New Optum Financial Microsite

Visit the new Optum Financial microsite to view resources and access the member portal.

Reminder: If you have a ConnectYourCare payment card, continue to use it until the card expires. Optum will only issue payment cards for new enrollments, when a card is about to expire, or if a card needs to be replaced. 

A Limited Purpose Flexible Spending Account (LPFSA) is a pre-tax benefit used to pay for eligible dental, vision care and post-deductible medical expenses for participants enrolled in a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP). You may use these funds to pay for eligible expenses incurred by you, your spouse and your qualified dependents.

What are the benefits?

  • The LPFSA is used to pay for eligible vision and dental expenses that are not covered by your insurance.
  • It can also be used to pay for eligible post-deductible medical expenses.
  • Pre-tax contributions reduce your taxable income.
  • Easiest way to pay for everyday out-of-pocket eligible dental, vision and post-deductible medical expenses, with tax-free money.
  • Your total annual LPFSA contribution amount is available immediately at the start of the plan year.
  • You can carry over up to $570 remaining in your account from one plan year to the next, so there is minimal “use-it or lose-it” risk.
  • Multiple self-service tools available to easily manage your LPFSA and payment card transactions.

How does it work?

  • The LPFSA is similar to the regular Health Care FSA but is designed to work in conjunction with your HDHP and Health Savings Account (HSA).
  • Use the tax-savings calculator or annual expense estimate worksheet to help determine how much you should contribute per year.
  • Your annual contribution is deducted pre-tax from your paycheck in equal amounts throughout the plan year and deposited into your LPFSA.
  • As eligible expenses are incurred, you can either use your payment card to pay at the point of purchase or submit a request for reimbursement.
  • Manage your account 24/7 via the Optum Financial mobile app or Optum Financial online account

Enrollment Eligibility

To be eligible, you must be enrolled in a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) and participate in a Health Savings Account (HSA).

Ineligible employees:

  • Employees who are not enrolled in the HDHP.
  • Employees who are classified as fellows, scholars and research assistants in the University of Wisconsin System, as well as limited term employees, student hourlies, per diems and other temporary employees.
  • If you are not enrolled in an HDHP, see the regular Health Care Flexible Spending Account for benefit options.

Annual Limits

 

2023

2022

Contribution*

$2,850*

$2,750

Carryover

$570

$550

*The $2,850 contribution limit applies on an employee-by-employee basis. Thus, $2,850 is the limit each employee may make per plan year, regardless of the number of other individuals (spouse, dependent, etc.) whose medical expenses are reimbursable under the employee’s Limited Purpose FSA (LPFSA). If two spouses are eligible for a LPFSA, each spouse may elect to make contributions of up to $2,850 to his or her LPFSA, even if both participate in the same LPFSA sponsored by the same employer.

 

Deadlines

Expenses:

  • For 2022 benefit period, you must incur all eligible expenses by December 31, 2022.
  • For 2023 benefit period, you must incur all eligible expenses by December 31, 2023.

Claims:

  • For 2022 benefit period, you must submit all reimbursement requests by March 31, 2023.
  • For 2023 benefit period, you must submit all reimbursement requests by March 31, 2024.

Review all claims and provide any required substantiation by December 31 each year. 

Eligible Expenses

An eligible expense is a dental or vision service, treatment or item the IRS states can be paid for without taxes.

After you meet your health plan’s deductible, you may be reimbursed for all eligible medical expenses, such as copayments, physical exams and vaccinations. To pay for post-deductible medical expenses using the payment card, you must meet your deductible and complete an attestation agreement. 

Eligible expenses can be incurred by you, your spouse or qualified dependents.

See the medical expenses eligibility tool for a partial list of eligible expenses. For the complete list of eligible and ineligible expenses, visit www.IRS.gov and see IRS Publications 502 and 969.

How should I keep track of my eligible expenses?

You should keep all your receipts and pertinent documentation to prove your LPFSA was used for eligible dental, vision or post-deductible medical expenses. 

If you pay for anything other than eligible expenses with your LPFSA, the amount will be taxable, and you will be required to repay the amount or pay an additional tax penalty.

Account Minimums

To ensure accounts are being engaged with each year, ETF has set a minimum annual contribution and account balance for certain pre-tax savings accounts.

Read More about Account Minimums

Enrollment Information

Learn how to enroll in a pre-tax saving account during open enrollment, as a new hire, or when you have experienced a qualifying life event.

Read More about Enrollment Information

Following Enrollment

You will receive a welcome brochure in the mail from Optum Financial.

Read More about Following Enrollment