Health Care Reimbursement Account (HCRA)
Plan Summary
The CSU offers eligible employees the opportunity to participate in a Heath Care Reimbursement Account (HCRA), or flexible spending account. A HCRA allows you to set aside a portion of your pay on a pre-tax basis to reimburse yourself for eligible health, dental and vision care expenses for you, your spouse or registered domestic partner and eligible dependents. You may contribute up to $2,700 each plan year through payroll deduction.
New employees may enroll in the plan within 60 days of employment or during open enrollment. All employees except faculty participating in the Faculty Early Retirement Program (FERP) and rehired annuitants may establish a HCRA.
HCRA Guidelines and Information
- The HCRA is administered by ASIFlex, a third-party administrator. ASIFlex(opens in new window) can be reached at 800-659-3035.
- Eligible employees must enroll in a plan(s) within 60 calendar days of employment (or re-employment, if there has been a break of service of more than 30 calendar days).
- You must re-enroll every year during the open enrollment period. Open enrollment occurs annually (date is determined by CalPERS) and is usually in the fall with all changes taking effect on January 1st of the following year.
- For Tax year 2023 the annual maximum for HCRA is $2,850; $20 minimum and $237.50 monthly maximum contribution.
- There is a $1.00 monthly administrative fee.
- The first deduction is usually taken from the second paycheck following enrollment.
- Once coverage begins, you will not be able to change your contribution amount unless you have had a “change in status”.
- Taxable income on an employee’s annual W-2 statement will be reduced by the amount placed in the account.
- You must estimate your eligible expenses carefully. Any money left in your HCRA will be forfeited.
- A special-purpose Visa debit card that gives participants an easy, automatic way to pay for eligible expenses is available for a $1.00 monthly fee. See the HCRA Debit Card FAQs (PDF) for information, to request a debit card complete the HCRA FSA Debit Card Request Form (PDF).
- More information on the HCRA can be found in the CSU HCRA Plan brochure (PDF).
Enrollment Process
- Review the CSU HCRA Plan brochure (PDF).
- Complete the DCRA/HCRA Enrollment Authorization Form (For 2023 Tax Year) (PDF).
- Submit the completed form to the Benefits Unit, Kendall Hall, Room 213.
- The Benefits Unit will:
- Review your enrollment form (incomplete form may delay or prevent benefit coverage).
- Notify you if additional information or documentation is needed.
To File a Claim
- Review the Claim Forms(opens in new window) and select General or HRA complete the claim form; and
- Fax to: 877-879-9038; or
- File Online at ASI Flex(opens in new window) (no claim form needed)
FSA claims for services received during the grace period will be automatically applied to any unused funds from the 2022 plan year if submitted by the claims filing deadline. If the claim exceeds the available funds from the previous year, any excess will be automatically applied to the 2023 plan year.
Important Dates:
- The deadline to incur expenses during the 2½ month grace period is March 15, 2023 (for participants enrolled through December 31, 2022).
- The deadline to submit claims incurred from January 1, 2023 to March 15, 2023 using 2022 funds for reimbursement is June 30, 2023.
After all theses deadlines have passed, all unused 2022 HCRA/DCRA account balances will be forfeited, per the IRS "Use-or-Lose" rule.
Helpful Information:
- Claims may be submitted to ASIFlex through their mobile app, online, by mail or fax. Information about theses options are available at ASIFlex.com(opens in new window)
- Eligible expenses for HCRA funds include sunscreen, prescription glasses/sunglasses, or mileage for use of an automobile to obtain health care. A listing of HCRA eligible items may be reviewed at ASIFlex.com(opens in new window)