by admin | Aug 7, 2026 | Blog
As families settle into new school routines, many parents are focused on supply lists, sports schedules, and transportation logistics. But back-to-school season is also a great time to revisit your Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (DCFSA) and make sure you’re taking advantage of the tax savings it offers.
A Dependent Care FSA allows you to use pre-tax dollars to pay for eligible child care expenses, helping reduce your overall out-of-pocket costs throughout the school year.
Eligible Back-to-School Expenses
If the care allows you to work or look for work, your DCFSA may be used for expenses such as:
- Before-school care
- After-school programs
- Babysitters or nannies
- Preschool or nursery school
- Day camps during school breaks
These everyday child care expenses can add up quickly, making your DCFSA a valuable budgeting tool.
Expenses That Typically Don’t Qualify
While a DCFSA can help with many child care costs, it generally cannot be used for:
- School tuition (kindergarten and above)
- School supplies
- Tutoring
- Sports or extracurricular fees
- Overnight camps
Be sure to review your plan’s guidelines for specific eligibility requirements.
Tips to Maximize Your Savings
Estimate Your Child Care Costs
Review your upcoming school-year expenses and ensure your contributions align with your expected needs.
Keep Your Documentation
Save receipts and records from care providers to make reimbursements easy and hassle-free.
Submit Claims Regularly
Don’t wait until year-end. Submitting claims throughout the year helps you stay organized and avoid missing deadlines.
Know Your Plan Rules
Many plans have use-it-or-lose-it provisions, so understanding your deadlines is key to maximizing your benefits.
Make the Most of Back-to-School Season
While you’re preparing your child for a successful school year, take a few minutes to review your Dependent Care FSA. Using pre-tax dollars for eligible child care expenses can help lower your taxable income and provide meaningful savings throughout the year.
A little planning now can help your family get the most value from this important workplace benefit.
by admin | Aug 6, 2026 | Blog
As families prepare for a new school year, most shopping lists focus on notebooks, backpacks, and lunch boxes. But your Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) can help you save on important health-related essentials that students use throughout the year.
Here are the top five HSA/FSA-eligible items to add to your back-to-school shopping list and maximize your healthcare dollars.
1. First Aid Kits and Supplies
Be Prepared for Everyday School-Year Bumps and Scrapes
From playground mishaps to sports practices, accidents happen. A well-stocked first aid kit can help you handle minor injuries quickly, and many first aid supplies are HSA/FSA eligible.
Eligible first aid essentials include:
- Adhesive bandages
- Antiseptic wipes
- Antibiotic ointments
- Gauze pads and tape
- Digital thermometers
Why it’s a smart buy: Keep a kit at home, in the car, and in your student’s backpack to stay prepared wherever the day takes them.
👉 Shop HSA/FSA-Eligible First Aid Kits and Supplies
2. Over-the-Counter Medications
Stock Up Before Cold and Flu Season
The start of the school year often means increased exposure to germs. Thanks to the CARES Act, many over-the-counter medications can be purchased using HSA/FSA funds without a prescription.
Popular eligible products include:
- Pain relievers
- Cold and flu medications
- Cough suppressants
- Fever reducers
- Digestive health remedies
Why it’s a smart buy: Having these essentials readily available can save time and reduce unnecessary trips to the pharmacy.
👉 Shop HSA/FSA-Eligible Over-the-Counter Medications
3. Contact Lenses and Contact Lens Solution
A Must-Have for Students Who Wear Contacts
Vision care costs can add up quickly during the school year. Fortunately, contact lenses and contact lens care products are typically HSA/FSA eligible.
Eligible vision expenses may include:
- Contact lenses
- Contact lens solution
- Contact lens cases
- Prescription eyeglasses
- Eye exams
Why it’s a smart buy: Using pre-tax dollars for vision expenses can significantly reduce annual costs for families.
👉 Shop HSA/FSA-Eligible Contact Lenses and Contact Lens Solution
4. Sunscreen
Protect Students During Outdoor Activities
School may be back in session, but outdoor sports, recess, and after-school activities continue throughout the fall. Broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher is generally HSA/FSA eligible.
Look for:
- Broad-spectrum protection
- SPF 15 or higher
- FDA-regulated sunscreen products
Why it’s a smart buy: Sunscreen helps protect against sunburn and long-term skin damage, making it an important year-round health essential.
👉 Shop HSA/FSA-Eligible Sunscreen
5. Allergy Relief Products
Help Students Stay Focused and Comfortable
Seasonal allergies can make it difficult for students to concentrate in class or participate in extracurricular activities. Many over-the-counter allergy medications qualify for HSA/FSA reimbursement.
Eligible allergy products may include:
- Antihistamines
- Allergy tablets
- Nasal sprays
- Allergy eye drops
- Sinus relief medications
Why it’s a smart buy: Keeping allergy relief products on hand can help students manage symptoms and stay focused throughout the school year.
👉 Shop HSA/FSA-Eligible Allergy Relief Products
Back-to-school shopping isn’t just about supplies for the classroom. It’s also the perfect time to stock up on health essentials that can support your family’s wellness throughout the school year. By using your HSA or FSA funds on eligible items like first aid supplies, OTC medications, contact lens care products, sunscreen, and allergy relief products, you can make the most of your pre-tax healthcare dollars while keeping your students healthy, comfortable, and ready to learn.
👉 Click here to shop all HSA/FSA-eligible products and complete your back-to-school checklist.
by admin | Jul 30, 2026 | Blog
If your company offers a Health Flexible Spending Account (Health FSA), you may be wondering whether employees who leave the company must be offered COBRA continuation coverage. The short answer is yes, in most cases. However, Health FSAs have special COBRA rules that can make compliance much easier than it is for medical plans.
What Is a Health FSA?
A Health FSA allows employees to set aside money from their paycheck on a pre-tax basis to pay for eligible healthcare expenses.
For example, an employee might elect to contribute $2,000 for the year and use those funds for medical expenses such as copays, prescriptions, or deductibles.
Does COBRA Apply to a Health FSA?
Generally, yes. A Health FSA is considered a group health plan, which means it is usually subject to COBRA requirements.
This means employers must:
- Provide COBRA notices when required.
- Offer continuation coverage after certain qualifying events, such as termination of employment.
- Follow COBRA administration rules.
However, most Health FSAs qualify for special rules that limit an employer’s COBRA obligations.
When Can a Health FSA Use the Special COBRA Rules?
A Health FSA can receive special COBRA treatment if:
1. Employees Cannot Receive More Than They Elect
The maximum amount available under the Health FSA cannot be more than:
- Twice the employee’s annual contribution, or
- The employee’s contribution plus $500, if greater.
Most traditional Health FSAs meet this requirement.
2. Employees Have Access to Major Medical Coverage
Employees eligible for the Health FSA must also be eligible for your company’s major medical plan.
This requirement is usually easy to satisfy if both benefits are offered to the same employees.
3. COBRA Premiums Cover the Cost of the Benefit
The cost of COBRA coverage must generally be equal to or greater than the maximum benefit available under the Health FSA.
Most employee-funded Health FSAs meet this rule automatically.
What Are the Benefits of the Special COBRA Rules?
If your Health FSA meets these requirements, you may be able to:
End COBRA at the End of the Plan Year
Unlike medical coverage, which may continue for up to 18 months or longer, Health FSA COBRA coverage can typically end when the current plan year ends.
Skip COBRA for “Overspent” Accounts
You do not have to offer COBRA if the employee has already used most or all of their Health FSA funds.
For example:
- Annual Health FSA election: $2,000
- Claims already reimbursed: $1,900
- Remaining balance: $100
If the employee would need to pay more than $100 in COBRA premiums for the rest of the year, the account is considered overspent, and COBRA generally does not have to be offered.
Key Takeaway
Most Health FSAs are subject to COBRA, but they usually qualify for special rules that reduce the employer’s responsibilities. In many cases, COBRA coverage only needs to be offered through the end of the plan year, and coverage may not be required at all for employees who have already spent most of their Health FSA funds.
By understanding these rules, employers can stay compliant while avoiding unnecessary COBRA administration.
Source: Thomson Reuters
by admin | Jul 16, 2026 | Blog
Many employers use cafeteria plans to allow employees to pay their share of group health insurance premiums with pre-tax dollars. Health Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and Dependent Care Assistance Programs (DCAPs) are also common offerings. But these aren’t the only benefits that can be included.
Employers looking to enhance their benefits package may be able to add several other options to their cafeteria plan.
Health Savings Account (HSA) Contributions
Employees who are eligible for a Health Savings Account (HSA) can generally make pre-tax HSA contributions through a cafeteria plan. This can be an attractive option for employees enrolled in a high-deductible health plan who want to save for current or future healthcare expenses.
Group-Term Life Insurance
A cafeteria plan may also include employer-sponsored group-term life insurance. However, employers should be aware that the value of coverage exceeding $50,000 may be taxable to the employee, unless paid for with after-tax dollars.
Disability Coverage
Short-term and long-term disability insurance can also be offered through a cafeteria plan. These benefits help provide income protection if an employee is unable to work due to an illness or injury.
Dental and Vision Benefits
Coverage under other employer-sponsored health plans, such as dental and vision insurance, may also be included. Offering these benefits through a cafeteria plan can help employees access important preventive and routine care while enjoying tax savings.
Paid Time Off (PTO) Programs
Some employers choose to allow employees to buy or sell vacation, sick leave, or personal days through a cafeteria plan. While these arrangements can provide greater flexibility, they are subject to specific IRS requirements and should be carefully structured to ensure compliance.
Contributions to a Dependent’s Trump Account
Beginning July 4, 2026, cafeteria plans may also permit contributions to a dependent’s Trump account. However, contributions cannot be made to an employee’s own Trump account through the cafeteria plan.
Keep Compliance in Mind
Before adding new benefits, employers should understand that each option comes with its own tax and legal considerations. In addition, cafeteria plans generally cannot be used to pay or reimburse premiums for individual health insurance policies that provide major medical coverage. A limited exception may apply in certain situations involving an Individual Coverage HRA (ICHRA).
The Bottom Line
Health insurance premiums, Health FSAs, and DCAPs may be the most familiar cafeteria plan benefits, but employers have several additional options available. Expanding your cafeteria plan can provide employees with greater choice and flexibility, provided the plan is structured to comply with applicable tax and benefits rules.
Source: Thomson Reuters
by admin | Jul 10, 2026 | Blog
Managing your benefits shouldn’t be complicated. With the NueSynergy Mobile App, you can submit claims, upload receipts, and track reimbursements right from your smartphone. No paperwork, no stamps, and no trips to the post office. Just a simple and convenient way to manage your benefits on the go.
Whether you have an FSA, HSA, or HRA, the NueSynergy Mobile App makes it easy to submit eligible expenses and keep track of your account anytime, anywhere.
Why Submit Claims Through the Mobile App?
Save Time
Instead of filling out paper forms and mailing receipts, you can submit a claim in just a few minutes using your smartphone.
Submit Claims Anywhere
At home, at work, or on the go, the NueSynergy Mobile App gives you access to your account whenever you need it.
Easily Upload Receipts
Have a receipt for a recent healthcare expense? Simply take a photo with your phone and upload it directly through the app. It’s that easy.
Track Your Claims
After submitting a claim, you can check its status directly within the app. You’ll always know where your claim stands without having to make a phone call or send an email.
Stay Organized
Keeping everything digital helps reduce paperwork and makes it easier to manage your healthcare expenses and benefit accounts throughout the year.
How to Submit a Claim
Submitting a claim with the NueSynergy Mobile App is simple:
- Log in to the NueSynergy Mobile App.
- Tap Claim.
- Enter your expense information.
- Take a photo of your itemized receipt or upload supporting documentation.
- Review your information and submit.
That’s it! Your claim is sent electronically and can be tracked within the app.
Need Help Using the App?
If you’re new to the NueSynergy Mobile App or would like additional guidance, we’ve got you covered.
Our Mobile App Quick Reference Guide provides step-by-step instructions for:
- Submitting claims
- Tracking claim status
- Viewing account balances
- Managing account information
The guide is a great resource for both new and experienced users who want to get the most out of the app.
Be sure to download or view the Mobile App User Guide for helpful tips and easy-to-follow instructions by clicking here.
Prefer a quick walkthrough? Watch our short video, “How do I use the mobile app?”, on YouTube to get familiar with the app’s features in just a few minutes.
Simplify Your Benefits Experience
The NueSynergy Mobile App is designed to make benefits management easier. From submitting claims and uploading receipts to checking account information and tracking reimbursements, everything you need is right at your fingertips.
Skip the paperwork and enjoy a faster, more convenient way to manage your benefits.
Download the NueSynergy Mobile App today and discover how easy it is to submit claims, track reimbursements, and manage your benefits wherever you are. Available on iOS and Android devices.
