Benefits

What is an FSA?

FSA stands for Flexible Spending Account: An FSA allows you to pay predictable, eligible expenses with pre-tax dollars, lowering your taxable income and saving you money.

Can I enroll in the Harvard Tax-Deferred Account (TDA) at any time or do I have to have a qualifying event?

You can enroll in the TDA plan at any time. Current employees are encouraged to visit the TDA page, which has all of the details, including the contact information for the Harvard University Retirement Center.

Please note that new faculty and administrative and professional staff members are automatically enrolled in a TDA (with the option to cancel or change) after 60 days of employment. You will receive an TDA information package from the Harvard University Retirement Center (HURC).

I signed up for my T-Pass but have not received it yet – why not?

It can take one or two cycles before you receive your first pass, depending upon when in the month you sign up. You may contact WageWorks at 877-924-3967 to check when you can expect your pass to start. It is also possible that  you T-pass may have been delayed in the post office or there may be a problem with your address. Please contact Harvard CommuterChoice, 617-384-7433 or by email commuterchoice@harvard.edu or WageWorks, 877-924-3967 with questions.

I’ll be eligible for TAP by the time classes begin – can I register for classes and use TAP now?

No. In order to register for a class using TAP, you must have met the eligibility and wait period requirements. Before signing up for any class, it is important to review the information found in the TAP booklet; current employees may also learn more on the Tuition Assistance page.

Read more about I’ll be eligible for TAP by the time classes begin – can I register for classes and use TAP now?

What is the difference between a Health Flexible Spending Account and Harvard’s Co-Pay Reimbursement Benefit?

Eligible Harvard employees have two types of reimbursement accounts to help cover eligible healthcare expenses. The Flexible Spending Account is an employee-funded, tax-preferred account available to all employees and can be used to cover many kinds of eligible out-of-pocket health expenses; you must enroll in this benefit. The Co-Payment Reimbursement program only covers co-payments above certain thresholds and is only available to employees earning less $95,000; you do not need to enroll in this benefit.

I just enrolled in my benefits – when will I receive my new ID cards for my medical plan, dental plan, vision, etc.?

You will receive your (benefit) ID cards approximately two to three weeks after you make your online election. They will be sent to your home address directly from the insurance carrier you have selected. You will receive a separate card from Express Scripts for prescription coverage. In the event of an emergency prior to the issuance of the cards, please contact the Benefits Office.

Please note: Express Scripts, Delta Dental and Davis Vision will not provide a card in the name of a covered dependent, although they will provide a duplicate card with your name on it for a...

Read more about I just enrolled in my benefits – when will I receive my new ID cards for my medical plan, dental plan, vision, etc.?