IMPORTANT EMPLOYEE ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING FLEXIBLE SPENDING
In a continued effort to improve Ashland University’s employee benefit programs, we are delighted to announce Discovery Benefits of Fargo, North Dakota will be administering our Flexible Spending Plan effective January 1, 2013. We are excited about the enhanced features Discovery Benefits provides that will make the plan more efficient and convenient for you.
Mobile Application
Discovery Benefits offers a free mobile application for the iPhone and any Android device. The App has many features to help you manage your account anywhere! You will now be able to file claims, upload receipts, check balances, view filing dates and contact Discovery Benefits via the App. Your data transfer will be secure as Discovery Benefits utilizes a 128-bit SSL on all mobile transmissions and a passcode is required each time you enter the App. No pictures are stored on the phone, so you can rest and be assured your information is safe. The App is available on iTunes Store and Google Play Store.
Easy to Use Website
To obtain account information (balance, claims status, printable forms, etc.), you will be able to log on to the Discovery Benefits Consumer Portal (www.discoverybenefits.com). You will receive a welcome letter, via email if you choose to provide your email address on the Flexible Spending Enrollment Worksheet. This welcome letter will include instructions on how to access your online account.
Debit Card Available at No Additional Charge
All employees that enroll in Flexible Spending will receive two (2) debit cards free of charge from Discovery Benefits. Debit cards for dependents may be requested on the Consumer Portal. There is no additional charge for replacing lost or stolen cards. Eligible purchases made using the debit card will be automatically withdrawn from your Flexible Spending Account so you don’t incur out-of-pocket expenses. Flexible Spending debit card purchases need to be verified to satisfy the IRS. Discovery Benefits offers an extensive list of merchants where purchases can be verified at the point of sale so you don’t need to provide receipts. Purchases made outside of the list of merchants will need to be verified by Discovery Benefits, so please keep your receipts.
Online Claim Submission
Discovery Benefits not only accepts claims by mail or fax, but also has an option for employees to submit claims online by uploading receipts to the Discovery Benefits website. Please note Discovery Benefits requires a $25.00 claims minimum to allow for processing.
What This Change in Provider Means for Employees Currently Enrolled in Flexible Spending
EBMC will continue to process all flexible spending claims for 2012. Flexible Spending expenses incurred through December 31, 2012 need to be submitted to EBMC by March 31, 2013. Employees who currently have the Benny Card will no longer be able to use it after December 31, 2012 and should destroy the card at that time.
Changes in IRS Maximum Contribution to Flexible Spending Accounts
The IRS has set the maximum contribution to a Medical FSA at $2,500 for 2013. The Dependent Care maximum will remain $5,000.
We sincerely hope these new enhancements will simply improve what is already a valuable tax-savings benefit.
