Through the GIC's Health Care Spending Account (HCSA), administered by Benefit Strategies, active employees can pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses on a pre-tax basis, reducing participants' federal and state income taxes.
Examples can include:
- Physician office visit and prescription drug copayments
- Calendar year medical and mental health deductibles
- Eyeglasses, prescription sunglasses, and contact lenses
- Orthodontia and dental care
- Hearing aids and durable medical equipment
- Smoking cessation and child birth classes
- Chiropractor and acupuncture visits
Download the
2013 Open Enrollment Flexible Spending Account Brochure 
file size 3MB
for an overview. For a comprehensive list of covered expenses, download the
HCSA and DCAP list of eligible expenses 
Due to Federal Law, the maximum election amount for HSCA for calendar year 2013 has changed to $2,500. The minimum election amount remains unchanged at $500.
All HCSA participants receive a free debit card from Benefit Strategies to conveniently pay for health care expenses out of their HCSA account. Participants will now receive a second debit card free for an eligible family member. Additional cards for other covered dependents may be ordered for $5.00 per set of two. Alternately, as you incur health care expenses, submit a claim form and receipt to Benefit Strategies. They will deposit the reimbursement to your bank account or will mail you a check, depending on whether or not you enroll in direct deposit. As required by the IRS, keep copies of all HCSA receipts with your tax documents.
Eligibility and Monthly Fee
All active state employees who are eligible for health benefits with the GIC are eligible for HCSA. Employees must work at least 18.75 hours in a 37.5-hour work week or 20 hours in a 40-hour work week. For the 2013 calendar year, the monthly administrative fee for HCSA alone, DCAP alone, or HCSA and DCAP combined will remain $3.60 per month on a pre-tax basis.
Enrollment
New Employees
New state employees may enroll for partial-year benefits. For HCSA, new hire benefits begin at the same time as other GIC benefits.
Open Enrollment and Enrollment During The Year
The HCSA and DCAP plan year is January through December. Open enrollment for these programs will take place October 14 - December 6, 2013 for 2014 calendar year benefits. You must re-enroll each year. Employees that have a "qualified" family status change during the plan year, as outlined on the enrollment and change form, may also enroll.
It is important to estimate your expenses carefully, as the Internal Revenue Service requires that any unused funds in a participant's account at plan year-end be forfeited. There is a 2 1/2 month grace period (March 15 of each year) after the plan year ends to incur the expenses applied to the prior year balance.
FSA Reimbursement Filing Extension
Due to the tragic events that took place in Boston on April 15, 2013, the GIC is extending the filing deadline for 2012 HCSA and/or DCAP expenses from April 15, 2013 to April 30, 2013.
If you have Health Care Spending Account and/or Dependent Care Assistance Program Account-eligible expenses that have taken place between January 1, 2012 and March 15, 2013, that you would like to apply to your remaining 2012 balance, if applicable, please submit these to Benefit Strategies by Tuesday, April 30, 2013.
HCSA Questions?
Benefit Strategies 1-877-FLEXGIC (1-877-353-9442); flexgic@benstrat.com
HCSA/DCAP Participant Handbook FY2013
Manage Your Account Online
Learn about and manage your HCSA account online:
- Account Balances
- Claims Received
- Claims Processed
- Dates when Checks were Paid
- Download Forms
Questions about managing your account online? Contact Benefit Strategies at 1-877-FLEXGIC (353-9442).
This information provided by the Group Insurance Commission.
