Number: |
08-801 |
Date: January 17, 2008 |
Subject: |
The Federal Flexible Spending Account Program (FSAFEDS): 2008 Administrative Fees |
Welcome to a new FSAFEDS Benefit Period!
Background
Since the FSAFEDS program began in 2003, we've implemented many positive changes:
FSAFEDS participation has increased by 9 percent for 2008, with the number of dependent care accounts increasing by 14 percent. The current 2008 enrollment is 246,435 employees.
2008 Administrative Fees
For the first time since the program began, we are increasing the administrative fees agencies pay on behalf of their enrolled employees. As outlined in BAL 03-804, the contractor's administrative fees were negotiated at the start of the program at $4.00 per month for each health care account and 1.5 percent of the annual election amount for each dependent care account. These fees have not changed in five years.
For 2008, the administrative fee for health care accounts is now $4.35 per month, and the fee for dependent care accounts remains at 1.5% of the annual election amount per account.
2008 Reserve Account Fees
In 2004, we added a monthly reserve fee of $3.50 per health care participant (see BAL 04-801). This additional fee is now held at the Treasury and may only be used with approval from the Office of Personnel Management.
For 2008, the monthly reserve fee is $4.50 per health care participant.
Payment of Fees
New procedures for paying the FSAFEDS administrative and reserve account fees became effective October 1, 2007 (see BAL 07-307). Unfortunately, several agencies are not yet using the new procedures. Please review the procedures and make sure you are using them.
SHPS, the third party administrator for FSAFEDS, will send out the first 2008 invoice package in February. Thank you in advance for your prompt payment.
|
Sincerely, Kathleen M. McGettigan |
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