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Flexible Benefit Plan – Section 125

What Is A Flexible Benefit Plan and How Will The Plan Benefit Me? 

A Flexible Benefit Plan, also known as a Section 125 Plan, is part of a cafeteria plan that allows employees to purchase certain benefits with pre-tax dollars. This plan is put into place to assist in paying for AUSD Group Insurance Premiums as well as allowing you to put aside an elected amount for Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).  If you elect to participate in any of the accounts, you will save Federal, State, Social Security and Medicare taxes on every dollar contributed to the plan. For many employees, that means a savings of 20-40% on every dollar put into this plan. Enrollment in these plans will reduce your reportable income; therefore, your Social Security Benefits may be affected by your election.  However, most will find that the tax savings far outweigh the potential negative impact.

In most cases, you need to spend the funds in your account within the plan year.  However, you do have a 90-day period after the end of the plan year to submit your Health Care or Dependent Daycare expenses.  Any claims submitted after this period will be denied and any funds you had available will be forfeited.  It is important that you plan appropriately and ensure you submit claims for timely reimbursement.

2024-2025 Plan maximums 

Health Spending Account- $3,200 (2025 IRS Tax limit is $3,300)

Dependent Care Plan- $5,000

For plan details and more information on eligible expenses for the healthcare or dependent care FSA, please review the SASI FSA Employee Kit: Section 125 Employee Kit  or refer to the IRS guidelines available online. For information regarding the Transportation Program, please review the Transportation Program Kit.

Reimbursement

FSA participants can receive a Debit Card that will allow you to pay for eligible expenses at the point of sale or service and automatically deducts the expense from your Flex account.  While using the Debit Card allows you to directly pay for services and not be out‐of‐pocket for your expenses, it’s important to remember to keep your receipts. While the card reduces the majority of the paperwork required for flexible spending, it does not eliminate the paperwork completely. This is because the IRS requires documentation on all claims that don’t match the District’s health and prescription co‐pay amounts. For example, using the card to purchase over‐the‐counter medications will still require you to submit documentation.

You can also receive reimbursement through SASI's online system.  You can register at their site, complete the online claim form; upload your receipts and even have your reimbursement directly deposited into your checking account. 

You will have 90 days from the end of the Plan Year to submit a request for reimbursement of expenses incurred during the Plan Year. Claims submitted after this time period has ended will be denied as ineligible.  The current plan year ends August 31, 2024.  Please make sure all claims for reimbursement are submitted by November 29, 2024.

Effective January 1, 2020, new IRS rules make certain over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and medicines eligible for reimbursement under your Health Spending Plan without a prescription from your physician.  The information below is important for you to know as you begin to think about your healthcare FSA contribution for the new plan year.  Visit FSA Store for a full list of eligible and ineligible expenses under your Health Spending Plan.

 Eligible OTC Items (no prescription needed): *

Band Aids

*Braces & Supports *Elastic Bandages & Wraps *Reading Glasses *Birth Control *Contact Lens Solutions & Supplies *First Aid Supplies *Acid Controllers *Acne Medication *Allergy & Sinus Medication *Antibiotic Products *Anti-Diarrheal Medication *Anti-Fungal/Anti-Itch Treatments *Anti-Gas Medication *Anti-Itch & Insect Bite Treatments *Anti-Parasitic Treatments *Baby Rash Ointments/Creams *Cold Sore Remedies *Cough, Cold & Flu Medications *

Digestive Aids 

*Eye Drops *Feminine Hygiene Products *Hemorrhoid Preps *Laxatives *Motion Sickness Treatments *Pain Relief Medication *Respiratory Treatments *Sleep Aids & Sedatives