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Check your FSA, HRA or T&P account information here:
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Eligible Expense List
What expenses are eligible for reimbursement under a cafeteria/flex plan?
Tax Calculator
How much can you save in taxes by participating in cafeteria/flex and transit & parking plans?
Entering your claim online is quick and convenient:
Participants/Employees
Frequently Asked Questions
for Flexible Spending Account Participants
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General
1. What is the cutoff time for claims?
The cutoff time is 2:00 pm (Pacific Standard Time) the day before payout.
2. My employer offers the payment card, how does this work?
Payment cards are a payment option for Flexible Spending Accounts. This card works at eligible providers where major credit cards are accepted and can be used whenever you incur a qualified Health Care or Dependent Care Spending account expense.
Here's how it works:
- The card holds your Health Care and/or Dependent Care account election(s) and can be used up to the maximum amount available.
- The card can be used at any qualified merchant where you might have eligible spending account expenses.
Important! To satisfy IRS substantiation rules, you MUST send the appropriate documentation for your claim to Creative Benefits. The documentation must include the service rendered, the date of service, who received the service and the amount charged. In addition, check the "Payment Card" box on your claim form. The IRS does not allow CB to accept credit card receipts as documentation.
3. How do I set up direct deposit of my reimbursements?
If your employer allows for this reimbursement option, you can log onto Your Account and sign-up for direct deposit under Personal Information or complete the Authorization for Direct Deposit and return this to us as indicated on the form.
and return this to us as indicated on the form.4. How do I find out more information about my employer’s plan?
To see the details, of your employer’s plan including items such as eligibility to participate, termination of employment, benefits available and claims run-out periods, please see your Summary Plan Description, which is available from your employer.
5. When do I get paid out?
You can find out when your next payout is scheduled by calling the IVR at 1-888-295-5656 or by logging into your account and viewing your Account History. Click here to access your account.
6. Why was only part of my claim paid?
The partial payment is explained in a letter that is mailed or e-mailed to you. You can also access this by logging into your account and viewing your Claims History. Click here to access your account. If still not clear, please give us a call at 1-888-295-5656.
7. The IVR indicates that my check has already been cut, but why haven't I received it yet?
Sometimes there is a delay at the post office. If you have not received your check thirty (30) days after the issue date, we can request a stop payment to be issued. Once the stop payment has been placed, we will reissue another check. If you have recently moved, please call 1-888-295-5656 to verify the address we have on record for you.
8. How can I notify you of a change of address?
You can log onto Your Account, click on Personal Information and update your address. Otherwise, you can use this Change of Address form , be sure to sign it, and mail or fax to us as instructed on the form. A signed change of address can also be scanned and e-mailed to Questions. Please include your Participant Identification Number (PID) assigned by CB or Social Security Number and your employer name.
, be sure to sign it, and mail or fax to us as instructed on the form. A signed change of address can also be scanned and e-mailed to Questions. Please include your Participant Identification Number (PID) assigned by CB or Social Security Number and your employer name.9. What is my balance?
Call the IVR at 1-888-295-5656 to hear the latest account information. You may also check Your Account Information online.
Claim Questions
10. Where do I get a claim form?
1. Click here to get an interactive claim form in PDF format that can be filled out online and then printed out.
2. Use the pulldown menu on the right to select a claim form.
3. Go to the claim forms page to select from more claim forms.
to get an interactive claim form in PDF format that can be filled out online and then printed out. 2. Use the pulldown menu on the right to select a claim form.
3. Go to the claim forms page to select from more claim forms.
11. How do I fill out a claim form?
See our Claim Form Example and 3 Easy Steps for help. Please call us at 1-888-295-5656 if you need further assistance.
and 3 Easy Steps for help. Please call us at 1-888-295-5656 if you need further assistance.12. How can I submit my claim?
You have three options. You can (1) Use our Online Claims Entry system: Login here to enter your FSA claims directly into the system. Then simply fax the claim transmittal form and your receipts to Creative Benefits at 1-888-295-5757 (or 760-758-4610). Your claim will be reviewed in record time! (2) Mail your claim to Creative Benefits, PO Box 1928, Vista, CA, 92085 or (3) Scan and e-mail your claim to Claims.
13. What kinds of substantiation documents do we need from a medical practitioner?
Generally, we need documentation that an individual has a diagnosed medical condition and that the treatment relates to the condition is enough for the expense to qualify as medical care. The documentation may be in the form of handwritten notes on a physician's prescription pad (e.g., a prescription needed to purchase prescription drugs). Prescription pads can also be used to note the need for a particular item that technically does not require a prescription (e.g., to recommend that a specific OTC drug or supplement be purchased to treat a specific condition). The practitioner may also give the participant a copy of medical chart notes or copies of completed portions of an employer's standard forms (e.g., for FMLA or return-to-work status). Or the practitioner may the jot down the participant's medical diagnosis with a statement that a named item is needed to treat that condition. At the participant's request, the practitioner may even keep the condition confidential, identifying only that there is a medical need for the particular item.
The documentation must also include the name of person incurring the expense, date of service, the amount charged as well as the services rendered.
14. Why can't my credit card or balance due receipt be used as an appropriate receipt?
The IRS has determined that credit card receipt statements, check carbons, canceled checks, or balance due statements do not provide enough information. Your documentation must include all of the following information: name of person incurring the expense, date of service, type of service, and the amount charged.
15. If an expense requires a Letter of Medical Necessity (LOMN), what does this need to include?
At times a Letter of Medical Necessity (LOMN) may be needed for expenses to be eligible. Click here to access a LOMN form . A LOMN is a certification from a doctor, typically on their letterhead, indicating:
Some examples of items that require a LOMN include massage therapy, air purifiers, humidifiers and capital expenditures.
. A LOMN is a certification from a doctor, typically on their letterhead, indicating:
- the specific medical condition/disorder
- the specific treatment needed
- the person who needs the treatment
- how this treatment will alleviate the medical condition/disorder
- the length of the treatment
Some examples of items that require a LOMN include massage therapy, air purifiers, humidifiers and capital expenditures.
Expense Questions
16. My employer allows for over-the-counter expenses to be reimbursed. What types of items may I claim?
Certain over-the-counter medicines, drugs or supplies are eligible for reimbursement under the Health Care Spending Account if they are being used to diagnose, treat or prevent a specific medical condition or for the purpose of affecting any function or structure of the body. Nutritional supplements (such as vitamins, herbal supplements and natural medicines) are not eligible unless you have been directed to use them by a licensed practitioner to treat a specific medical condition and the item is not consumed to maintain general health. A written directive from the practitioner is required for reimbursement.
17. How do I submit for mileage or parking expenses at a hospital?
Your mileage and parking expenses need to be accompanied by a medical receipt as part of your health care expense/claim. The rate for 2008 is 19 cents per mile.
18. Why isn't this expense covered?
The IRS determines what expenses are eligible for reimbursement under a flexible spending account plan. For a list of eligible expenses, click here . If you would like to inquire about the eligibility of a specific expense, please e-mail Questions or call 1-888-295-5656.
. If you would like to inquire about the eligibility of a specific expense, please e-mail Questions or call 1-888-295-5656.19. Is Kindergarten tuition an eligible expense?
No, the IRS considers kindergarten to be education and does not qualify as a day care expense.
20. Why wasn't my orthodontia claim paid in full?
Orthodontia expenses are handled a bit differently than any other healthcare type of expense. There are several ways to reimburse these expenses: (1) Orthodontia services can be reimbursed as services are provided (i.e.: monthly payments), or (2) Reimbursement can be made as payments are being made as long as the payment is proximate to the actual service being provided (can't reimburse for old debts), or (3) Up-front lump sum payments can be reimbursed provided they don't apply to services beyond the current plan year. If entire treatment is paid in one up-front lump sum payment, it should be prorated over the treatment period, which may span more than one plan year. Check with your employer for specific plan details regarding Orthodontia.
21. What do I need to submit for my orthodontia claim?
You will need to submit a copy of the orthodontia contract specifying start date, length of treatment, and total cost.