Flexible Spending Accounts discussed at employee forums

UNMC employees participating in the university’s Flexible Spending Account (FSA) soon may receive their WageWorks card in their home mailbox.

Jo Watkins, benefits specialist, received her card this past weekend.

And, at Monday’s employee forums, Watkins talked about WageWorks, which started administering the university’s flexible spending account on June 5.

View an archived version of Monday’s noontime employee forum.

Employees now will be reimbursed for health care and dependent care expenses through WageWorks, which can be accessed through Firefly ESS with a single sign-on or through WageWorks’ website after establishing a user ID. Claims no longer will be handled through the UNMC Benefits office.

What changes with WageWorks?


  • There are more ways to submit claims – online through Wageworks, U.S. mail, fax, EZ receipts mobile app.
  • Different claims submission forms are required for health care and dependent care expenses.
  • There are more ways for payments to be processed:
    • Pay me back – Employees pay expenses and submit claims for reimbursement from their FSA. WageWorks will review and process claims within 48 hours of receipt – payment will be made to the primary bank account used for the employee’s payroll within five business days following the date processed. Employees will receive an email notification from WageWorks and can monitor their claims status online.
    • Pay my provider – Similar to an online bill payment service, WageWorks will pay the provider directly with a check no less than 10 business days after the request is received and the claim has been processed. This option works best for recurring payments such as monthly orthodontia payments, medical expenses (allergy shots), daycare or one-time payments.
    • Pay by card – Cards may be used at participating health care providers and pharmacies for eligible services, goods and prescriptions. The card is set up to work like a credit card. (Employees who want extra protection should call WageWorks so it can be set up like a debit card with a pin number). The card works best for prescription purchases at a pharmacy or Caremark mail order program. The card cannot be used for dependent care expenses. Save all receipts or digital copies.

    Watkins emphasized that the card is valid for three years and can be used for reimbursement of Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts. Once the cards are received, employees should activate, sign and retain their card – even if they have a zero balance – as it is reloaded each year.

    This card cannot be used for payment of dependent care expenses.