Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

Getting started with your IU flexible spending account (FSA)

Indiana University’s flexible spending accounts, administered by WEX, offer a simple, tax-efficient way to cover eligible healthcare and dependent care expenses. Your contributions are made through pre-tax payroll deductions, reducing your taxable income and saving you money—free from federal, state, local, and FICA taxes.

Unlike HSAs, healthcare FSAs don’t require enrollment in a high-deductible health plan. Dependent care FSAs work similarly but are designed to cover eligible expenses for qualifying dependents, such as children under 13 or dependent adults.

With tax savings and no administrative fees—covered entirely by IU—FSAs are a smart way to manage your expenses while keeping more money in your pocket.

2026 FSA plan summary

Set up your WEX account and direct deposit

It is critical that you set up an account and authorize WEX to direct deposit reimbursements from your healthcare FSA into your bank account. To get started, visit the HSA/FSA web portal, where you can find out how to submit your bank account information online or by mail.

For assistance, contact WEX at +1-800-284-8412 or IUSupport@wexinc.com.

Access the HSA/FSA web portal at WEX

Eligibility

Full-time appointed staff, academic employees and residents are eligible to use each FSA classification:

  • Pre-tax premium conversion
  • Healthcare FSA
  • Dependent care FSA

Helpful resources

FSA plan booklet

A comprehensive overview of all FSAs offered by IU

Dependent care worksheet

Use this sheet to calculate how much to allocate to your FSA

WEX login instructions

Get help setting up your WEX online and mobile accounts

Healthcare FSA

The healthcare FSA allows you to be reimbursed for eligible out-of-pocket expenses—like medical, prescription, vision, hearing, and dental costs—that insurance doesn’t cover for you, your spouse, and your dependents.

If you also have a health savings account (HSA), your reimbursements are limited to vision and dental expenses, plus medical costs after you’ve met your deductible.

The annual per person contribution limit is $3,300 for 2026 (IU spouses can each have their own healthcare FSA with a $3,300 contribution per person). There is no minimum contribution requirement.

At the end of the plan year, up to $660 (minimum of $50) of unused funds will be rolled over into a new account for use towards eligible healthcare expenses in the following plan year.

If you enroll during open enrollment your entire annual pledge will be available for reimbursement on January 1. If you make mid-year elections as a new hire or because of life event changes, your funds will become available by your second paycheck.

IRS-qualified health expenses include items such as:

  • Insurance copays, coinsurance, and deductibles
  • Weight loss programs
  • Prescriptions
  • Dental care and orthodontia

View more qualified healthcare expenses

All claims for the year must be incurred between January 1 (or the initial date of eligibility) and December 31. Claims have to be submitted to WEX no later than February 28 of the following year. February 28 is also when any remaining funds in excess of the rollover amount become forfeited. Click the link to learn how to file a claim online or using paper.

View claim filing instructions

Paper claim form

Dependent Care FSA

The dependent care FSA covers reimbursement for eligible child or elder care expenses that make it possible for you and your spouse to work. That includes daycare, before- and after-school programs, nursery school, preschool, and even summer day camp.

There is no minimum contribution, however, the maximum is $7,500 per household. Spouses can each have their own dependent care FSA, but their combined elections cannot exceed $7,500. Married employees who file their income taxes separately, still have a maximum of $3,750 each.

Dependent care FSA funds are not front-loaded, which means that the funds are only available for reimbursement after they are deposited in your FSA through your payroll deductions.

This account allows you to set aside tax-free money to reimburse yourself for day/evening care expenses for your children under age 13, totally disabled dependents, or your other qualifying tax dependents, which allow you and your spouse to work, look for work, or attend school full time. IRS-qualified health expenses include items such as:

  • Nursery school
  • Summer camp during work hours
  • Daycare
  • Babysitters

View more qualified dependent care expenses

All claims must be incurred between January 1 (or the initial date of eligibility) and March 15 of the following year. Claims must be submitted to WEX no later than April 15 of the following year. Click the link to learn how to file a claim online or using paper. IU benefit cards are not available for Dependent Care FSAs. Use the FSA claim form for reimbursements and be sure to read the instructions at the bottom for the required supporting documents.

View claim filing instructions

Paper claim form

Get in touch with WEX

Contact WEX

Access your account through the WEX website
You can find forms, resources, FAQ, and manage your HSA/FSA accounts online.

 Visit the HSA/FSA web portal