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Flexible Spending Accounts

Administered by the P&A Group - 1-800-688-2611 (select Option #1); www.padmin.com, www.mbicard.com

What is a Flexible Spending Account? (FSA)

  • FSAs allow you to elect to pay (through payroll deduction) certain expenses using pre-tax dollars to pay for anticipated, unreimbursed medical expenses (as defined in IRS Codes) or to cover dependent care expenses during the fiscal year (July-June).
  • Flexible Spending Account Brochure
Is there a list of eligible medical expenses that an employee can claim using a Flexible Spending Account?
  • Yes - here is a sample list. Please note that some items may require physicians documentation. If you are unsure if an expense is eligible for reimbursement, please call P&A Group at 1-800-688-2611 (select Option #1). Business hours are Monday through Friday 8:30am to 5:00 pm EST.
Who is eligible to participate in the Flexible Spending Account program?
  • All regular and part-time regular employees. An employee does not need to be enrolled in the Town's health and dental insurance program.
What is the benefit of a Flexible Spending Account?
  • Your pre-tax salary is reduced by a specified amount each payroll based on your anticipated eligible expenses, which reduces the amount of Federal, State, and Social Security taxes you pay in each check.
When may an employee enroll in a Flexible Spending Account?
  • A new employee may enroll within 30 days of hire.
  • Because flexible spending deductions are "pre tax," the plans are governed by IRS guidelines that provide an "Open Enrollment" period one time per benefit year. This Open Enrollment period allows you to begin or continue your flexible spending account deductions. Announcements regarding this period are made in advance of the event.
  • Exceptions to having to wait until the "Open Enrollment" period are known as "qualifying events"; i.e., birth of a child, marriage, divorce, etc. You have 30 days from the date of the event to make changes. Proof of the qualifying event is required. Contact your HR Assistant for additional information on what is considered a qualifying event.
  • The "Open Enrollment" period will be advertised on the C-Net Events/Training Calendar.
How does an employee get reimbursed with a Flexible Spending Account?
  • Employees may use their MBI Flex Convenience Card or may fax a claim for reimbursement using the P&A Flexible Spending Account Claim Form to 1-877-855-7105. Note: An employee must "use up" his/her entire election or the dollars will be lost (IRS Regulations).
  • Flexible Spending Account Claim Form (html)
  • Request to Receive Additional MBI Flex Convenience Card
  • Employees that need to request additional flex convenience cards for spouse and dependents (usually H.S. or College students) need to fill out the request form and only need to put the last 4 digits of their SS# on the form, BUT they need to give the full SS# of the spouse or dependent because of security and authorization issues. For those who are concerned about identity theft, keep in mind that the P&A system is totally paperless and faxes sent to them are images that are routed electronically and sent to the PCs of processors, so there is no paper generated and laying around for just anyone to pick up.
What should I do if my flex card is lost or stolen?
  • P&A Group has set up a place on their website for employees to report their debit card lost or stolen. Go to www.padmin.com. Then go to the PARTICIPANTS tab. Then click on REQUEST/REPLACE DEBIT CARD. There will be a box on this form for the employee to check whether it was lost or stolen.
Who may an employee call with questions about a Flexible Spending Account? Are there any drug discount programs available?
  • Yes - Through the P&A Administrator's website, you can now purchase over-the-counter medications at discounted prices, and shipping/handling charges are waived on purchases of $15 or more. In addition to the savings, and added convenience is that you do not need to save or submit receipts when you make your over-the-counter purchases online!

The employee benefits information posted on this website is intended to provide details and helpful information regarding benefits available to current employees of the Town of Cary. These benefits are also described in detail in contracts with the Town of Cary and/or in Town policy. The provisions of the contracts and Town policies are controlling and subject to change. None of the conditions or limitations thereof are waived or modified by reason of omission or misstatement on this website.