The HCRA's Flexible Benefits Spending Card provides instant access to your pre-tax dollars in your Flex Account.

The Flexible Benefits Spending Card may be used at qualified providers that accept Visa for eligible products or services, which are reimbursable under your HCRA. Rather than paying out of pocket and waiting for reimbursement, you will now be able to utilize the card to pay for qualified expenses. The Flexible Benefits Card will pay the provider or merchant directly from your HCRA utilizing the Visa network.

Here’s how it works:

• Enroll in a HCRA during open enrollment.
• Your Flexible Benefits Spending Card will be mailed to you at the beginning of the plan year. Activate the card before using it.
• When you incur an eligible expense (such as an office visit copay or vision care expense) at a qualified provider, you can pay the provider with your Flexible Benefits Card.
• When using the Flexible Benefits Card select the “credit” option.

There are certain guidelines that a member must follow if they choose the Flex Spending Card:

• You must keep all your receipts for all medical services. The IRS requires that CYC validate each Flexible Benefits Card transaction. Claims data can usually accommodate this requirement. If claims data or an eligible HCRA claim you have filed cannot validate the charge, you will be asked to provide your receipt. If you cannot or do not provide an eligible receipt, you will be required to refund the money and/or your card will be de-activated.
• No balance forward should ever be swiped. Inform your provider not to charge a previous balance on the card. No charge from the previous year is eligible. Again, if no claims data can be found, you will be required to refund the money.
• If you forget to use your card on a copay or other charge you will need to manually file the charge using a claim form and attach a copy of the receipt.
• The card will be declined if swiped for MORE than your available balance. You will need to ask the provider to swipe the card for your available balance and pay the rest from your pocket.
• Misuse of the card, whether intentional or not, will result in the de-activation of your card.