Identity Verification – To provide enhanced security to FSAFEDS accounts, all users will be required to verify their identity through Login.gov. The identity verification process will involve users submitting their state-issued identification online. Enhanced identity verification is one of several steps OPM has taken to combat fraud in the FSAFEDS Program. Identity verification for existing enrollees will be applied to accounts in a phased approach.
- Beginning in mid to late October 2024, employees who already have FSAFEDS accounts that were created on or after January 1, 2023, will be required to complete identity verification through Login.gov, in order to access accounts moving forward.
- All remaining employees whose accounts were created before January 1, 2023, will be required to complete identity verification beginning in January 2025.
For additional important information, see FSAFEDS updates.
Questions may be directed to FSAFEDS at 877-372-3337; 866-353-8058 (TTY); or +1 650-577-5294 (international).
FSA Overview
A Flexible Spending Account is an employee benefit that allows you to set aside money from your paycheck, pre-tax, to pay for healthcare and dependent care expenses. Unlike a Health Savings Account (HSA), an FSA is not administered by your health insurance. However, it can still help you save money on income taxes.
FSA Security
All FSA users will be required to verify their identity through Login.gov. The identity verification process will involve users submitting their state-issued identification online. Enhanced identity verification is one of several steps we’ve taken to combat fraud in the FSAFEDS program.
In addition to enhancing identity verification, FSAFEDS will transition to a “.gov” website domain effective August 1, 2024. The previous domain, FSAFEDS.com, will no longer be operable, and the new domain name will be FSAFEDS.gov.
It is the responsibility of employees to validate themselves as part of identity verification (IDV) through Login.gov. Enrollees should not contact FSAFEDS or Agency Benefits Officers (ABO) to complete IDV on their behalf. Neither party can do this.
- In addition to the online IDV process, employees can also complete the process in-person at over 18,000 participating U.S. Postal Service locations. The nearest one can be identified by using this link: https://login.gov/help/verify-your-identity/verify-your-identity-in-person/find-a-participating-post-office/.
Employees who encounter challenges with the IDV or Login.gov processes should contact Login.gov Customer Service for assistance. They can be reached at (844) 875-6446 and operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Types Of Flexible Spending Accounts
| Type of FSA | Helps Pay: | Who can enroll: | Maximum contribution (2023): |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health Care FSA (HCFSA) | Any eligible medical costs, like co-payments or prescriptions | Anyone eligible for enrollment under the FEHB program, unless you have a High Deductible Health Plans (HDHP) with a Health Savings Account (HSA) | $3,050 |
| Limited Expense Health Care Account FSA (LEX HCFSA) | Any eligible dental and vision expenses | Anyone eligible for enrollment under the FEHB program, even if you have a HDHP with a HSA | $3,050 |
| Dependent Care FSA (DCFSA) | Any child or adult dependent care expenses | Any NIH employee who is not temporary, seasonal, or intermittent | $5,000 per household or $2,500 if married but filing separately |
FSA Enrollment
Employees eligible for FEHB are eligible to participate in an FSA and can enroll during their first 60 days of employment or a qualifying life event (QLE) prior to October 1 of the calendar year. Thereafter employees can enroll during the Federal Benefits Open Season. Review QLEs that permit FSA enrollment on the FSAFEDs life events page.
FSA enrollment must be reelected each year. The elections do not automatically renew.
NIH OHR does not process FSA enrollments. You must enroll on FSAFEDs website. For questions, contact FSAFEDS directly at 877-372-3337.
Employees who are transferring to NIH from an agency outside of the Department of Health and Human Services should refer to the Transfer Employee Benefits Information page for more information.