FSAFEDS is hosting a Special Enrollment Period from June 1, 2021 to June 30, 2021. This is in response to recent legislation and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) guidance.

FSAFEDS has announced changes for the Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts (HCFSA), Limited Expense Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts (LEX HCFSA), and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (DCFSA).

FSAFEDS Flexibilities Allowed During 2020 and 2021

• Employees may enroll and participants may increase or decrease their current elections through the 2021 Special Enrollment Period. This will allow those who did not enroll or re-enroll during Open Season the opportunity to enroll for 2021 and gain access to available 2020 carryover funds.

• Current participants can increase or decrease elections during this period by accessing the FSAFEDS website, select the 2021 Special Enrollment Period, and follow the instructions. Current participants must select the “2021 Special Enrollment Period – Increase/Decrease” event type. The new election will be effective retroactively to the most recent effective date for 2021.

• Employees who want to enroll for the first time for 2021 should access the FSAFEDS website, select 2021 Special Enrollment Period, and follow the instructions. They will need to choose the “2021 Special Enrollment Period - New Account” event type. The election will be effective the first day of the following pay period as determined by the Forest Service payroll schedule. New participants must enroll between June 1 and June 30, 2021.

Relief provided by the Consolidated Appropriations Act/American Rescue Plan Act (CAA/ARPA)

• FSAFEDS is allowing unlimited carryover for re-enrolled HCFSA and LEX HCFSA participants for the 2020 and 2021 plan years. If an employee does not re-enroll in 2021, they will not have access to the 2020 carryover funds.

• FSAFEDS is extending the grace period for all DCFSA participants for the 2020 and 2021 plan years. The 2020 grace period is extended through December 31, 2021, and the 2021 grace period is extended through December 31, 2022.

• DCFSA participants with a qualifying dependent child who turned age 13 during the 2020 plan year may use any unused funds from 2020 for eligible expenses for that child until they turn age 14. To qualify for this relief, enrollment in a DCFSA in the 2020 plan year is required.

• The 2021 DCFSA maximum election amount has been increased to $10,500 (or $5,250 for married taxpayers filing separately).

• Current DCFSA participants who wish to change their election amount may do so by logging in to their FSAFEDS online account and updating their election amount.

• Use of masks and hand sanitizing wipes (with 60%+ alcohol base) have been approved as eligible over-the-counter (OTC) expenses.

How to take advantage of the relief provided by the CAA/ARPA

• The unlimited carryover for HCFSA and LEX HCFSA, as well as the extended grace period for DCFSA, will be automatically applied to your account – no action is needed. 

• To take advantage of the age 14 extension for DCFSA and expenses for masks and hand sanitizing wipes, simply submit your claims as normal. No change is required. 

For more information

• For examples describing the changes above and other information, please refer to the CAA Quick Reference Guide for more details.
• Visit the FSAFEDS website to learn more information about these programs.

Help is available

Open an HR Help case:

• Call: 1-877-372-7248, Press 2
• Email: hrm_contact_center@usda.gov
• Self-Service: ConnectHR, then click HR Help
• For detailed instructions, visit the HR Help How-to Add a Case Guide.