Beginning January 1, 2008, The Smithsonian will make available two flexible spending account (FSA) options to eligible Trust Fund employees, a Health Care FSA and a Dependent Care FSA. Both options allow employees to set aside pre-tax dollars to use to pay for eligible health care and/or dependent care expenses, depending upon the type of account the employee elects. Potential tax savings will depend upon your individual tax bracket. Trust employees may enroll in either or both options. The administration of these flexible spending accounts will be managed by CONEXIS.

To be eligible, you must be a Trust Fund employee and have an official tour of duty of at least 40 hours per pay period and be serving on an indefinite appointment or a temporary appointment of at least 90 days. Intermittent employees and part-time employees working less than 40 hours per pay period are not eligible to participate.

Health Care FSA

Participation in a health care flexible spending account (HCFSA) allows you to pay for qualified unreimbursed medical, dental and vision expenses, not covered by insurance or reimbursed by another insurance plan, with pre-tax dollars. Eligible expenses include those incurred by you, your legal spouse (as defined by The Smithsonian's group medical plan) and your tax dependents. Some examples of eligible expenses include copays and deductibles not covered by your medical plan, prescription eyeglasses, contact lenses, contact lens solution, laser eye surgery, prescription medication, some over-the-counter medications, orthodontic expenses, and more.

Dependent Care FSA

Participation in a dependent care flexible spending account (DCFSA) allows you to set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for employment-related dependent care expenses that you and/or your spouse (if married) incur due to your need to work, look for work, or attend school full-time. Some examples of eligible dependent care expenses include before and after school care for children under age 13, nursery or pre-school tuition, and summer day camps.

Employees will be able to enroll in one or both of these options online during Open Season only, which occurs annually between mid-November and mid-December. During other times of the year, you may enroll or change your current plan year election only if you incur a life event that would permit a change. You must contact the SAO Benefits Office at (617) 495-7371 for enrollment information and the applicable form.

Refer to the Flexible Spending Accounts Summary, FSA Plan Summary Guide and FSA Information Session for details.

Health Care FSA Claim Form

Dependent Care FSA Claim Form