also self-enroll online following the instructions on the Enrollment Instructions page of this site.

ANNUAL ENROLLMENT PERIOD: APRIL 20, 2026 – MAY 8, 2026

ELIGIBILITY:

– Employees working 20 hours or more per week are eligible for benefits.

IMPORTANT NOTICES:

– When do my benefits start? The plan year for Colonial Life Insurance Products, The Local Choice Benefits (Anthem Health, Delta Dental of VA, and Anthem Blue View Vision), HealthEquity Health Savings Accounts, Flex Facts Flexible Spending Accounts, CHUBB Long Term Care and Legal Resources Legal Select and Identity Theft Plan runs from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.

– When do my deductions start? Deductions for The Local Choice Benefits (Anthem Health, Delta Dental of VA, and Anthem Blue View Vision) start June 2026 for all enrolled employees. Deductions for Colonial Life Insurance Products, HealthEquity Health Savings Accounts, Flex Facts Flexible Spending Accounts, CHUBB Long Term Care and Legal Resources Legal Select and Identity Theft Plan start July 2026 for all enrolled employees.

– Why have my Medical Bridge benefits not started yet? The Health Screening Rider on the Colonial Medical Bridge plan has a 30-day waiting period for new enrollees. Coverage, therefore, will not begin until July 31, 2026.

– My spouse is enrolled in an Health Savings Account (HSA), am I eligible for an FSA? As a married couple, one spouse cannot be enrolled in a Medical Reimbursement FSA at the same time the other opens or contributes to an HSA.

– How do Dependent Care Account (DCA) funds work and when do they need to be used? Dependent Care Accounts are like FSA accounts and allow you to request reimbursement up to your current balance. However, you cannot receive more reimbursement than what has been deducted from your pay. After the plan year ends, an employee has 3 months to submit claims for incurred qualified dependent care expenses (or 3 months after employment termination date). Any remaining funds in your DCA account must be utilized before the deadline. Failure to use all allotted funds in the DCA account will result in a “Use It or Lose It” scenario. Your plan includes a grace period which is an additional 2.5 months (running July 1, 2027, through September 15, 2027), during which you can incur eligible expenses that can be reimbursed. Therefore, you have from July 1, 2026, through September 15, 2027, to incur qualified expenses eligible for reimbursement. If you do not incur qualified expenses by September 15, 2027, and/or file by September 30, 2027, any contributions are forfeited under the “Use It or Lose It” rule.

– When will I get my card? If you will be receiving a new debit card, whether you are a new participant or to replace your expired card, please be aware that it may take up to 30 days following your plan effective date for your card to arrive. Your card will be delivered by mail in a plain white envelope. During this time you may use manual claim forms for eligible expenses. Please note that your debit card is good through the expiration date printed on the card.

– I want to sign my family up for benefits as well, what information will I need? If signing up for any coverage on your spouse and/or children, please have their dates of birth and social security numbers available when speaking with the Benefits Representative.

– What is the difference between pre- and post-tax benefits? Pre-tax benefit contributions are taken from an employee’s paycheck before state and federal taxes are applied. Post-tax benefit contributions are paid after taxes are deducted. It’s important to note that some coverages may still be subject to taxes even if paid for through pre-tax deduction or employee contribution.

– Can I change my benefit elections outside of the enrollment period? Elections made during this enrollment period CANNOT BE CHANGED AFTER THE ENROLLMENT PERIOD unless there is a family status change, otherwise known as a qualifying life event (QLE), as defined by the Internal Revenue Code. Examples of a QLE can be found here.

– I have a pre-existing condition. Will I still be covered? Some policies may include a pre-existing condition clause. Please read your policy carefully for full details.

 

YOU CAN MAKE THE FOLLOWING BENEFIT ELECTIONS DURING THE ANNUAL ENROLLMENT PERIOD:

– Enroll in, change, or cancel The Local Choice benefits (Anthem Health, Delta Dental of VA, and Anthem Blue View Vision).*
– Enroll in, change, or cancel Health Savings Accounts.
– Enroll/Re-Enroll in Flexible Spending Accounts.⁺
– Enroll in, change, or cancel Long Term Care Benefits.
– Enroll in, change, or cancel Legal & ID Theft Benefits.**
– Enroll in, change, or cancel Colonial coverage.

⁺You will need to re-enroll in the Flexible Spending Accounts if you want them to continue each year.

*Please note that if you do not waive or enroll in the Local Choice Benefits, your existing Health, Dental and Vision coverage will terminate on 6/30/2026.

**Please see the coordinating pages of your Benefits Guide for enrollment instructions for the Legal & ID Theft plan.

 

IMPORTANT NOTE & DISCLAIMER

This is neither an insurance contract nor a Summary Plan Description and only the actual policy provisions will prevail. All information in your benefits guide including premiums quoted is subject to change. All policy descriptions are for information purposes only. Your actual policies may be different than those in the benefits guide.

PRE-TAX BENEFITS

– Anthem Health
– Delta Dental of VA
– Anthem Blue View Vision

– Employee Maximum $4,400/year
– Family Maximum $8,750/year
HSA plans can only be established in conjunction with a qualified High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP)
Employer contributes $1,800 per year to eligible employees’ accounts.

– Dependent Care Reimbursement Maximum: $7,500/year
You will need to re-enroll in the Flexible Spending Accounts if you want them to continue next year.
IF YOU DO NOT RE-ENROLL, YOUR CONTRIBUTION WILL STOP EFFECTIVE JUNE 30, 2026

 

POST-TAX BENEFITS

– Term Life Insurance
– Whole Life Insurance

 

Please note your insurance products will remain in effect unless you speak with a representative to change them.

 

Enrollment Period: APRIL 20, 2026 – MAY 8, 2026

Effective Dates: JULY 1, 2026 – JUNE 30, 2027

Colonial Life

• File A Claim
• Colonial Service Forms

Health

• The Local Choice VA Website
• Privacy Notice
• Marketplace Notice
• Women’s Health and Cancer Notice
• Adverse Benefit Determination Notice

Vision (Stand-Alone Policy)

• EyeMed Vision Contact Information
• EyeMed Vision Provider Search
• EyeMed Vision Member Login

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Carilion Clinic Website
• Carilion Clinic Contact Form

Health Savings Accounts

• Ameriflex Spending Account Claim Form 
• Ameriflex Health Savings Account Transfer Form
• Ameriflex Contact Information 
• Ameriflex Member Login / Check Your Balance 
• Mobile App Download: Apple App Store | Google Play Store 

• The HSA Store 
• The HSA Store Learning Center
• The HSA Store Eligibility List
• The HSA Store Calculator

Flex Accounts

• WEX Contact Forms
• WEX Member Login / Check Your Balance
• The FSA Store 
• The FSA Store Learning Center
• The FSA Store Eligibility List
• The FSA Store Calculator

 

EAP & WORK-LIFE SERVICES

[Client name here] provides these services at no cost to all employees and dependents. No referrals are needed to speak with an EAP counselor, and you never have to worry about finding a provider who is in your network.

The call center is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can talk to a licensed counselor at any time. In some instances the employee can visit in person with a counselor.

This program helps people work through common issues such as those listed below and many more:

– Dependent Care

– Working Smarter

– Education

– Legal concerns

– Financial issues

– Lifestyle and Fitness Management

– Substance Abuse

– Grief

Visit: www.carilionclinic.org/EAP or call: 800-992-1931

Take control of your health and wellness with guaranteed FSA-eligible essentials. Pierce Group Benefits partners with the FSA Store to provide one convenient location for Flexible Spending Account holders to manage and use their FSA funds, and save on more than 4,000 health and wellness products using tax-free health money. Through our partnership, we’re also here to help answer the many questions that come along with having a Flexible Spending Account!

– The largest selection of guaranteed FSA-eligible products

– Phone and live chat support available 24 hours a day / 7 days a week

– Fast and free shipping on orders over $50

– Use your FSA card or any other major credit card for purchases

Other Great FSA Store Resources Available To You

– Eligibility List: A comprehensive list of eligible products and services

– FSA Calculator: Estimate how much you can save with an FSA

– Learning Center: Easy tips and resources for living with an FSA

– Savings Center: Where you can save even more on FSA-eligible essentials

– FSAPerks: Take your health and funds further with the FSA Store rewards program

NEED HELP? WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED!

FSA Store Customer Service

FSA Store Frequently Asked Questions

Set aside tax-free money for daycare and dependent care services.

Use the below information to determine if a Dependent Care Account (DCA) is right for you and how to best take advantage of a DCA account.

How It Works

When you enroll in a Dependent Care Account (DCA) you get to experience tax savings on expenses like daycare, elderly care, summer day camp, preschool, and other services that allow you to work full time.

The Value & Perks

– Save On Eligible Expenses: You can use a DCA to pay for qualifying expenses such as daycare, summer day care, elder care, before and after school programs, and pre-school.

– Keep More Money: The funds are taken out of your paycheck “pre-tax” (meaning they are subtracted from your gross earnings before taxes) throughout the course of the year. Let’s say you earn $40,000 a year and contribute $1,500 to an DCA; so, only $38,500 of your income gets taxed. That means you are increasing your take-home pay simply by participating!

– Easy Spending and Account Management: You will receive an WEX Health Debit Mastercard linked to their DCA. They can use their card for eligible purchases everywhere the card is accepted. Account information can be securely accessed 24/7 online and through the mobile app.

Eligible DCA Expenses

The IRS determines what expenses are eligible under a DCA. Here are some examples of common eligible expenses:

– Daycare or elder care

– Before-school and after-school care

– Preschool and nursery school

– Private sitter

– Summer day camp

– Nanny service

An account for setting aside tax-free money for healthcare expenses.

Use the below information to determine if a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is right for you and how to best take advantage of an FSA account.

How It Works

When you enroll in a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) you get to experience tax savings on qualified expenses such as copays, deductibles, prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs and medications, and thousands of other everyday items.

Can I have an FSA and an HSA?

You can’t contribute to an FSA and HSA within the same plan year. However, you can contribute to an HSA and a limited purpose FSA, which only covers dental and vision expenses.

As per IRS Publication 969, an employee covered by an HDHP and a health FSA or an HRA that pays or reimburses qualified medical expenses generally can’t make contributions to an HSA. An employee is also not HSA-eligible during an FSA Grace Period. An employee enrolled in a Limited Purpose FSA is HSA-eligible.

As a married couple, one spouse cannot be enrolled in an FSA at the same time the other is contributing to an HSA. FSA coverage extends tax benefits to family members allowing the FSA holder to be reimbursed for medical expenses for themselves, their spouse, and their dependents.

The Value & Perks

– Election Accessibility: You will have access to your entire election on the first day of the plan year.

– Save On Eligible Expenses: You can save up to 40% on thousands of eligible everyday expenses such as prescriptions, doctor’s visits, dental services, glasses, over-the-counter medicines, and copays.

– Keep More Money: The funds are taken out of your paycheck “pre-tax” (meaning they are subtracted from your gross earnings before taxes) throughout the course of the year. Let’s say you earn $40,000 a year and contribute $1,500 to an FSA; so, only $38,500 of your income gets taxed. That means you are increasing your take-home pay simply by participating!

– Easy Spending and Account Management: Employees will receive an WEX Health Debit Card linked to their FSA. Employees can use their card for eligible purchases where accepted. Account information can be securely accessed 24/7 online and through the mobile app.

Eligible FSA Expenses

The IRS determines what expenses are eligible under an FSA. Below are some examples of common eligible expenses:

– Deductibles

– Copays

– Prescriptions

– Teeth cleaning

– LASIK

– Glasses and contact lenses

– Band-aids

– Sunscreen

– Over-the-counter medicine (prescription required)

– Feminine menstrual care

The “Use-or-Lose” Rule

If you contribute dollars to a reimbursement account and do not use all the money you deposit, you will lose any remaining balance in the account at the end of the eligible claims period. This rule, established by the IRS as a component of tax-advantaged plans, is referred to as the “use-or-lose” rule.

To avoid losing any of the funds you contribute to your FSA, it’s important to plan ahead as much as possible to estimate what your expenditures will be in a given plan year.

Modification to the Health FSA “Use-or-Lose” Rule:

– FSA plan participants should note that up to $680 of any unused funds from the current plan year will be rolled over into your FSA balance for the new plan year.

– The rollover modification applies to Health FSA plans only (and not to other types of FSA plans such as dependent care).

– The rollover does not affect the maximum contribution amount for the new plan year. In other words, even if you roll over the entire $680 from the previous plan year, you may still elect up to the maximum contribution limit allowed under your employer’s plan.

Everyday health and wellness essentials all in one place and guaranteed eligible. Pierce Group Benefits partners with the HSA Store to provide one convenient location for Health Savings Account holders to maximize their long-term health savings and help ease the financial burden of medical needs, should they arise. Through our partnership, we’re also here to help answer the many questions that come along with having a Health Savings Account!

– The largest selection of guaranteed HSA-eligible products

– Phone and live chat support available 24 hours a day / 7 days a week

– Fast and free shipping on orders over $50

– Use your HSA card or any other major credit card for purchases

Other Great HSA Store Resources Available To You

– Eligibility List: A comprehensive list of eligible products and services

– HSA Calculator: Estimate how much you can save with an HSA

– Learning Center: Easy tips and resources for living with an HSA

– Savings Center: Where you can save even more on HSA-eligible essentials

– HSAPerks: Take your health and funds further with the HSA Store rewards program

NEED HELP? WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED!

HSA Store Customer Service

HSA Store Frequently Asked Questions

A personal tax-free savings account for healthcare expenses and investing. 

Use the below information to determine if a Health Savings Account (HSA) is right for you and how to best take advantage of an HSA account.

How It Works

You can enroll in a Health Savings Account (HSA) to experience tax savings on qualified healthcare expenses such as copays, deductibles, prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs and medications, and prescriptions. There is no use-or-lose rule, meaning you can save and invest when you can or spend on eligible healthcare expenses as needed.

To enroll in a HSA, you must already be enrolled in an HSA-qualifying high deductible health plan (HDHP).

As a married couple, one spouse cannot be enrolled in an FSA at the same time the other is contributing to an HSA.

The Value & Perks

– Triple Tax Savings: Every dollar you contribute to an HSA lowers your taxable income, funds grow tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified expenses are tax-free.

– Employee-Owned: It’s a personal savings account owned by you. Which means you can keep it even if you switch health plans, change jobs, or retire. You’ll receive an Ameriflex Debit Mastercard linked to your HSA that can be used for eligible purchases everywhere Mastercard is accepted.

– Investing & Saving: You can save and invest your funds with over 30 investment options. HSA funds roll over year to year, allowing long-term growth if there are no immediate spending needs.

– $1,000 Investment Threshold: While many HSA administrators require a $2,000+ account balance before funds can be invested, Ameriflex has a modest $1,000 investment balance requirement, allowing participants to invest their money faster.

– Catch-Up Contributions: Individuals ages 55 and older who are not enrolled in Medicare can make an additional $1,000 catch-up contribution to their HSA.

– No Hidden Fees: We don’t believe participants should have to pay extra fees to reach their full savings potential. By eliminating hidden fees, participants keep more of their hard-earned money for current and future health needs.

– Easy Spending and Account Management: You will receive an Ameriflex Debit Mastercard linked to your HSA. You can use your card for eligible purchases everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Account information can be securely accessed 24/7 online and through the mobile app.

Eligible HSA Expenses

The IRS determines what expenses are eligible under an HSA. Below are some examples of common eligible expenses:

– Deductibles

– Copays

– Prescriptions

– Dental work and orthodontia

– LASIK

– Glasses and contact lenses

– Band-aids

– Sunscreen

For a full list of eligible expenses, go to myameriflex.com/eligibleexpenses.

IN-PERSON

During your annual enrollment period, a PGB Benefits Representative will be available by appointment to meet with you one-on-one to help you evaluate your benefits based on your individual and family needs, answer any questions you may have, and assist you in the enrollment process.

ANNUAL ENROLLMENT PERIOD: MAY 1, 2026 – MAY 15, 2026

ELIGIBILITY:

– Full-time employees working 30 hours or more per week are eligible for benefits.

IMPORTANT NOTICES:

– When do my benefits start? The plan year for Colonial Life Insurance Products, The Local Choice Benefits (Anthem Health, Delta Dental of VA and Anthem Blue View Vision), Ameriflex Health Savings Accounts and EyeMed Vision (Stand-Alone Policy) runs from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027. The plan year for WEX Flexible Spending Accounts runs from January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026. WEX Health Flexible Spending Accounts are included in this guide for informational purposes only – elections made in October 2025 for existing employees will remain in effect for the plan year.

– When do my deductions start? Deductions for WEX Flexible Spending Accounts start January 2026 for all enrolled employees. Deductions for The Local Choice Benefits (Anthem Health, Delta Dental of VA and Anthem Blue View Vision) and EyeMed Vision (Stand-Alone Policy) start June 2026 for all enrolled employees. Deductions for Colonial Life Insurance Products and Ameriflex Health Savings Accounts start July 2026 for all enrolled employees.

– Why have my Medical Bridge benefits not started yet? The Health Screening Rider on the Colonial Medical Bridge plan has a 30-day waiting period for new enrollees. Coverage, therefore, will not begin until July 31, 2026.

– What is an EAP? Your employer offers an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for you and your eligible family members. An EAP is an employer-sponsored benefit that offers confidential support and resources for personal or work-related challenges and concerns. Please see the EAP pages of this benefit guide for more details and contact information.

– How do Flexible Spending Account (FSA) funds work, and do my FSA funds have to be used by a specific deadline? Flexible Spending Account expenses must be incurred during the plan year to be eligible for reimbursement. After the plan year ends, an employee has 90 days to submit claims for incurred qualified spending account expenses (or 90 days after employment termination date). If employment is terminated before the plan year ends, the spending account also ends. Failure to use all allotted funds in the FSA account will result in a “Use It or Lose It” scenario. Your plan also includes a rollover provision! This means that if you have any money left in your FSA at the end of the plan year, you can carryover up to $680 into the new plan year. Any remaining funds beyond $680 are forfeited under the “Use It or Lose It” rule. Please note: Participants must re-enroll in their FSA account for any rollover funds to be rolled into the new plan year. Failure to re-enroll will result in a “Use It or Lose It” scenario.

– My spouse is enrolled in an Health Savings Account (HSA), am I eligible for an FSA? As a married couple, one spouse cannot be enrolled in a Medical Reimbursement FSA at the same time the other opens or contributes to an HSA.

– How do Dependent Care Account (DCA) funds work and when do they need to be used? Dependent Care Accounts are like FSA accounts and allow you to request reimbursement up to your current balance. However, you cannot receive more reimbursement than what has been deducted from your pay. It’s important to note that any remaining funds in your DCA account must be utilized before the deadline. Failure to use all allotted funds in the DCA account will result in a “Use It or Lose It” scenario.

– When will I get my card? If you will be receiving a new debit card, whether you are a new participant or to replace your expired card, please be aware that it may take up to 30 days following your plan effective date for your card to arrive. Your card will be delivered by mail in a plain white envelope. During this time you may use manual claim forms for eligible expenses. Please note that your debit card is good through the expiration date printed on the card.

– I want to sign my family up for benefits as well, what information will I need? If signing up for any coverage on your spouse and/or children, please have their dates of birth and social security numbers available when speaking with the Benefits Representative.

– What is the difference between pre- and post-tax benefits? Pre-tax benefit contributions are taken from an employee’s paycheck before state and federal taxes are applied. Post-tax benefit contributions are paid after taxes are deducted. It’s important to note that some coverages may still be subject to taxes even if paid for through pre-tax deduction or employee contribution.

– Can I change my benefit elections outside of the enrollment period? Elections made during this enrollment period CANNOT BE CHANGED AFTER THE ENROLLMENT PERIOD unless there is a family status change, otherwise known as a qualifying life event (QLE), as defined by the Internal Revenue Code. Examples of a QLE can be found here.

– I have a pre-existing condition. Will I still be covered? Some policies may include a pre-existing condition clause. Please read your policy carefully for full details.

 

YOU CAN MAKE THE FOLLOWING BENEFIT ELECTIONS DURING THE ANNUAL ENROLLMENT PERIOD:

– Enroll in, change, or cancel The Local Choice benefits (Anthem Health, Delta Dental of VA, and Anthem Blue View Vision).
– Enroll in, change, or cancel Health Savings Accounts.
– Enroll in, change, or cancel Vision Insurance (Stand-Alone Policy).
– Enroll in, change, or cancel Colonial coverage.

 

 

IMPORTANT NOTE & DISCLAIMER

This is neither an insurance contract nor a Summary Plan Description and only the actual policy provisions will prevail. All information in your benefits guide including premiums quoted is subject to change. All policy descriptions are for information purposes only. Your actual policies may be different than those in the benefits guide.