EMPOWER
We are here for you!

Employee Benefits with the Human Touch

Flexible Spending Account

A Flexible  Spending Account (FSA) is an employee benefit that enables participants to set aside pre-tax dollars from each paycheck to pay for eligible medical and/or dependent care costs.

A Smart Benefit for Your Employees

Offering a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) as part of your employee benefits package is a powerful way to provide tax-advantageous healthcare and dependent care solutions.

FSAs not only help employees manage their out-of-pocket expenses but also offer tax savings for both the employee and your business.

Here’s everything you need to know about sponsoring an FSA plan for your workforce.

What is a Flexible Spending Account (FSA)?

An FSA is a tax-advantaged account offered by employers that allows employees to set aside a portion of their earnings, tax-free, to pay for eligible healthcare and dependent care expenses. By offering an FSA, you can provide your employees with a flexible, cost-effective way to manage their personal healthcare costs while lowering your overall payroll tax burden.

Key Features:

  • Pre-tax contributions: Contributions are deducted from employees’ paychecks before taxes, reducing their taxable income and saving them money.
  • Employer-sponsored: FSAs are employer-driven benefits, allowing you to offer valuable financial assistance to your workforce.
  • Use it or lose it: While FSAs are designed to be used within a plan year, employers can offer a grace period or limited rollover option to extend the timeframe for employees to use their funds.
EMPOWER has surpassed our expectations
“Choosing EMPOWER was a great decision for our benefits administration team. I appreciate all of the assistance that is provided on the administrative side as well as the prompt replies to our questions.”

Want to see what it’s like to have a Benefits Partner for your Business?

Schedule a call with us today to learn more.

  • Quick 15-30 minute call
  • Find the right plan for your business
  • No obligation 

Types of FSAs You Can Offer

FSA Participants may choose to enroll in the Health FSA, Dependent
Care FSA, or both before the start of each Plan Year.

Health FSA

Covers eligible medical, dental, and vision expenses for the employee, spouse, and dependents.

The participant’s entire yearly Health FSA election is available to use on the first day of the Plan Year.

Eligible Expenses:

  • Medical, dental, and vision copayments
  • Prescription medications
  • Over-the-counter medications (with a prescription)
  • Medical supplies and equipment (e.g., bandages, crutches)
  • Therapy and chiropractic care

Dependent Care FSA

Covers dependent care while the employee is at work.

The participant’s Dependent Care FSA funds are available only after being deducted from his or her paycheck.

Eligible Expenses:

  • Childcare (daycare, preschool, before/after-school care)
  • Summer camps for children
  • Care for a disabled spouse or dependent adult

How an FSA Saves

Employers

Since participant contributions reduce taxable income, the Employer’s FICA/FUTA is reduced.

Employee Eligibility

Employees who are eligible for the Group Health Plan are eligible to enroll in the FSA. Employees can join the FSA without enrolling in the Group Health Plan.

Participants

Contributions are pre-tax. This can save the participant 25%-40% on eligible expenses.

Who Can Contribute

Participants and Employers can contribute to an FSA.

Employees who contribute to a Health Savings Account are not eligible to enroll in a Health FSA.
These employees can enroll in a Limited Purpose FSA.

How it Works

For Employers

The Employer hosts Open Enrollment with employees and enrolls those who wish to sign up for the FSA.
The Employer deducts pre-tax contributions from each participant’s paycheck. These contributions are held by the Employer.
EMPOWER administers the Plan and sends reimbursements to employees. The Employer only pays for expenses used by employees.

For Participants

Employees enroll in the FSA and choose their annual elections.
The Employer deducts pre-tax contributions from each participant’s paycheck.
Participants pay for eligible expenses with the EMPOWER Visa Debit Card or seek reimbursement from EMPOWER.

Health FSA

Dependent Care FSA

EMPOWER Can Tailor an FSA
to Meet Your Needs

Employers can customize their plans with many options, including:

Reimbursement Methods

• EMPOWER Visa Debit Card
• Check
• Direct Deposit
• Check Register sent to Employer

Carryover

Employers can choose how unused funds can be used in the next Plan Year.

Contribution Limits

Employers can choose the maximum annual election limits for participants.

Streamline Your Benefits  With Ease
Get Started Today!

EMPOWER's

Benefits Solutions Guide

EMPOWER’s Benefits Solutions Guide takes the guesswork out of benefits by providing a comprehensive synopsis of each plan type, as well as comparisons and sample scenarios.

EMPOWER

Participant

Mobile App Download

If you have an FSA, HRA, or HSA with EMPOWER, we encourage you to
download the Mobile App to manage your benefits on the go!
Google Android

Download Forms

Click one of the links below to view the available forms.

I am a Participant
Click the above link if you are a participant who has an FSA, HSA, or HRA with EMPOWER.
I am an Employer
Click the above link if you are an Employer or Consultant.