Healthcare Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) plans allow you to use pretax dollars to pay for eligible expenses for you and your qualified dependents.  You are eligible to enroll in a Healthcare FSA if you are enrolled in the following medical plans:  PPO1, PPO2, HMO, Traditional, or No Coverage.

• Enrollment must take place during the new hire benefit election period or open enrollment period.  Your FSA election cannot be changed unless you have a qualifying life event.
• All funds are available for use on January 1st.
• Eligible expenses must take place during the plan year.  All claims for the prior plan year must be submitted by April 30th.
• The IRS allows carryover of some funds into the next plan year.  See the FAQ page for the current allowed amounts.

Video: FSA: A flexible Way to Save

Document: List of Healthcare FSA Qualified Medical Expenses

Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA) plans allow you to use pretax dollars to reimburse yourself for eligible child care and adult care expenses. 

• Funds are available for reimbursement as they are deposited into your account.
• Funds are typically deposited by 1-2 business days after payday.
• If your care needs change, you can adjust your election throughout the year.
• Eligible dependents include children under age 13 whom you claim as an exemption on your federal tax return and qualified relatives unable to care for themselves.
• All funds must be used by December 31st, there is no carryover of funds into the following year.  You have until April 30th of the following year to submit receipts for reimbursement for the prior plan year.

Video: DCFSA: Turn Caregiving into Tax Savings

Document: List of Dependent Care FSA Qualified Expenses

Need to make a mid-year update to your Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account contributions?  See our job aid for instructions on how to update your contributions in Workday.

Health Savings Account (HSA) plans allow you to set aside money on a pretax basis to pay for eligible medical expenses.  The HSA can only be used if you are enrolled in the High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP/PPO). 

• Contributions are available as they are deposited to your account.  Contributions are typically deposited the same day as payday, but can be delayed by one or two business days, especially around holidays. 
• All of your HSA funds can be rolled over from year to year (including into retirement).
• You can adjust your contributions to your HSA throughout the year to match your budget.  To adjust your contributions, follow these instructions in Workday.
• You have the option to invest any funds in your account in excess of $1,000.
• Oakland County contributes to the HSA based on single or family coverage.  50% of this contribution is front-loaded, the other 50% is prorated throughout the rest of the year.  Please see the FAQ page for current contribution amounts.  You do not need to contribute to an HSA in order to receive the County contribution.

You cannot contribute to or receive a County contribution to an HSA if any of the following apply:

• You are enrolled in other medical coverage beyond the HDHP/PPO (including Medicare).
  • Please note that if you are enrolling in Medicare upon separating from Oakland County employment, Medicare will backdate enrolling in Part A by six months or to your 65th birthday if less than six months has passed since turning age 65.  Any contributions made to an HSA during the backdate will be disqualified and taxes will apply.  Medicare advises applicants over age 65 cease contributions up to six months prior to applying for Medicare.
• You are claimed as a dependent on someone else's tax returns.
• You have received Veterans Administration health benefits within the last three months (except for preventative care).

Video: Spend. Save. Invest

Document: Health Savings Account Information

Document: List of Health Savings Account Qualified Medical Expenses

A portion of your Healthcare FSA funds can be rolled over from year to year.  Please see the FAQ information on this page to verify the roll over amount for the current year.

If you have excess funds that need to be spent before the end of the year, here are some tips:

• Get refills on any prescriptions that are eligible for a refill.
• FSA funds can be used for dental and vision items too!  For a full list of FSA eligible items, click HERE.
• Use the barcode scanner within the EZReceipts app to scan items at the store to determine eligibility.  One you've signed into the app, tap the plus sign at the bottom of the screen and tap "Barcode Scanner" to access this feature.
• Visit the FSA store and use your HealthEquity card at checkout.  FSA Store
• Search "FSA eligible items" in Amazon and use your HealthEquity card at checkout:  Amazon

A link to FSA/HSA Frequently Asked Questions can be found here.

Video: FSA vs HSA: Which account is right for me?