Year-end health care FSA reminders

Time is short before your current benefits plans end and new ones begin, so make sure you've tied up the details for both 2021 and 2022.

Contribution limits

The IRS recently announced that the 2022 limit for health care and limited purpose flexible spending accounts, or FSAs, is $2,850 (up from $2,750 in 2021).

If you would like to increase your 2022 contribution amount to the new allowed limit, you must email the Benefits Service Center at benefits@jhu.edu no later than Dec. 31, 2021.

• Note "2022 Annual Enrollment Correction" in the subject line.
• Include full details of the correction you are requesting.
• You will receive an email response acknowledging receipt of your request.

Rollover

Any remaining balance above $30 in your 2021 health care FSA, limited purpose FSA, or dependent care FSA will carry over into 2022. You will be able to confirm this carryover after the 2021 claims filing deadline of April 30, 2022, by viewing your account at wexinc.com.

For the 2022 plan year, up to $570 (minimum $30) will automatically roll over to your 2023 health care or limited purpose FSA with WEX; any unused funds over $570 will be forfeited.

Health care FSA substantiation

Substantiating your debit card purchases is an important part of being enrolled in a health care flexible spending account. Because your FSA must follow IRS rules, it is important that JHU adheres to the guidelines and collects backup documentation when necessary.

You will receive an email from WEX if you need to submit supporting documentation, or you can log into your WEX account now to see if you have any outstanding claims that require documentation before they can be cleared. If you still have unsubstantiated 2021 debit card claims by Dec. 15, 2021, and have not responded to WEX, your debit card will NOT be activated for 2022.

Acceptable backup documentation includes an itemized invoice from the provider or your explanation of benefits (EOB) from the insurance carrier. Any supporting documentation provided must include the following:

• Name of patient
• Name of provider or merchant
• Date service received or item purchased
• Description of service received or item purchased
• Dollar amount (after insurance, if applicable)

If you have to submit supporting documentation, WEX makes the process simple. Log into your WEX account to upload the requested documentation. You also can download the free mobile app by WEX on your Apple or Android device. Use your phone's camera to take pictures of the documentation and upload it on the spot.

If you don't submit documentation after you have been requested to do so, your debit card will eventually be turned off (about 90 days after the initial charge).

At the end of the plan year run-out period (April 30, 2022), if you still have unsubstantiated purchases, this dollar amount will be added to your wages for 2022 and taxed as ordinary income.

For questions about substantiation or your online account, contact WEX at 866-451-3399.