Flex Spending
Flexible Spending Accounts
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) are special, non-taxed accounts designed to save you money on eligible health care and dependent care expenses. Through FSAs, money is set aside — tax-free — from your paycheck, so you’ll pay less in taxes while increasing your disposable income.
Harris County Offers You Two FSA Options:
- Health Care FSA – For eligible medical, dental and vision care expenses.
- Dependent Care FSA – For eligible expenses to care for a dependent child or adult.
| HEALTHCARE FSA | DEPENDENT DAYCARE FSA | |
|---|---|---|
| IRS contribution limits1 | $3,300 | $7,500 per year2 |
| What is the purpose? | To pay for eligible out-of-pocket medical, prescription, dental and vision care expenses. It may not be used for healthcare premiums. | To pay for the care of your child (under age 13 or physically/mentally handicapped older child dependent) or adult dependent while you are at work. This is not for healthcare expenses of your child or adult dependent(s). |
| Whose eligible expenses can I pay for? | For you and any eligible dependents even if they are not covered by the Harris County medical plan. See IRS Publication 502 for specific details. | For eligible child and adult dependents claimed on your federal income tax return. See IRS Publication 503 for specific details. |
| When can I use my FSA? | The total amount you elect to contribute for the year may be used for eligible expenses beginning January 1, 2026. | This account is not pre-funded. Only your current account balance is available for reimbursement on eligible expenses. |
| What is the deadline for incurring and requesting reimbursement? | The last day you can have a qualifying service completed is March 15, 2027. The last day you can submit expenses for reimbursement is June 15, 2027. | |
| Can I roll over my unused FSA funds? | No. Any funds not spent by March 15, 2027, will be forfeited. | |
| How do I request reimbursement? | The Inspira Financial FSA debit card can be used to pay eligible expenses at most provider offices, pharmacies and hospitals. You can also file a claim to be reimbursed at inspirafinancial.com. | You can file a claim to be reimbursed at inspirafinancial.com. |
| Will I need to save receipts, EOBs and provider invoices? | Yes. Even if you use your Inspira Financial Card® you may be asked to verify your expenses. | Yes. You will need your documentation to request reimbursement. |
| Can I enroll or adjust my FSA contribution amount mid-year? | Yes. If you have a qualified life event during the plan year, you may adjust your contribution amount or enroll in a healthcare and/or dependent daycare FSA. See page 17 for a list of qualified life events. | |
| 1The IRS sets the maximum contribution amount for both the Healthcare and Dependent Daycare FSA. The amount listed reflects the maximum contribution for calendar year 2026. 2The contribution limit for the Dependent Daycare FSA can vary based on compensation. The value listed in this chart represents single, or married filing jointly. Flexible Spending Accounts for the 2026 plan year will not be set up and available for your use until your first paycheck of the new plan year. |
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Plan, Save & Pay
Manage your accounts through Inspira Financial
You’ll manage your Flexible Spending Accounts through Inspira Financial, an Aetna company. Log in at inspirafinancial.com.
Can I save time by having my claims reimbursements direct deposited into my bank account?
Yes. To get your money faster, link your bank account at inspirafinancial.com. Claims are usually processed within 72 business hours of receipt
How do I submit claims to Inspira Financial?
Beginning January 1, 2026, you can submit claims to pay yourself back for eligible out-of-pocket expenses. You have three options, you can submit claims:
- Online through your Inspira Financial member website.
- Through Inspira Mobile App.
- Fill out a paper claim form, and fax/mail it directly to Inspira.
Stay connected with the Inspira Mobile® App
Don’t go another day without our free* Inspira Mobile app. Once you create a username and password on the Inspira Financial member website, use that to log in to the app. You can:
- View your account balance and manage your account funds.
- Submit claims to pay yourself back for eligible out-of-pocket expenses.
- Receive account alerts and notifications.
What if I terminate my employment or retire?
Your participation in any FSA program will end. Any contributions made while you were an active employee must be spent before your plan participation ends. Your plan participation will end on the date your active employee insurance ends. All claims incurred while actively at work must be filed by June 15, 2027.