Igoe & Company Incorporated and mbi Flex Benefits Card
"Where technology and professional Flex Plan Administration meet"

What's New For 2004

Flex Benefits Card (FBC)
     

The mbi Flex Benefits Card system allows employees to directly access their Flexible Benefit Plan pre-tax funds with the simple swipe of a card. This system provides significant benefits for everyone involved in the program: administrators, employers, and employees. Flex Convenience cardss may be used for Section 125 Cafeteria Plans, Section 132 Transit Plans, Section 105 Defined Benefit Plans and Qualified Tuition Reimbursement Plans.

The mbi Flex Benefits Card looks like a typical credit or debit card, and is issued under the MasterCard® or Visa® system, but is only accepted at specific types of merchant or provider locations as defined by merchant category codes ("MCCs"). This ensures that employees are only able to pay for eligible expenses wherever MasterCard® or Visa® is accepted-from physician and dental offices to pharmacies and vision service locations.

  

HIGHLIGHTS -
  • According to mbi, employers will recognize an approximate 25% increase in employee participation
  • Provides instant access to Flex account funds-no need to use out-of-pocket dollars
  • No waiting for reimbursements checks or direct deposit transfers
  • One card may be used for both the Medical Care Reimbursement Plan and Dependent Care Assistance Plan
  • Participants have access to real-time account balance information via the Internet
  • All Participant communication is sent directly to the Participants personal email address for real time efficiency
  • The IRS has changed the FBC requirements. Any FBC purchase that is not an insurance plan co-payment (office visit, Rx, etc.) must be substantiated.

HOW IT WORKS
  • Employee enrolls in Flex Plan
  • Participant receives confirmation email with password
  • Participant receives mbi Flex Benefits Card and should sign the back of the card
  • The mbi Flex Benefits Card is activated automatically when initially swiped
  • Participant incurs eligible expense as governed by the Internal Revenue Service in conjunction with Section 125 plans. Examples of qualified locations and providers include:
    • Hospitals Pharmacies
    • Physician Offices
    • Durable Medical Supply Locations
    • Dental Offices
    • Home Healthcare Services
    • Vision ServiceLocations
    • Dependent Care Facilities
  • Participant swipes card and pays qualified provider with the mbi Flex Benefits Card
    • If a Participant swipes the card at a non-eligible location or an expense is unrecognizable, the Participant may submit a paper claim and receipt for reimbursement
    • The automated system:
      1. Determines if provider is "qualified"
      2. Checks for adequate funds in the Client bank account
  • Participant account balance is reduced by the amount of the transaction
  • Participants should save ALL receipts as they are required to verify expense eligibility
  • Participants must provide an email address in order to qualify for the mbi Flex Benefits Card
  • The participant may log onto a secure web page www.theflexcard.com to monitor their account balance and transaction history, report a lost or stolen card or print a statement at any time day or night

EMPLOYERS
  • Reimbursements are processed via payroll - This method eliminates the need for separate checking accounts and transferring of funds.
  • Employer Flex funds available 24 hours a day / 7 days a week
  • Employer remains responsible for recovering any funds issued for fraudulent claims. Igoe & Company will assist the employer in recouping the funds via electronic communications.
  • Denial letters, requests for additional information or claim substantiation will be sent via electronic mail to the participant. If hard copy letters are required, additional charges will apply.

COST ILLUSTRATION OF POSSIBLE
INCREASED SAVINGS W/ THE FLEX BENEFITS CARD(FBC)


According to mbi, employers will recognize an approximate 25% increase in participation and an approximate 27% increase in employee contributions.

  FSA without the Flex Benefits Card FSA WITH the Flex Benefits Card
Employees in FSA Plan 30 38 (+ 25%)
Annual Contribution (per Employee) $600 $762 (+ 27%)
FICA Savings $1,377 $2,215
Gross Savings (per Employee) $45.90 $58.29

TERMS OF USE:

The mbi Flex Benefits Card is not eligible for use at ATM's or other unqualified merchant locations. The card will be denied at the point of sale when use at an ineligible location is attempted. If an eligible merchant or provider does not accept MasterCard®, please submit your receipts to your plan administrator for reimbursement.

Please contact us to discuss this new feature in greater detail…


IGOE & COMPANY INCORPORATED…
Committed to excellence in Benefit Plan Consulting and Administration