HR Benefits Information

April 14, 2020 / HR News/Training
  1. Update: COVID-19 Provisions Regarding Flexible Spending Account

The recently signed Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, provides two updates that may be beneficial to participants in the state’s Health Flexible Spending Account. As part of the legislation, many medications are now over-the-counter and no longer require a prescription from a physician and feminine hygiene products are now reimbursable. These newly added provisions do not currently have an expiration date and include some of the following more common items:

  • Cold and allergy medication
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Pain relievers
  • Fever reducing medications
  • Sleep deprivation treatments

Participants using the PayFlex Card for medical expense reimbursement are advised to allow adequate time for the debit card system to update. Agencies do not control when this update will occur and have not yet been advised as to how long the update will take. However, if the PayFlex card does not work at the time of purchase, participants may pay out of pocket and request reimbursement from their PayFlex accounts by completing the online reimbursement process. For online reimbursement requests and a full list of items now eligible for reimbursement, visit the PayFlex site https://payflex.com/.

2. VRS Defined Contribution Plans Offering Virtual Appointments

VRS invites you to register for a virtual appointment to learn more about your VRS Defined Contribution Plan (DCP), VRS Hybrid Plan and the state’s 457 Deferred Compensation Plan.

Tejan Rahman, a Defined Contribution Plans Retirement Specialist from ICMA-RC, the record keeper for the VRS Defined Contribution Plans, is available to assist plan participants with any questions regarding their defined contribution retirement accounts.

Register for a Virtual Appointment https://icmarc.secure.force.com/events?SiteId=a0l3a00000IYEOmAAP now to:

  • Understand your role in saving and investing for your future.
  • Explore how contributions can help you reach your goals.
  • Learn how to choose the right investments for your lifestyle.
  • Discover tools to help you manage your retirement account.