Flex Spending Accounts (FSAs), also known as Section 125 Plans, are a great way to save on (eligible) healthcare and/or (child) dependent care costs. These plans allow you to deposit a portion of your paycheck pre-tax towards these expenses, allowing you to spend more than you would otherwise have if the amount was taxed (and part of your net pay). 

Any employee who (regularly) works ≥17½ hours per week is eligible to participate in the Southern Lehigh SD's FSA/ Section 125 Plan. Please note that the Southern Lehigh SD's FSA plans are for the calendar and not fiscal year.

Additionally, keep in mind that not all healthcare and/or dependent care products and services are FSA eligible. The list of eligible services and products is constantly growing and you can learn more about FSAs as well as new regulations relating to product and service eligibility by visit the U.S. Office of Personnel Management FSAFeds website by clicking HERE.

FSA ENROLLMENT TIMELINE

Recognizing the increased cost of healthcare products and services, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has increased the annual healthcare contribution limit to $3,200 while the annual dependent care contribution limit remains the same at $5,000 for the 2024 calendar year. Whatever amount you elect, your choice will be deducted in 24 installments, pre-tax from your biweekly paycheck.  

Enrollment for the next calendar year begins in November of the preceding year; for the 2024 calendar year, the enrollment period began on November 15, 2023 and closed on December 1st. Due to this short enrollment window, employees are strongly encouraged to make a note of the start and end dates. Because FSA monies are processed by our FSA provider (PNC Benefits Plus) and not the Southern Lehigh SD, you may not be eligible to enroll after the stipulated deadline.

USING FSA MONIES 

You can use your FSA funds for eligible healthcare expenses in one of two ways: either via the PNC Benefits Plus debit card or submitting a reimbursement online via the PNC Benefits Plus web portal, which you can access by clicking HERE. However, for dependent care expenses, you can only submit reimbursement. (Note that you will not be able to register on the web portal until you have submitted your FSA Section 125 Form to our office.)

Our office strongly recommends that you keep all healthcare and dependent care receipts if you are seeking reimbursement. PNC Benefits Plus may request that you submit a copy of your receipt to verify the nature of your expenses. 

Lastly, IRS regulations permit you to roll over a maximum of $640.00 unspent FSA monies in 2024 into the 2025 calendar year. However, you cannot do the same for dependent care monies; any unspent 2024 monies will be foerfeited on January 1, 2025. Lastly, for the 2024 calendar year, you can incur claims until March 15, 2025. and submit reimbursements by March 31, 2025.

ABLEPAY

AblePay Health is a voluntary, no-cost employee benefit that can help save on deductible and coinsurance payments (up to 13%) in addition to providing guidance regarding healthcare bills. AblePay works by providing enrolled employees with flexible payment options for deductible and coinsurance expenses. The Lehigh Valley Health Network and St. Luke's Hospital are participating providers in the AblePay network; the agreement with those hospital systems includes all hospitals and physician groups. You can read more about AblePay to determine if it meets your healthcare financial needs by clicking HERE.

Southern Lehigh SD employees who work ≥25 hrs. per week automatically receive, at no cost, a life insurance benefit that includes additional accidental death and dismemberment protection up to age 70. However, at age 70, life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment protection is reduced by 50%. Additionally, Southern Lehigh SD employees who work ≥25 hrs. per week who become sick or disabled, or who become disabled as a result of an accident during the term of their employee group's wage and benefit policy, become eligible for limited income protection insurance. This short-term disability coverage applies to employees who are on leave from employment under the provisions of the Family & Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Per District Policy #335, #435, and #535, these employees must first use all available leave before they can qualify for short-term disability coverage. 

Southern Lehigh SD employees who (regularly) work ≥25 hrs. per week have access to a range of resources that can help them better balance work and life responsibilities, improve physical wellness, and enhance mental and emotional health through a private and confidential program at no cost to the employee known as the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). These services are not only available for our employees but also for their dependents. The Southern Lehigh SD uses Preferred EAP, a division of Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN), to provide this service. Note that neither you or your primary care provider need to be affiliated with LVHN to use this service. For more information about Preferred EAP, you can visit their website by clicking HERE or contact them via phone (Local: 610.433.8550 | Toll Free: 800.327.8878). You can also download a brochure, which provides an overview of the program and services offered by Preferred EAP by clicking HERE.