ETF is implementing a minimum annual contribution and account balance for some pre-tax savings accounts to:

  • Ensure you are engaging with your account(s) each year
  • Prevent accounts with small remaining balances from automatically continuing year to year
  • Avoid unnecessary maintenance fees on accounts that are no longer in use
  • Reduce confusion, as you may not be aware you still have an account with Optum Financial, if you haven’t enrolled or contributed for several years

The minimum annual contribution requirement begins with the 2023 open enrollment period. The minimum account balance for carryover will begin with plan year 2024.

Accounts Impacted:

  • Health Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
  • Limited Purpose FSA
  • Parking account
  • Transit account

Minimums

Requirement Amount

Minimum Annual Contribution

Starting with the 2023 open enrollment period
$50 each year

Minimum Account Balance for Carryover

Starting with plan year 2024.

Only impacts you if you don't re-enroll in your account
$50

Minimum Account Balance for Carryover

Re-Enrolling in Your Account(s)

If you re-enroll in your account(s), you will not be impacted by this requirement. All account funds will be available for the next plan year as long as they do not exceed the annual contribution limit.

No Re-Enrollment

If you do not re-enroll in your account(s), any account balances less than $50 will be forfeited.

For account balances greater than $50, your funds will be available for the next plan year. You can access these funds and submit claims through the Optum Financial member portal.

Example of Account Minimums

Maria enrolls in the Health Care FSA and elects to contribute $1,000.

  • ✓ This meets the $50 minimum annual contribution

At the end of the year, Maria has $22 dollars in her account.

  • If Maria re-enrolls for the next plan year:
    • She must elect to contribute at least $50.
    • The $22 carries over.
  • If Maria doesn't re-enroll for the next plan year:
    • The $22 is forfeited because it’s below the $50 minimum account balance required for carryover.