Flexible Spending Accounts

A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) allows you to pay predictable, eligible health care expenses or expenses related to the care of a dependent child or adult with pre-tax dollars, lowering your taxable income and saving you money. 

  • When electing an FSA, estimate your expenses carefully because any money not used by the annual deadline will be forfeited.
    Voya Financial administers the FSA program for Harvard.
  • If you elect an FSA, Voya will provide you with a debit card to pay expenses. (Remember: save your receipts.) You can easily access and manage your FSA from anywhere using the mobile app from Voya.
  • You have until March 31 to submit claims for the prior year.

Effective March 20, 2024 - We Are Moving!

On March 20, Harvard Benefits will be moving to 124 Mount Auburn Street.

Our new location does not allow for unscheduled walk-in traffic, so in-person meetings will be by appointment only. We strongly encourage virtual Teams/Zoom appointments when possible.

Virtual and in-person appointments for faculty, staff, and retirees can be scheduled by calling 617-496-4001 or by emailing benefits@harvard.edu.

FSA options

Health FSA

With the Health FSA, you can pay for eligible medical, dental, and vision care expenses for you and your eligible dependents. For 2023 and 2024, you can contribute $120 to $3,050 per calendar year on a tax-free basis.

Note: Local 26 members who are enrolled in a Harvard-sponsored medical plan for 2023 and 2024 receive a $275 contribution from Harvard to a Health FSA.

Limited Purpose FSA

This FSA lets you pay for out-of-pocket dental and vision care expenses only, and is for those who are enrolled in a high-deductible health plan only. For 2023 and 2024, you can contribute $120 to $3,050 per calendar year on a tax-free basis.

Dependent Care FSA

This FSA lets you pay for eligible expenses for the care of a dependent child under age 13 or a dependent adult. You may contribute up to $5,000, based on IRS guidelines.   

Additional Information

Still not sure if an FSA is right for you? Check out the Flexible Spending Account (FSA) 101 tutorial to learn the basics of FSAs.

For additional details, including information on paying for expenses and filing claims, please refer to the FSA/HSA Overview.

Voya Financial, Harvard claims administrator is largely operating on a work from home basis, so participants are encouraged to use the online portal or mobile app (search for “Voya Health Account Solutions" on your mobile device’s app store) to submit claims and ensure timely service. 

Health Savings Account (HSA)

If you’re enrolled in the Harvard High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) and meet other eligibility requirement, you may contribute to an HSA to cover out of pocket medical expenses today – or save for future expenses.

  • Harvard will make a tax-free contribution to your HSA based on your HDHP election ($500 for individual coverage/$1,000 for employee + spouse/DP, employee + child(ren) or family coverage), in addition to any pre-tax contributions you make (up to annual maximums).
     
  • Unspent funds roll over from year to year and the money remains yours even when you leave the University.
     
  • Voya Financial administers this benefit for Harvard.
  • If you elect an HSA, Voya will provide you with a debit card to pay expenses. You can easily access and manage your HSA from anywhere using the mobile app from Voya.
  • You may enroll in an HSA at anytime. Once you elect an HSA, your contributions will continue unless you make a change (or if you leave the HDHP).

For additional details, including information on paying for expenses and filing claims and HSA contribution limits, please refer to the FSA/HSA Overview.