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Flexible Spending Accounts

The College offers faculty and staff the opportunity to establish a health care and/or dependent care spending account to cover certain expenses with federal tax-free dollars (Pennsylvania State and local taxes still apply). Use of the accounts is voluntary and is subject to IRS regulations.

Each year, faculty and staff members decide whether, and how much, to contribute to one or both accounts for the following year. New employees may begin to participate on the first day of benefits eligibility. Please keep in mind the Flexible Spending Account Program has an annual limit of $5,000 for dependent spending accounts and $2,750 for health care flexible spending accounts.

Health Care & Dependent Care Spending Accounts

A Health Care Spending Account allows you to reimburse yourself with "tax-free" dollars for a variety of qualifying health-related expenses. It is designed to help you pay medical plan deductibles, co-payments, dental and vision care expenses which are not covered by your health care plan.

Dependent Care Spending Accounts are a great opportunity to reimburse yourself with "tax-free" dollars for the cost of caring for dependents, as long as these services are necessary while you (and your spouse, if you are married) are at work.

If you selected the High Deductible Health Plan, you have the option to enroll in a Health Savings Account that allows you to save pre-tax for your annual deductible as well as other qualified medical expenses now and in the future.

Payflex

Claims Processing

Payflex processes claims on a weekly basis and claims received via fax or mail by Tuesday are reimbursed Thursday. Swarthmore employees with direct deposit through payroll will be automatically enrolled in direct deposit with PayFlex. Anyone still receiving a direct check will be sent a check from Payflex.

A new feature with PAYFLEX is the ability to file your claim on line. However, if you wish to still submit your receipts by fax or mail, the PAYFLEX claim form is available here [PDF].

Internet Services

Visit the Participant Service Center at PayFlex's website, www.payflex.com for:

  • Your account balance,
  • Downloadable participant forms (including claim forms),
  • Summary Plan Description for Swarthmore College,
  • Participant reimbursement history & dates of payment
  • List of eligible/ineligible expenses for health care and spending care dependent accounts

Customer Service

PayFlex's website is designed to provide you with the information you may want to know about your flexible spending account(s). Should you need to contact them, they can be reached from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Monday through Friday at the Customer Service Center by calling (844) 284-4885.