Employee Flex Benefit Card » FAQS: FSA and Transit

Activating and Using your Flex Benefit Card:

How do I get a card?

If your employer is sponsoring an FSA or Qualified Transit Program with an EBS-administered Flex Benefit card as a reimbursement option, you will automatically receive a card after you submit your enrollment for that benefit. The card will be mailed to the address provided by your employer during the enrollment process.

How do I activate my card?

The first swipe if the card activates the account. It’s that easy.

Be sure to sign the back of your card for protection.

How does the card work?

Once activated, the card is loaded with the amount you have elected to contribute to this benefit program. As you use your card to pay for items that are eligible for reimbursement, the corresponding amounts will be deducted from the card balance. Here are a few examples:

FSA Program:

• Co-payment amounts payable at the Doctor’s office are considered an eligible expense.
  Instead of writing a check or paying cash as in the past, you can now use your card to pay this type of expense!
• Use your card at the pharmacy to pay your co-payment amount for prescription drugs.
  The amount is automatically deducted from your FSA account without having to request the reimbursement.

Qualified Transit Program:

• Use your card for monthly passes at a transit facility – instead of using a voucher, waiting for a pass to be delivered, or sending in a claim for a cash reimbursement.

You should have sufficient funds available to cover your expense.
You are responsible for checking your account balance.

Select "credit" when asked "credit or Flex Benefit". No PIN is required to use the card.

Where can I use my card?

The card can be used where Visa is accepted, however:

• The card can ONLY be used at eligible providers as defined by your program – you will not be able to use it at places like restaurants, gas stations, or department stores.
• If you try to use the card at locations not considered eligible, your card will be denied at that merchant location.

Do I need to activate my card each year?

You will receive a new card for each plan year you are enrolled in the Flexible Spending Plan. Again the first swipe of your card will activate that plan year’s card.

Can I still submit paper claims for expenses where I didn't use my card?

Yes. You may submit claims, with appropriate receipts or documentation attached, for expenses for which you were unable to use your card. Nothing has changed regarding the way in which paper claims are processed or submitted to EBS.