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Eligibility

Employees enrolled in the Surest medical plan, those not enrolled in ORNL’s medical benefits, or those employees not eligible for a Health Savings Account can enroll in the HCFSA. An employee’s annual contribution can range from $100 to $3,400.

Contributing to a Health Care FSA

  • When you enroll you choose how much money you want to contribute to your HCFSA up to the ORNL allowed amount. Your contributions are deducted from your pay in equal installments throughout the year before taxes are withheld.
  • You may contribute from $100 to $3,400 on a pre-tax basis to your HCFSA. How much you contribute depends on what you expect to pay for eligible medical expenses on eligible dependents.
  • You cannot change your annual contribution to your account after you make your election without a qualifying mid-year event. The funds in your account do not roll over annually, and any unused funds will be forfeited after a 2.5-month grace period.

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Important HCFSA Rules

Because HCFSAs are regulated by the IRS, there are some rules to remember.

  • Eligibility for reimbursement. The expenses must be qualified medical expenses for eligible dependents.
  • Determine your contributions carefully. Once you’ve made your HCFSA election, you cannot change your contributions during the year unless you experience a qualifying life event. You have 30 days from the date of the qualifying event to change your HCFSA election.
  • The grace period. IRS regulations provide for a 2½ month grace period for HCFSA only, which will allow you to file claims for expenses incurred through March 15, 2027.
  • Use it or lose it. Be sure to estimate your expenses and HCFSA contributions carefully. IRS rules prohibit the return of any unused funds. However, you have until March 31, 2027, to request reimbursement from Optum Bank.
  • No double-dipping. You can only claim eligible expenses once — either for reimbursement from your HCFSA or as a tax deduction on your federal income tax return.

IRS Publication 502 (“Medical and Dental Expenses”) contains a detailed explanation of eligible and ineligible medical expenses and is available online at IRS.gov.

To find eligible expenses for your Heath Care Flexible Spending Account, visit optumbank.com

Learn More

For more detailed plan information and a list of eligible and ineligible expenses, visit the Optum Bank’s website at optumbank.com. Optum Bank’s customer support center is available 24/7 at 800-243-5543.