Maximize Your Flexible Spending Account with Correct Claim Documentation

09/06/2016

Maximize Your Flexible Spending Account with Correct Claim Documentation

When submitting documentation for claims, it is important to remember the requirements for substantiating eligible expenses.

There are five pieces of information required by the IRS in order to confirm an expense is eligible to be reimbursed pre-tax from a flexible spending account (FSA).

The required pieces of information are:

  • Date of Service – claims are reimbursed based on the date the service is provided or the item is purchased. The date the bill is issued or the payment is made is not always the same and care should be taken to confirm the documentation lists the service date.
  • Description of Service – be sure there is a brief description on the documentation explaining the services performed.   This can include descriptions such as office visit, co-pay or prescription.
  • Provider Name/Information – the name of the practice, specific provider or merchant should be list on the documentation.
  • Patient Name – when the patient name is different than the guarantor name or paid by name, make sure the documentation includes the person who received the services.
  • Amount Charged – especially when insurance is paying a portion of the expense, be sure the documentation from the provider includes the amount charged to the patient for the expense.

While most providers understand the need for itemized statements, it is a good idea to double check your documentation to be sure it provides all the necessary information to help streamline the claim process. In addition to an itemized statement from the provider, an explanation of benefits (EOB) from the insurance company can also be submitted for documentation.

For more information about submitting claims, please visit our website at www.myCafeteriaPlan.com.  For specific information regarding your plan rules, you may refer to  your plan documents.

 

BusinessPlans, Inc. – myCafeteriaPlan does not intend to provide legal or tax advice and information contained in this article should not be interpreted as such. Regulations governing pretax plans are often open to interpretation and should be reviewed with your legal or tax advisor before making any decisions regarding your plan.

Posted 9/6/2016