FBA BENEFITS CARD FAQ

*Please note these FAQs only apply to those employer groups that offer the FBA Benefits Card.

How does the Benefits Card work?

  • The Benefits Card enables you to use the card at eligible locations wherever Mastercard® is accepted, such as physician and dental offices, pharmacies, and vision service locations. Approved expenses are automatically deducted from your pre-tax flexible spending account saving you out of pocket expenses!
  • The FBA Benefits Card is intended only for, and restricted to, use for eligible services and/or purchases associated with your pre-tax account and incurred during the proper Plan Year, as governed by the Internal Revenue Service and all Federal and State laws.

When will I be required to provide documentation when I use my card?

  • IRS regulations require substantiation for any card swipe that is not considered a standard co-payment amount or is not a recurring expense that has previously been audited. If requested, documentation must include:
    • Date of Service
    • Patient//Dependent’s Name
    • Amount Charged
    • Provider/Merchant’s Name
    • Prescription Number or Name
    • Nature of Expense.
  • Cash register receipts and credit card receipts are acceptable only for Over-The-Counter items and Prescription Numbers.

What is considered a standard co-payment amount?

  • A standard co-payment amount is one that is divisible by 5. For example, $25, $40, $100, etc. If your co-payment does not fall within this parameter, a request for documentation may occur.

How will I know if I need to submit documentation?

  • If a transaction you made using your FBA Benefits Card requires documentation to meet IRS regulations, you will receive notice from Flexible Benefit Administrators, Inc. Notices can be sent regular U.S. mail or via email. To receive these notifications via email, please click here to provide us with your email address. Requested documentation needs to be submitted along with a Benefits Card Transaction Substantiation Form which can also be found on our website or by clicking here.
  • You do not need to submit any documentation unless it is requested by our office.

What happens if I do not submit the requested documentation?

  • If documentation is not submitted within your plan’s designated timeframe, the card will become temporarily deactivated until is it received and approved. This timeframe is outlined in your employer’s enrollment materials.

What is IIAS?

  • IIAS is an Inventory Information Approval System that merchants have implemented to recognize eligible FSA items at the point of sale when using your FBA Benefits Card. This system allows you to purchase eligible FSA items without a need for us to request documentation to substantiate the card swipe. Please visit www.sig-is.com to view a list of merchants who are currently using this system and those that will be using it soon.

Why am I being questioned for a charge at a dental office?

  • Dental offices provide services and/or products that may not be eligible under your FSA Plan. Such items include veneers, toothbrushes, oral hygiene products, and teeth whitening products.

Are services at a dermatologist’s office eligible under the FSA Plan?

  • Office visits, consultations and removal of skin tags (if not deemed cosmetic) are eligible at a dermatologist’s office. Removal of moles is not eligible without a letter of medical necessity. Other procedures performed at a dermatologist’s office would not normally be accepted and eligible under your FSA Plan.

How do I activate my card?

  • Simply swipe your FBA Benefits Card at any eligible merchant and your card is activated.

Do I select debit or credit when using my FBA Benefits Card?

  • Choose credit. Even though this is not a credit card, it works like one. Your card does not have a pin number.

How do I request an additional FBA Benefits Card for my dependent?

  • Please contact Flexible Benefit Administrators, Inc. to find out how you can order an additional card for your dependent.

What happens if my FBA Benefits Card is lost or stolen?

  • You may log onto your account online and report your card lost/stolen. However, you will need to contact Flexible Benefit Administrators at (800) 437-3539 to get a new card reissued.

What happens if I swipe my card for an ineligible expense?

  • If you swipe your card an ineligible expense, you are responsible for reimbursing your FLEX account. Some examples of ineligible expenses are:
    • Ineligible Services, prescriptions or OTC items
    • Services outside of the Plan Year. The IRS prohibits you from using your card to pay for expenses incurred prior to your current plan or for those you plan to incur in the future.
    • Lost receipt(s)

Can my spouse or dependent obtain information about my account?

  • Yes, your spouse and dependent (over the age of 18) can obtain your account information if they have an additional Benefits Card issued to them or an Authorization-to-Disclose Form is completed. This form is available under the Forms section or you may click here.

What if I do not want to use my card?

  • You can always submit a paper claim in to our office so you can be reimbursed for any out of pocket expenses you have incurred for eligible FSA products or services. This Claim Form can be found on our website under the Forms section or in your FSA Employee Guide.