How do I choose a start date for a new Company FSA?

Many companies choose to start a new FSA plan at the same time as their insurance.

What are the employer deadlines for FSA enrollment?

Complete setup by the 15th of the month prior to your chosen start date. This lead time gives your employees a minimum of 10 days to decide whether to enroll.

If you complete setup after the 15th, the earliest your plan can start is the 1st of the month after next so that your employees still have at least 10 days to decide.

What are the employee deadlines for FSA enrollment?

Once the company plan is set up, individual workers will need to complete enrollment by the 25th to start on the 1st of the next month. Anyone who misses the deadline will not be able to enroll until the next renewal, unless they have a qualifying life event.

Keep in mind that enrollees won't be able use the FSA funds until after their plans start, or get reimbursed for purchases made prior to the start of their plans.

What FSA plan year end date should I choose?

The start date you choose can also determine when the plan renews:

• Choose a Full Plan Year End Date to have the FSA renew one year from the start date. If that date is the start of your insurance plans, workers will go through Open Enrollment for both FSA and insurance around the same time.
• Choose a Calendar Plan Year End Date to have the FSA line up with the calendar year. 

If you choose the Calendar Plan Year option, your FSA plan year will be different from your contract's term, and you'll be charged the annual fee twice: once at the start of the Calendar Plan Year, and again when the plan renews in January.