Surency Flex COVID-19 Update For our Members

 

Updated November 19, 2020

Commuter Benefits 

The IRS recently released the following information on Commuter Benefits Plans which are still being affected by COVID-19:

  • Unused amounts can be carried over to successive periods to be used for future commuting expenses as long as you remain employed under your employer
  • Unused amounts may be applied to another qualified transportation benefit such as qualified parking as long as your employer offers another qualified transportation benefit and the maximum monthly amount for that benefit is not exceeded ($270 for 2020 and 2021)
  • Cash refunds of qualified transportation benefit elections are not allowed per the IRS

Contact our Customer Service Team with any questions or concerns you may have at 866-818-8805 or through our online form here. 

 

Updated March 30, 2020

Changes to Eligible Over the Counter (OTC) Medications 

The $2-trillion stimulus package recently passed by Congress permanently reintroduces coverage of Over the Counter (OTC) drugs and medicines as eligible for reimbursement if you have a FSA, HRA, HSA, and/or Archer MSA without the need of a prescription. This change is effective for expenses incurred on or after January 1, 2020. 

This bill includes two key provisions that will help if you are enrolled in a FSA, HSA and/or HRA during this time. Changes include the following:

  • Over the Counter Rx Revoked: Written prescriptions will no longer be required for Over the Counter (OTC) drugs, including items like Tylenol, Claritin, Tamiflu, etc. when purchased with a FSA, HSA or HRA, effective immediately and retroactive to January 1, 2020. 

This means if you are enrolled in a FSA, HSA and HRA you can again buy Over the Counter (OTC) medicines you need to remain healthy.

  • Menstrual Care Products Included: The addition of menstrual care products are now eligible expenses under a FSA, HSA or HRA, effective immediately and retroactive to  January 1, 2020. 

The timeline for merchants to implement the changes for debit card transactions will occur gradually (within 4-6 weeks of the bill signing). However, it is important to emphasize that each merchant will adhere to its own timeline for completion of this process based on its own internal considerations, and card processors have no ability to influence this. We expect any issues like this to be temporary and resolved in a short time-frame.

HOW DOES THIS IMPACT MY CLAIMS?
You can continue to submit expenses incurred for eligible Over the Counter (OTC) items through your Member Account at Surency.com, the Surency Flex Mobile App, or return to Surency Flex via email at flex@surency.com or via fax at 316-272-4841 and Surency will reimburse you via check or direct deposit based on the payment preferences set with each member’s account.

Contact our Customer Service Team with any questions or concerns you may have at 866-818-8805 or through our online form here. 

We are extremely excited about this change and the opportunity to provide affordable access to Over the Counter (OTC) items via tax advantaged benefits. 

We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available on this industry wide effort.

 

Updated March 25, 2020

We are working diligently to ensure your needs are met.

Our customer service team is available to you by phone at 1-866-818-8805 to answer any questions you may have. In addition, our comprehensive website, Surency.com, is available 24 hours a day – 7 days a week to access your Member Account. 

COVID-19 Preparedness and Your FSA
As COVID-19 virus continues to make an impact across the globe, you may be wondering what medical-related items are FSA-eligible.  Visit our partner, FSAStore.com, to learn more items that may help with any virus preparedness plan. 

https://fsastore.com/learn/coronavirus-preparedness-how-to-prep-for-covid-19

Families First Coronavirus Response Act
On March 18, 2020, President Trump signed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act to help Americans with expenses related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are two key items that may be helpful to you.

COVID-19 Testing
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act states that testing for coronavirus is free to the public (without having to use deductibles or copayments). The legislation comes a week after the IRS provided guidance which stated that High-Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs) would cover the cost of coronavirus-related testing and treatment, even if the individual covered by the HDHP hadn’t met their deductible.

https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-high-deductible-health-plans-can-cover-coronavirus-costs

Telemedicine Expenses
Telemedicine (or telehealth) has played an important role in enabling healthcare professionals to screen patients to determine if they should be tested for coronavirus. Wednesday’s legislation specifically addressed expenses related to telemedicine as being covered.
 

Surency is continuing to provide updates as the situation progresses. Please visit our website for periodic updates at Surency.com/COVID-19.