Implementation of the Health Care Flexible Spending Account (HCFSA) for Active-Duty and Active-Reserve Marines

1.  Purpose.  This MARADMIN announces the 
implementation and special enrollment period for the Health Care
Federal Flexible Spending Account (HCFSA) Program for active-duty
and active-reserve Marines.     
2.  Background.  On 13 September 2024, Secretary of Defense 
Memorandum "Our Enduring Duty to America's Service Members
and Their Families" directed the implementation of the HCFSA 
Program.     
3.  HCFSA Defined.  HCFSA is an optional benefit that enables
service members to use pretax earnings to pay for eligible health
care expenses. Each service member can contribute between $100.00
to $3,300.00 per year to their account.  Households with dual 
military couples can maintain two separate accounts and contribute a
combined total of $6,600.00 per year.  Service members must use and 
claim the funds in their HCFSA account by the end of the plan year.
While you can carry over up to $660.00 of unused funds to the next 
year if you re-enroll in the HCFSA Program, any remaining funds will
be forfeited.      
4.  Ineligible Expenses.  HCFSA cannot be used to pay for health 
insurance, life insurance, long term care insurance or any other
insurance premiums, or costs for temporary continuation of coverage
(TCC). 
5.  Eligibility.  To be eligible for enrollment in the HCFSA,
Marines must be on active-duty or active-reserve with an expectation
of being on active duty no less than six months of the effective 
calendar year.   
6.  Enrollment period.  HCFSA will be available to service members
for the first time through a special enrollment period from 3 March
to 31 March 2025.  Service members can enroll online through the 
Federal Flexible Spending Account Program (FSAFEDS)at 
https:(slash)(slash)www.fsafeds.com. 
6.a.  Upon enrollment, Marines can access the full amount of their
HCFSA on day one of the plan year.  Payroll deductions for the HCFSA
contributions will be deducted in equal increments every pay period
unless the member chooses to accelerate deductions.   
6.b.  It is extremely important for Marines to plan and budget
accordingly when deciding to participate in the HCFSA.  Marines
must carefully consider their out-of-pocket medical, dental, 
and vision care expenses prior to electing to participate in the
HCFSA Program. To obtain funds contributed into a HCFSA account, 
Marines will need to file a claim for reimbursement online through
their FSAFEDS account.  FSAFEDS will reimburse service members with
available funds from their HCFSA based upon their elected 
reimbursement preference of either direct deposit or check.        
7.  Management.  Marines can manage all aspects of their HCFSA
through their FSAFEDS online account https:(slash)(slash)
www.fsafeds.com or by downloading the FDAFEDs application to
their personal mobile device.   
8.  Administration.  Marines must re-enroll each year during open
season to continue participation.  Enrollment does not carry forward
from year to year. 
9.  HCFSA Tools.  To assist Commanders and Marines, several HCFSA 
tools can be found on the FSAFED website: https:(slash)(slash)
www.fsafeds.com website.  Marines can also contact their local 
installation personal financial manager (PFM) or call FSAFEDS 
directly toll free at 877-372-3337.  Overseas participants can 
call toll free at +1 650-577-5294. 
10.  This MARADMIN is applicable to active duty and active 
reserve only.  
11.  Release authorized by Lieutenant General Michael J. 
Borgschulte, Deputy Commandant for Manpower and Reserve Affairs.