University Of Michigan Benefits Office
Web site A - Z
Confidentiality Statement
HRAA Home




Home Benefits Services Job Groups Benefits Plans Life Events Forms FAQ Our Office Contact Us UM Gateway
UM HRAA Benefits Office Plans Flexible Spending Accounts

Flexible Spending Accounts

Benefits Plans Home
Plan Overview
Eligibility and Enrollment
Enrollment Form
How You Benefit
Advantages of FSA Accounts
Contribution Limits
Effective Dates and Mid-Year Election Changes
Questions to Consider
About SHPs
Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT)
Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts
SHPS Spending Account Card
Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
Kids Kare at Home
Submitting Claims for Reimbursement
Special Circumstances
Bi-Weekly Payroll Deductions for FSA Accounts


Benefits Services

Benefits Education


Questions

Contact Us
HR/Payroll Service Center

 

image

Special Circumstances

Contact the HR/Payroll Service Center if you experience one of the following special circumstances.

Leaves
During periods when you are not receiving a salary from U-M, you can contribute to a Health Care FSA, but you cannot contribute to a Dependent Care FSA. Such periods include a leave of absence (Leave), reduction if force (RIF), and a leave under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA).

During these periods you can continue to submit claims for eligible expenses incurred, the procedures vary depending on the type of account.

  • Health Care FSA
    • You may only receive reimbursements for services incurred during periods when you made contributions to the account.
    • If you wish to receive reimbursements during a Leave or other period when you are not receiving a salary, you must make aftertax contributions to your Health Care FSA. Reimbursement will be based on the total amount you elect for the year and will be paid upon request.
    • When you return from a Leave or RIF to an appointment eligible for benefits within the same year, your monthly or bi-weekly FSA payroll deduction amounts will increase in order to reach your annual contribution amount if you did not cancel your participation at the start of your leave or request a change upon your return if permissible.

  • Dependent Care FSA
    • You may continue to submit claims for eligible expenses incurred.
    • The amount of the reimbursements will be subject to the balance in your account. If there are sufficient funds, claims will be honored upon request.
    • When you return from a Leave or RIF to an appointment eligible for benefits within the same year, your monthly or bi-weekly FSA payroll contribution amounts will increase in order to reach your annual contribution amount if you did not cancel your participation at the start of your leave or request a change upon your return if permissible.

COBRA
The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (COBRA) allows you to continue your Health Care FSA with aftertax contributions even after losing your eligibility to participate (for example, due to termination of your employment).

To submit claims for expenses incurred after you become eligible for COBRA, you must continue your account through COBRA.

A letter explaining your rights and responsibilities under COBRA will be mailed to your home within six weeks after you enroll in University benefits as a newly hired or newly eligible faculty or staff member. Please read the letter carefully and keep it with your records for future reference, if necessary. If you do not receive the letter, please contact the HR/Payroll Service Center.

 

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the benefits information in this site. However, if any provision on the benefits plans is unclear or ambiguous, the Benefits Office reserves the right to interpret the plan and resolve the problem. If any inconsistency exists between this site and the written plans or contracts, the actual provisions of each benefit plan will govern. The University in its sole discretion may modify, amend, or terminate the benefits provided with respect to any individual receiving benefits, including active employees, retirees, and their spouses, partners, and dependents. 

©2002 University of Michigan Human Resources and Affirmative Action | Benefits Office | Wolverine Tower Low Rise G250, 3003 South State Street, Ann Arbor MI 48109-1278| Fax (734) 763-0363