SHPS Spending Account Card Information

Your SHPS Spending Account Card is a simple way for you to pay for qualified out-of-pocket expenses associated with your HCSA plan.  The SHPS Spending Account Card simplifies the process of paying for expenses directly from your HCSA account. With the spending account card, accessing your funds for expenses is as easy as swiping your card*. 

There is no need to pay out-of-pocket and wait for a reimbursement check. Simply use your card to pay for qualified services at the point of purchase, just like any other debit or credit card; the funds are automatically deducted from your HCSA account*.  You will have access to your account information and balance at the SHPS website.

Your SHPS Spending Account Card is a special-purpose Visa debit card.  This card is special in that it allows you to manage your qualified out-of-pocket expenses. You can use the money in your spending account to pay for your deductibles, coinsurance, copayments, qualified over-the-counter items, and other out-of-pocket medical expenses.

IMPORTANT!
The IRS requires out-of-pocket itemized receipts or Explanation of Benefits (EOBs) so it’s important to remember to save your receipts. You may be required to substantiate a claim, including charges made to the SHPS Spending Account Card.

How it works:

1)  You contribute money to your HCSA spending account.
2)  You incur an eligible out-of-pocket qualified expense. Pay with your SHPS Spending Account Card and the funds are automatically deducted from your spending account. Remember to select “credit” when using your card.
3)  Save all of your receipts and Explanation of Benefits (EOBs) – The IRS requires that all health-related expenses purchased with the card be validated. 
 
In most instances, SHPS is able to automatically validate your purchases. However, if SHPS is unable to automatically validate your qualified expenses they will notify you electronically on a monthly basis, or via regular mail on a bi-monthly basis.  You will need to provide itemized receipts or EOBs on the validation return form that is provided to you with your statement. You can fax or mail the information as indicated on the form.  Remember to make copies and save your original documentation with your receipt-saving envelope.

4)  If you choose to pay for services with cash, by check, or with your own personal debit or credit card, you’ll need to submit your itemized receipts or EOBs with a completed reimbursement request.

Note:  There is a 2 1/2 month extension period for Flexible Spending Accounts per IRS Notice 2005-42. This   allows any unused amount in your account at the end of the plan year to be used during the first 2 1/2 months of your new plan year.   The extension allows you additional time to “spend down” your   spending account, thus minimizing the chance you would forfeit   funds under the IRS’ “use-it-or-lose-it” provision.
  
4a) SHPS will process your request and reimburse your out-of-pocket expenses from your spending account.

Tip:  To receive your money faster, sign up for direct deposit.

How to Use your SHPS Spending Account Card

• Activate your card by signing your card and calling 1-866-285-2425. By signing, activating and using this card,  you accept the terms of the Benefits Card Cardholder Agreement that accompanies the card.
 
•  Use your SHPS Spending Account Card to pay for eligible expenses at qualified locations where Visa  debit cards are accepted.  These eligible locations may include but are not limited to health care providers, pharmacies and hospitals. Ensure that the balance is sufficient to cover your purchase.  You must have sufficient funds available in your account to successfully use the card.  You can manage your balance by visiting the SHPS website or calling the number on the back of your card.  The balance in your spending account is verified at the point-of-purchase and payment is deducted automatically from your spending account.

•  Pay for non-qualified expense items separately. Only eligible items may be purchased with the Spending  Account Card.  For example, if you’re purchasing a  prescription along with personal items such as toothpaste  and bath soap, you’ll need to pay for the personal items with another form of payment.
 
•  File a request for reimbursement if a transaction is not approved or your service provider doesn’t accept Visa debit cards. Simply pay for the expense with another form of payment, and then submit a request for reimbursement. 

•  Save all of your receipts and EOBs! The IRS requires  we verify eligibility of an expense(s). The IRS requires  SHPS to validate that all card transactions are used for  eligible medical expenses. In most instances, SHPS is able  to automatically validate your purchase, but in certain circumstances SHPS will request that you fax or mail them a copy of your receipt.  Failure to submit requested receipts could result in suspension of your card.  So remember, please save your receipts.

Tip: File your receipts and EOBs in your receipt-saving envelope.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:  When can I start using my SHPS Spending Account Card?
A: You may begin using the card at the beginning of the plan  year once funds have been made available and after you  have activated and signed the card. 

Q:  Is there a fee for using the Spending Account Card?
A:  There is no annual fee for the subscriber; additional cards can be ordered for $5.00 each.

Q:  Will I get a new card each year?
A:  No, only new participants receive a card. The 2008 election amount will be loaded on your existing card. You will receive a new card before your current card expires.

Q: If a current participant does not re-enroll for 2008, will the debit card be deactivated at the end of December?
A: Yes, the debit card will be deactivated and a paper claim will need to be submitted for 2 1/2 month grace period claims.

Q:  How many cards are issued for each family?
A:  Initially, one card is issued per family. If additional cards are  needed, contact Customer Service at 1.866.862.2422.

Q:  Where can I obtain a complete list of eligible expenses?
A:  Download the list of eligible expenses or contact SHPS.

Q:  Can I use the SHPS Spending Account Card for over-the-counter (OTC) medicine purchases?
A:  Yes, you can use your card to purchase OTC items. Please  remember to only purchase health-related items that are eligible under your plan. Remember to save your receipts!

Q:  What should I do if I receive services from a person or  facility that doesn’t accept the card?
A: Pay for the expense by other means, and then file a request for reimbursement.

Q:  My card did not work when I tried to use it. What could be the problem?
A:  There are a few possibilities:
 - The merchant is not classified as a qualified spending account service provider (e.g., book store). 
 - Your purchase is not eligible or covered by your company’s plan.  Examples include magazines, cosmetics or vitamins.
 - You do not have sufficient funds in your account to cover the purchase.
 - Your card has been suspended temporarily due to problems validating certain expenses you’ve paid with the card previously.
 
If you’re unable to use the card for your purchase, you may pay for the expense with another form of payment and then file a claim for reimbursement.

Q:  What should I do if I don’t want to use the SHPS Spending  Account Card to pay for any eligible expenses?
A:  If you are not going to use your card to pay for any qualified  expenses, please contact Customer Service so your card can  be deactivated.

Q:  What if the amount of my expense is greater than my account balance?
A:  If there are insufficient funds to cover the entire expense,  the transaction will be declined. Pay the entire amount with  another payment method and file a request for reimbursement.

Q:  Can I use the SHPS Spending Account Card to purchase items, such as prescription drugs and contacts, by mail order or online?
A:  Yes. Simply enter your card number for items such as prescription drugs or contacts as you would when purchasing online with a credit card.

Report a Lost or Stolen Card
To report a lost or stolen card, call Customer Service at 1-888-835-3060. SHPS will mail a replacement card to you. A card replacement fee may be charged.

Tracking Your Account is Easy
Visit the SHPS website for your account balance, transaction history and other information. To view your personalized information, enter your Social Security Number and password.  Alternatively, contact SHPS by calling the phone number listed on the back of your card and using our 24-hour interactive voice response system.