Health Care FSA

Change of Status

In general, you cannot change your elections after the beginning of the Plan Year. However, if you have experienced a “change in status” you may be able to change your election. Keep in mind that your election change request must be consistent with the change in status you or your spouse and/or dependent experienced. The following is a list change in status events:

Marriage, divorce, death of a spouse, legal separation or annulment;

Change in the number of dependents, including birth, adoption, placement for adoption, or death of a dependent;

Change in employment status due to termination or commencement of employment, a strike or lockout, commencement or return from an unpaid leave of absence, a change in worksite (this event does not apply to the Health or Day Care FSA), or any other change in employment status that affects eligibility for benefits;

One of your dependents satisfies or ceases to satisfy the requirements for coverage due to change in age, student status, or any similar circumstance; and

A change in the place of residence of you, your spouse or dependent that would lead to a change in status, such as moving out of a coverage area for insurance (this event does not apply to the Health or Day Care FSA).

With regard to the Day Care FSA, if your dependent ceases to satisfy the definition of a qualifying person then there is a change in status and you may be able to change your election. However, you may not change your election under the Day Care Flexible Spending Account if you experience a cost change and that cost change is imposed by a dependent care provider who is your relative.

Remember, your election change request must be consistent with the event. There are detailed rules on when a change in election is deemed to be consistent with a change in status event. If any of these conditions apply to you, please contact your employer to determine whether your event permits the change in election you are requesting.