Communication Playbook – Flexible Spending Accounts
Overview
Flexible spending accounts (FSAs) are a great way for employees to take charge of their health care costs. As an employer, you play a critical role in providing education and resources so employees can decide if an FSA is the right choice for them. This step-by-step communication “playbook” includes the resources you need to effectively communicate the benefits of medical FSAs to your employees and help them set aside funds for health expenses.
Start the conversation
Whether you're introducing FSAs to the entire organization, onboarding new hires, or reviewing options before open enrollment, it helps to provide a high-level overview of FSAs prior to discussions.
Cover the basics
Before benefits discussions, it's also helpful to provide material that covers the basics about FSAs. This can make benefits conversations more productive. We recommend posting these materials on your benefits site or company intranet site, or distributing via email or as a physical copy.
FSA Essential Guide
This document provides an easy-to-read overview of FSAs, and can help employees decide if an FSA is right for them and how to pay for medical care tax-free.
Invite discussion
Even if in-person benefits presentations are not possible, it's helpful to connect over the phone or online to review this benefits option. This gives your employees a chance to ask questions and better understand their options.
Schedule informational meetings
Review our fact sheet
Before meeting, prepare to answer basic questions you may run into.
Support employees during enrollment
Your employees have decided to enroll in an FSA. Now what? Continue to support them during enrollment by helping them make their elections and letting them know what to expect.
Help your employees enroll
Your CareFirst representative can help you determine the best method for enrolling your members once you have gathered enrollment elections from your employees. You can contact our group services line with questions at 866-758-6119.
Use the Group Portal
Monitor and manage your group’s CareFirst benefits.
Need to manage enrollment via mail?
Inform employees about what comes next
Once enrollment has been processed, your employees will start to receive their welcome letters and debit cards. Make sure they're aware that their debit card will come in a plain white envelope.
Help your employees take advantage of their new accounts
In order to take full advantage of their accounts, employees need continuous education and encouragement from you. CareFirst offers a variety of resources that make it easy for you to share and promote.
Provide employees direct access to their new online account
Post or provide a link to CareFirst’s mobile-enabled website at https://member.carefirst.com/mos/#/login. The site works well for any screen size—whether it’s a desktop monitor, laptop, tablet, or mobile phone.
Remind employees where to access educational resources
You can do this with a simple email including the following link to the materials on our learning site.
Promote the customer support phone number
If employees have additional questions about their account, they can call our customer support phone number from 8AM – 9PM EST, Monday-Friday and 9AM – 5PM EST, Saturday and Sunday: Toll Free: 866-758-6119.
Have Questions?
As always, we’re here to help. If you can’t find the answers you’re looking for online, give us a call at 866-758-6119 9AM – 6PM EST, Monday - Friday. Or, you can contact your account manager.