Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy Important Information About Your Enrollment 2020-2021

IN-PERSON ENROLLMENTS FOR PERSONAL SERVICE

During your open enrollment period, a Pierce Group Benefits representative will be available by appointment to meet with you one-on-one and assist you in the enrollment process. Your representative will help you evaluate benefits based on your individual needs and answer any questions you might have.

ACCESS YOUR BENEFITS ONLINE WHENEVER, WHEREVER.

 

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 this booklet including premiums quoted is subject to change. All policy descriptions are for information purposes only. Your actual policies may be different than those in this booklet.

Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy Benefits Plan Overview 2020-2021

Pre-Tax Benefits

 Flexible Spending Accounts*

  • Medical Reimbursement Maximum $2,750/year
  • Dependent Care Reimbursement Maximum $5,000/year

 Cancer Benefits: Colonial Life

 Accident Benefits: Colonial Life

 Medical Bridge Benefits: Colonial Life

Dental Insurance**: Delta

Vision Insurance**: Superior

 

*You will need to re-sign for the Spending Accounts if you want them to continue next year.

 

Post-Tax Benefits

 Disability Benefits: Colonial Life

 Critical Care Benefits: Colonial Life

 Life Insurance

  • Term Life Insurance: Colonial Life
  • Whole Life Insurance: Colonial Life
  • Group Term Life Insurance**: The Hartford

 Telemedicine: Call A Doctor Plus

**EMPLOYEES WILL NEED TO RE-ENROLL IN DENTAL, VISION & GROUP TERM LIFE BENEFITS IN ORDER TO CONTINUE COVERAGE FOR THE NEW PLAN YEAR BEGINNING NOVEMBER 1, 2020.

Enrollment Period: September 9, 2020 – September 16, 2020

Effective Dates: November 1, 2020 – October 31, 2021

 

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • You must work 30 hours or more per week.

 

IMPORTANT FACTS:

  • The plan year for Colonial Insurance products, Spending Accounts, Delta Dental, The Hartford Group Term Life and Superior Vision lasts from November 1, 2020 through October 31, 2021. Please Note: Dental benefits are based on the Calendar Year, running from January 1st through December 31st. Dental benefits and deductibles will reset every January 1st.

 

  • Deductions for Colonial Insurance products, Delta Dental, The Hartford Group Term Life and Superior Vision will begin November 2020. Employees will have 24 deductions for these benefits. Deductions for Spending Accounts will begin November 2020, and employees will have 14 deductions between November and May.

 

  • Health FSA Rollover Provision: Your employer provides the rollover option for your FSA plan. Please see the Flexible Spending Account section of your benefit booklet for more information on this provision.

 

  • If signing up for any coverage on your spouse and/or children, please have their dates of birth and social security numbers available when meeting with the Benefits Representative.

 

  • If you will be receiving a new debit 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.

 

  • Elections made during this enrollment period CANNOT BE CHANGED AFTER THE ENROLLMENT PERIOD unless there is a family status change as defined by the Internal Revenue Code. Examples of a family status change are: marriage, divorce, death of a spouse or child, birth or adoption of a child, termination or commencement of a spouse’s employment, or the transition of spouse’s employment from full-time to part-time, or vice-versa.

 

  • Once a family status change has occurred, an employee has 30 days to notify the North Carolina Service Center at 1-888-662-7500 to request a change in elections.

 

  • Flexible Spending Account expenses must be incurred during the Plan Year in order to be eligible for reimbursement.

 

  • An employee has 90 days after the plan year ends to submit claims for spending account expenses that were incurred during the plan year. Please note that if employment terminates during the plan year, that employee’s plan year ends the day employment ends. The employee has 90 days after the termination date to submit claims.

 

  • With Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, the maximum reimbursement you can request is equal to the current account balance in your Dependent Care account. You cannot be reimbursed more than has actually been deducted from your pay.

 

  • The Colonial Cancer plan and the Health Screening Rider on the Colonial Accident and Colonial Medical Bridge plan have a 30-day waiting period for new enrollees. Coverage, therefore, will not begin until December 1, 2020.

 

  • Additionally, some policies may include a pre-existing condition clause. Please read your policy carefully for full details.

 

  • Please be aware there are certain coverages that may be subject to federal and state tax when premium is paid by pretax deduction or employee contribution.

 

  • An employee taking a leave of absence, other than under the Family & Medical Leave Act, may not be eligible to re-enter the Flexible Benefits Program until the next plan year. Please contact your Benefit Administrator for more information.

Wake County Public Schools The FSAStore 2021

FLEX SPENDING WITH ZERO GUESSWORK

Your Health, Your Funds, Your Choice

Take control of your health and wellness with guaranteed FSA-eligible essentials. Pierce Group Benefits partners with the FSAstore 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 FSAstore 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 FSAstore rewards program

Accessing the FSAStore is easy. Simply visit www.FSAstore.com! BONUS: Get $20 off any order of $200+ with code PGBF20 (one use per customer).

NEED HELP? WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED!

FSAstore Customer Service

FSAstore Frequently Asked Questions

Wake County Public Schools Important FSA Information 2021

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do I check my account balance?

You can check your real-time balance online by logging into MyAmeriflex or through the MyAmeriflex Mobile App. Ameriflex also provides 24/7 access to automated account information via telephone. Call 888.868.FLEX (3539) and follow the prompts to listen to balance and transaction information for your account.

How do I order a new card?

You can request a free replacement card online through your Ameriflex account or through the MyAmeriflex Mobile App.

What happens if I don’t use my FSA account balance by the end the year?

By law, employers are not allowed to return leftover money to participants. Furthermore, funds are forfeited if you leave your employer.

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.

How do these programs save me money on taxes?

Since the accounts are tax-advantaged, you get to leverage pre-tax payroll deductions — increasing your take-home pay and saving you money on everyday expenses. In many cases, you can experience savings of up to 40% on expenses eligible under your employer-sponsored plan.

Can I change my annual election amount?

FSA elections are irrevocable and cannot be changed during the period of coverage unless there is a permitted change in election event, such as a change in marital status, birth or adoption of a child, change in an employment status, etc. The event and contribution change must coincide.

How can I change my reimbursement setting to add direct deposit?

To set up direct deposit, simply login to MyAmeriflex, select reimbursement settings under the my account tab, then enter your banking information. We also offer a paper direct deposit form that can be mailed, faxed, or emailed to Ameriflex.

Will pre-taxing have an impact on Social Security benefits?

Reductions in your taxable pay may lead to a reduction in Social Security benefits; however, for most employees, the reduction in Social Security benefits is insignificant when compared to the value of paying lower taxes now.

Tax Credits vs. Dependent Care Spending Accounts

If you participate in a Dependent Care Spending Account, you cannot claim credits on your income tax return for the same expenses. Also, any amount reimbursed under this plan will reduce the amount of other dependent care expenses that you can claim for purposes of tax credits. Before you enroll in a Dependent Day Care Account, evaluate whether the federal income tax credit or the Dependent Care Spending Account is best for you.

ONE-TIME CLAIM FOR DEPENDENT CARE SERVICES

Ameriflex makes it easy to get reimbursed automatically from your account as your funds build up during the year. If you’re paying for childcare or elderly care each month, you can avoid submitting a manual claim every month to get reimbursed for expenses you paid out of pocket. All you have to do is submit one Claim Form for the entire year that shows the date range for which childcare/eldercare services will be provided, along with a signature from the service provider on the designated line of the form. As long as the form is signed by the provider, no receipt is needed. Once the recurring claim has been processed, Ameriflex will automatically reimburse you every month with a check or direct deposit as funds in your Dependent Care Account become available.

Wake County Public Schools Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) 2021

You made a great decision by enrolling in a flexible spending account (FSA) and/or dependent care account (DCA)! Now that you’ve gotten the difficult decisions out of the way, use this packet to learn how to best take advantage of your account. Let’s get started!

 

HOW YOUR FSA WORKS

Your FSA is a spending account that can be used to pay for a variety of healthcare expenses.

 

TWO GREAT PERKS COME WITH YOUR FSA:

  1. You will have access to your entire election on the first day of the plan year.

  2. 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. That means you are increasing your take-home pay simply by participating!

 

WHAT CAN I SPEND MY FSA FUNDS ON?

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

  • Copays, deductibles, and other payments you are responsible for under your health plan.

  • Routine exams, dental care, prescription drugs, eye care, and hearing aids.

  • Prescription glasses and sunglasses.

  • Certain over-the-counter (OTC) healthcare expenses such as Band-aids, medicine, First Aid supplies, etc. Note: OTC medicines require a doctor’s prescription to be eligible.

  • Diabetic equipment and supplies, durable medical equipment, and qualified medical products or services provided by a doctor.

 

HOW YOUR DCA WORKS

Your DCA is a spending account that can be used to pay for services like daycare, nursery school, and elder care. By simply participating in a DCA, you get to experience benefits like:

  1. A higher take-home pay thanks to your pre-tax payroll deductions

  2. Savings on daycare and other dependent care services you’re already paying for

  3. Easy-to-use MyAmeriflex Debit Mastercard to make purchases

 

WHAT CAN I SPEND MY DCA FUNDS ON?

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

  • Daycare

  • Custodial care for dependent adults

  • Summer day camp

  • Nanny service

  • Before and after school programs

  • Pre-school

  • Nursery school

 

GETTING STARTED CHECKLIST

Use this checklist to take full advantage of all the great resources made available to you through your Flexible Spending Account and/or Dependent Care Account.

  1. Set Up Your MyAmeriflex Account

    MyAmeriflex is where you’ll have real-time access to all of your account information, including your current balance, transaction history, payment status, and more. To register your account, visit myameriflex.com, select “Login to your account,” and click “Participants.” Then click the “New User” link to get started. You will be asked to enter an Employee ID, which will be your Social Security number with no dashes or spaces, as well as a Registration ID, which will either be your Ameriflex Debit Mastercard number or Employer ID. If you don’t know your Employer ID, please reach out to your HR representative or contact the Ameriflex Participants Services team at 888.868.FLEX (3539).

  2. Download Mobile App

    The MyAmeriflex App lets you access and manage your account anywhere you go, 24/7. It puts all of the great features of the MyAmeriflex Portal right at your fingertips. You can download the app on the Apple App Store and Google Play.

  3. Register for Complimentary ID Theft Protection

    Ameriflex is pleased to offer our cardholders complimentary access to Mastercard’s comprehensive Identity Theft Protection program*, powered by CSID®. You can rest assured knowing that if your MyAmeriflex Debit Mastercard (or any other debit/credit cards you choose to register!) gets misplaced or stolen, you can utilize Mastercard’s industry-leading ID theft protection and restoration services for everything you may need. To register, visit myameriflex.com/IDtheftprotection.

  4. Use Your Card

    You will receive a MyAmeriflex Debit Mastercard that can be used to make eligible purchases. Your card will be mailed within 7-10 business days after your enrollment is processed by Ameriflex.

  5. Enroll for Direct Deposit

    By enrolling for direct deposit, getting reimbursed is easier and faster anytime you need to pay for an eligible expenses out of pocket. Login to MyAmeriflex to set up direct deposit.

  6. Start Spending

    You’re ready to make purchases! Be sure to hang on to your receipts anytime you make a purchase. Login to MyAmeriflex for a full list of eligible expenses.

 

The “Use It or Lose It” 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 it or lose it” 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.

 

HOW DO I PAY FOR ELIGIBLE EXPENSES?

Using Your MyAmeriflex Debit Mastercard®

The easiest way to pay for eligible expenses is to use your MyAmeriflex Debit Mastercard®, which provides you with access to your FSA accounts (healthcare or dependent care) with a single card. The MyAmeriflex Card works just like a regular debit card, but with three important differences:

  • Its use is limited to specific merchants* and to expenses deemed eligible by your plan.

  • You cannot use your MyAmeriflex Card at an ATM or to obtain “cash back” when making a purchase.

  • When using the card at self-service merchant terminals, you may select the ‘credit’ option to sign for your purchase, if offered a choice. If you are prompted to enter a Personal Identification Number (PIN) and do not have it, ask the provider to process the transaction so that you may sign the receipt. (To set up a PIN, register your account online at myameriflex.com/register.)

Use of the MyAmeriflex Card is limited to day care providers; medical care providers such as hospitals, doctors’ offices, optometrists, dentist, orthodontists, pharmacies, or other merchants providing prescription and overthe- counter eligible products. Your card cannot be used at non-qualified businesses such as gas stations, retailers, convenience stores, etc.

 

Filing A Manual Claim

If you do not use your MyAmeriflex Card to pay for an eligible expense, you can also pay for the expenses out-ofpocket and then get reimbursed from your FSA by filing a manual claim. To file a manual claim, simply complete the Claim Form (myameriflex.com/claim-form) and send it to Ameriflex along with verification of the claim. Acceptable forms of verification include itemized receipts and the Explanation of Benefits (EOB) from your insurance carrier.

Claims can be submitted through the following methods:

 

Other Helpful Information

What if there’s not enough money in my account?

If you charge more than the available balance in your account, the transaction will be denied. You can obtain your current account balance by logging in to your account from the Ameriflex website (myameriflex.com/ register to get started) or by calling the Interactive Voice Response System (available 24/7) at 888.868.FLEX (3539).

Do I need my receipts?

Please save all your receipts as proof that FSA funds were used to pay for eligible expenses! For certain expenses, Ameriflex may need additional information (including receipts) to verify eligibility of the expense and to comply with IRS rules. That’s why it’s important to save your receipts and fax or mail them promptly if requested. Failure to comply could jeopardize the tax-exempt status of your account and cause the card to be deactivated.

 

ALWAYS KNOW EXACTLY HOW MUCH IS IN YOUR ACCOUNT!

Receive balance alerts straight to your cell phone upon your request. For instructions on how to set it up, visit: myameriflex.com/text-my-balance

Wake County Public Schools Enrollment Assistance – BenSelect 2021

HELPFUL TIPS:

– If you are a new employee and unable to log into the online system, please speak with the Benefits Representative assigned to your location, or contact Human Resources.

– If you are an existing employee and unable to log into the online system, please contact Pierce Group Benefits at 888-662-7500 between 8:30am and 5:00pm, or speak with the Benefits Representative assigned to your location.

FOLLOW THE STEPS BELOW TO COMPLETE THE ENROLLMENT PROCESS: 

1. Go to https://harmony.benselect.com/wcpss
– Enter your User Name: Full Employee ID Number
– Enter your PIN: Last 4 numbers of your Employee ID Number followed by Four Digit Birth Year (ex. 43211980)

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

3. Choose a security question and enter answer [__________].

4. Confirm (or enter) an email address.

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

6. From the welcome screen click “Next”.

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

CANCER ASSIST
You may enroll online in Cancer Assist coverage.

DISABILITY – NCK1000
3000 You may enroll online in NCK1000 coverage.

ACCIDENT 1.0
You may enroll online in Accident 1.0; however, persons over age 64 applying for coverage and employees wishing to purchase an individual policy for their spouse should speak with the Benefits Representative.

MEDICAL BRIDGE
You may enroll online in Medical Bridge coverage.

CRITICAL CARE
You may enroll online in Critical Care coverage.

TERM LIFE 5000
You may enroll online in Term Life 5000; however, employees wishing to purchase an individual policy for their spouse should speak with the Benefits Representative.

WHOLE LIFE 5000
You may enroll online in Whole Life 5000; however, employees wishing to purchase an individual policy for their spouse should speak with the Benefits Representative.

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

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

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

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

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

15. Click ‘Log Out’.

Wake County Public Schools Enrollment Assistance – Benefitfocus 2021

HELPFUL TIPS:

– If you are a new employee and unable to log into the online system, please contact your Health Benefits Representative.

– If you are an existing employee and unable to log into the online system, please contact the HR InTouch Help Desk at 1-855-859-0966.

FOLLOW THE STEPS BELOW TO COMPLETE THE ENROLLMENT PROCESS: 

1. Go to https://harmony.benselect.com/wcpss

– Login ID: Your first name and then first initial of your last name and then last digits of your social security number.

– Initial Password: Your social security number without spaces or dashes.

Ex. Employee Jone Doe with SSN 111-222-3333, Login ID is JohnD333 and Password is 1112223333

Note: Some agencies may have an alternate login format. Please refer to the login format on your HR InTouch login screen to confirm the format being used by your agency.

2. Logging in for the first time

– You will be prompted to create a new password and answer a secret question. Please see the HR InTouch screen for more information.

3. Click Enroll Now

– Select the link titled Enroll Now! on the right side of your screen.

4. Review and/or edit your basic information

– Select My Basic Information and review for accuracy.

5. Review and/or edit your annual enrollment elections

– Select My Benefits to review and/or change your benefit elections. On the right hand of the screen under My Open Enrollment benefits, select the benefit offer name that you would like to edit or review.

6. Making changes to your elections

– To change your plan, coverage level or persons covered, select the corresponding Edit button next to each section.

Note: You will be asked questions only as they relate to your election. Please be as complete as possible when answering questions to ensure your enrollment is processed successfully.

7. Review and print your benefit summary

– To view or print a summary of your elections, click on the tab in the top left corner of your screen titled My Home. On the right hand side of your screen, click on the report titled My Employee Detail Report.

Note: This report displays BOTH your current and Annual Enrollment elections. Annual Enrollment elections are below your current elections on the report.

8. Log out of HR InTouch using the logout button

Wake County Public Schools Important Information About Your Enrollment 2021

IN PERSON

During your open enrollment period, a Pierce Group Benefits representative will be available by appointment to answer any questions you may have and to assist you in the enrollment process.

ONLINE

You may enroll or make changes online to your FSA, Dental and Vision. To enroll online, please visit https://wcpss.hrintouch.com

You may enroll or make changes online to your Colonial Supplemental Insurance. To enroll online, please visit https://harmony.benselect.com/wcpss

ENROLLMENT PERIOD: SEPTEMBER 7, 2020 – NOVEMBER 6, 2020*

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

– Enroll/Re-Enroll in Flexible Spending Accounts⁺ (Medical Reimbursement and Dependent Care)**.

– Enroll, change or cancel your Vision Insurance.

– Enroll, change or cancel your Dental Insurance.

– Enroll, change or cancel your Colonial products.

You will need to re-sign for the spending accounts if you want them to continue each year. 

*Elections made during this enrollment period may not be changed after 5:00 p.m. on November 6, 2020. The only exception is for a qualified status change as defined by the Internal Revenue Service Code. A family status change must initiate the plan change within 30 days of the qualifying event.

**Employees enrolling in the Flexible Spending Accounts will need to read and agree to the FSA Administrative Fee during the online enrollment process. This Fee must be selected in order for you to select your Health Care FSA and/or Dependent Care FSA amount(s).

ACCESS YOUR BENEFITS ONLINE WHENEVER, WHEREVER.

You can view details about your benefits, view educational videos about all of your benefits, download forms, chat with one of our knowledgeable Service Center Specialists, and more on your personalized Pierce Group Benefits website. Our website is also mobile friendly, making it easy to view your plan information on the go!

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 this booklet including premiums quoted is subject to change. All policy descriptions are for information purposes only. Your actual policies may be different than those in this booklet.

Wake County Public Schools Benefits Plan Overview 2021

Pre-Tax Benefits

Flexible Spending Accounts*: Ameriflex

– Medical Reimbursement Maximum: $2,750/year | Minimum $100/year

– Dependent Care Reimbursement Maximum: $5,000/year | Minimum: $100/year

*You will need to re-sign for the spending accounts if you want them to continue next year.

IF YOU DO NOT RE-SIGN, YOUR CONTRIBUTION WILL STOP EFFECTIVE DECEMBER 31, 2020.

Dental Insurance: Delta

Vision Insurance: Superior

Cancer Benefits: Colonial Life

Accident Benefits: Colonial Life

Medical Bridge Benefits: Colonial Life

 

Post-Tax Benefits

Disability Benefits: Colonial Life

Critical Care Benefits: Colonial Life

Life Insurance: Colonial Life

– Term Life Insurance

– Whole Life Insurance

– Group Term Life Insurance

 

Enrollment Period: SEPTEMBER 7, 2020 – NOVEMBER 6, 2020

Effective Dates: JANUARY 1, 2021 – DECEMBER 31, 2021

 

QUALIFICATIONS:

– You must be a full-time permanent employee (30 hours or more per week) or a classroom teacher in a job-sharing position and enrolled in the Teachers’ and State Employees’ Retirement System of North Carolina to be eligible to participate.

IMPORTANT FACTS:

– The plan year for Colonial Insurance products, Spending Accounts, Delta Dental, Colonial Group Term Life and Superior Vision lasts from January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2021.

– Deductions for Colonial Insurance products, Spending Accounts and Colonial Group Term Life will begin January 2021. Deductions for Delta Dental and Superior Vision will begin December 2020.

– 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.

PLEASE NOTE: Pierce Group Representatives are not authorized to assist employees with their SHP enrollment or make SHP enrollment elections on an employee’s behalf.

– 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.

– Elections made during this enrollment period CANNOT BE CHANGED AFTER THE ENROLLMENT PERIOD unless there is a family status change as defined by the Internal Revenue Code. Examples of a family status change are: marriage, divorce, death of a spouse or child, birth or adoption of a child, termination or commencement of a spouse’s employment, or the transition of spouse’s employment from full-time to part-time, or vice-versa.

– Once a family status change has occurred, an employee has 30 days to notify the North Carolina Service Center at 1-888-662-7500 to request a change in elections.

– Flexible Spending Account expenses must be incurred during the Plan Year in order to be eligible for reimbursement.

– An employee has 90 days after the plan year ends to submit claims for spending account expenses that were incurred during the plan year. Please note that if employment terminates during the plan year, that employee’s plan year ends the day employment ends. The employee has 90 days after the termination date to submit claims.

– With Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, the maximum reimbursement you can request is equal to the current account balance in your Dependent Care account. You cannot be reimbursed more than has actually been deducted from your pay.

– The Colonial Cancer plan and the Health Screening Rider on the Colonial Accident and Colonial Medical Bridge plan have a 30-day waiting period for new enrollees. Coverage, therefore, will not begin until January 31, 2021.

Additionally, some policies may include a pre-existing condition clause. Please read your policy carefully for full details.

– Please be aware there are certain coverages that may be subject to federal and state tax when premium is paid by pretax deduction or employee contribution.

– An employee taking a leave of absence, other than under the Family & Medical Leave Act, may not be eligible to re-enter the Flexible Benefits Program until the next plan year. Please contact your Benefit Administrator for more information.

Scotland County Schools The FSAStore 2021

Pierce Group Benefits partners with the FSAStore to provide one convenient location for all your FSA eligible purchases. Through this partnership, Pierce Group and the FSAStore can help you shop for FSA eligible items, search for local and eligible physicians, and answer the many questions that come along with having a Flexible Spending Account.

 

The FSAstore focuses on three main channels to help you better understand your benefits and eligible services and products as an FSA participant:

 

  • Products – Shop for more than 4,000 FSA eligible products
  • Services – Find FSA eligible services and providers in your area
  • Learning Center – Learn more about your FSA and get answers to your questions
Accessing the FSAStore is easy. Simply visit www.FSAStore.com!

Scotland County Schools Important FSA Information 2021

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do I check my account balance?

You can check your real-time balance online by logging into MyAmeriflex or through the MyAmeriflex Mobile App. Ameriflex also provides 24/7 access to automated account information via telephone. Call 888.868.FLEX (3539) and follow the prompts to listen to balance and transaction information for your account.

How do I order a new card?

You can request a free replacement card online through your Ameriflex account or through the MyAmeriflex Mobile App.

What happens if I don’t use my FSA account balance by the end the year?

By law, employers are not allowed to return leftover money to participants. Furthermore, funds are forfeited if you leave your employer.

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.

How do these programs save me money on taxes?

Since the accounts are tax-advantaged, you get to leverage pre-tax payroll deductions — increasing your take-home pay and saving you money on everyday expenses. In many cases, you can experience savings of up to 40% on expenses eligible under your employer-sponsored plan.

Can I change my annual election amount?

FSA elections are irrevocable and cannot be changed during the period of coverage unless there is a permitted change in election event, such as a change in marital status, birth or adoption of a child, change in an employment status, etc. The event and contribution change must coincide.

How can I change my reimbursement setting to add direct deposit?

To set up direct deposit, simply login to MyAmeriflex, select reimbursement settings under the my account tab, then enter your banking information. We also offer a paper direct deposit form that can be mailed, faxed, or emailed to Ameriflex.

Will pre-taxing have an impact on Social Security benefits?

Reductions in your taxable pay may lead to a reduction in Social Security benefits; however, for most employees, the reduction in Social Security benefits is insignificant when compared to the value of paying lower taxes now.

Tax Credits vs. Dependent Care Spending Accounts

If you participate in a Dependent Care Spending Account, you cannot claim credits on your income tax return for the same expenses. Also, any amount reimbursed under this plan will reduce the amount of other dependent care expenses that you can claim for purposes of tax credits. Before you enroll in a Dependent Day Care Account, evaluate whether the federal income tax credit or the Dependent Care Spending Account is best for you.

ONE-TIME CLAIM FOR DEPENDENT CARE SERVICES

Ameriflex makes it easy to get reimbursed automatically from your account as your funds build up during the year. If you’re paying for childcare or elderly care each month, you can avoid submitting a manual claim every month to get reimbursed for expenses you paid out of pocket. All you have to do is submit one Claim Form for the entire year that shows the date range for which childcare/eldercare services will be provided, along with a signature from the service provider on the designated line of the form. As long as the form is signed by the provider, no receipt is needed. Once the recurring claim has been processed, Ameriflex will automatically reimburse you every month with a check or direct deposit as funds in your Dependent Care Account become available.