Flexible Spending Accounts

The state of Illinois provides employees with access to a Flexible Spending Account Program. If you choose to participate, you'll specify a certain amount to be taken from each paycheck and put into an account. The funds are deducted before taxes are taken out, which saves you money.

You can participate in two accounts:

  • Medical Care Assistance Plan (MCAP): for medical, dental, prescription and vision expenses not covered by insurance
  • Dependent Care Assistance Plan (DCAP): for child care expenses and/or adult day care expenses

Central Management Services provides complete information about the state's Flexible Spending Accounts Program. The program is administered by Optum Financial ConnectYourCare.

How the Program Works

You can enroll in a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) during the Benefit Choice period or whenever you experience a qualifying change in status. You'll decide an amount to be taken from each paycheck and put into the account, up to an annual limit. Use the Optum Financial savings calculator to see how much you could save by using an FSA.

If you enroll in MCAP, you'll receive a debit card you can use to access the funds in your account. Some transactions will require documentation.

You must request claim reimbursements of both MCAP and DCAP funds by a certain date each year.

You’ll need to enroll each year in these plans during the Benefit Choice period, which usually takes place in May, to continue the plan into the next year and to take advantage of any rollover amounts from the previous plan year.

Resources

The following resources will help you learn more about the FSA Program:

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