• Annual Election Begins Today
• Health Care FSAs—IRS Raises 2018 Limit
• HealthFlex Summit Follow-Up
• HealthFlex/WebMD Updates

Annual Election Begins Today

This year’s Annual Election begins today. HealthFlex Annual Election for 2018 benefits runs November 1 through November 16. Annual Election is participants’ opportunity to:

• Select plans (medical/pharmacy, vision, dental)
• Contribute to flexible spending accounts (FSAs) and/or health savings account (HSA)—see FSA article below for important updates
• Choose which dependents to cover in 2018

More details about Annual Election communications—including a link to the ALEX Annual Election promotional video—were provided in the October 13 HealthFlex Express.

Communications Toolkit
Please use these Toolkit materials to encourage participation in Annual Election. These documents can be e-mailed or printed for participants:

• Meet ALEX—Your Virtual Benefits Counselor
• 2018 Annual Election—HealthFlex Exchange version
• 2018 Annual Election—HealthFlex Traditional version

 

Health Care FSAs—IRS Raises 2018 Limit

In keeping with recently issued IRS guidance on flexible spending accounts (FSAs), HealthFlex has raised the allowable limit to $2,650 for participants’ pre-tax contributions to a 2018 health care FSA (also called the medical reimbursement account or MRA). The 2017 health care FSA limit was $2,600. No separate communication will be sent to participants noting this fact, but the limit will be updated in the FSA screens during Annual Election.

 

HealthFlex Summit Follow-Up

Thank you to all the plan sponsor representatives who attended last week’s HealthFlex Summit. Your active partnership is invaluable. Below are materials used during the event:

Agenda

Presentations

• HealthFlex Strategy and Updates
• Market Trends Experience, Update and HealthFlex Exchange
• Legal/Regulatory Update
• Pharmacy Benefits Management Discussion
• From Prediabetes to Diabetes

Handouts

• Well-Being Outcomes for 2017
• Prediabetes Q&A
• Diabetes Prevention Resources
• Diabetes Tips for Congregations

Videos

• Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)
• Prediabetes Webinar

 

HealthFlex/WebMD Updates

The following participant updates are highlighted on the HealthFlex/WebMD login page:

• Settings—Participants are encouraged to “opt in” to receive HealthFlex notifications via e-mail
• Annual Election—Reminder about AE dates: November 1–16
• WebMD mobile app—New WebMD “Wellness at Your Side” mobile app is now available
• OptumRx webpage single sign-on change—Requires participants to complete a one-time registration. This process was discussed during the August plan sponsor webconference.

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