Take Advantage of Tax Savings with Reimbursement Accounts
Reimbursement accounts are available for current Duke employees.
Don't leave money on the table. Reimbursement accounts help you take advantage of tax savings on eligible health care and dependent care expenses. Duke offers you two reimbursement accounts: a Health Care Reimbursement Account (for your eligible health care expenses not covered by insurance) and a Dependent Care Reimbursement Account (for reimbursement of day care expenses for eligible dependents). You may participate in either or both accounts. However, you cannot use money from one account to receive reimbursement for the other account.
The annual limit for the Health Care Reimbursement Account is:
- January 1, 2024: $3,200
The annual limit for the Dependent Care Reimbursement Account is:
- January 1, 2024: $5,000
By setting aside pre-tax money from your pay into the Health Care and/or the Dependent Care Reimbursement Account, you may later file for reimbursement of eligible expenses incurred in the plan year (Jan. 1 - Dec. 31) that are not covered by insurance. Because your contributions are deducted from your pay before federal income, state income, and Social Security taxes have been withheld, you save on taxes.
If your salary was above $150,000 in 2023, federal law may require your dependent care election to be readjusted. If you are affected, you will be notified during the plan year of any necessary adjustment to your contribution amount.
Please note: if you wish to participate in the Health Care and/or Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts, you must enroll (or re-enroll) each year. Participation in the reimbursement accounts does not automatically continue from year to year.
For more information, please see the Summary Plan Description.
HealthEquity
HealthEquity has acquired WageWorks as the claims administrator for Duke's Health Care and Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts. You will now see several HealthEquity brand updates in your online personal account/member portal. Expiring and new health care cards are now being issued by HealthEquity. No action is required by you with this change.
Mobile App For Reimbursement Accounts
A mobile app called HealthEquity EZ Receipts is available in the Apple and Google Play app stores. The app allows smartphone users to take pictures of receipts and upload them to assist with verification of purchases or submission of health care and dependent care reimbursement claims.
Eligibility
You can join if you are a regular employee scheduled to work at least 20 hours per week and are in the payroll/benefit classification eligible to participate.
To participate in the reimbursement accounts program, you must enroll during the first thirty (30) days after your date of hire or within 30 days of a family status change. Only expenses incurred on or after your effective date of coverage may be reimbursed.
The reimbursement account plans are governed by Internal Revenue Code guidelines that limit the reimbursement of either health care expenses or dependent care expenses to legal dependents. Your same sex partner is not eligible, unless you are legally married, though his/her childrens' health care expenses may be reimbursable.
Remember, participation in this program is voluntary.
The "Use-it-or-lose-it" Rule
Although Duke's Reimbursement Accounts offer you the opportunity to pay expenses tax free, IRS rules state that any deposits not used for expenses incurred during the plan year will be forfeited. This is known as the "use-it-or-lose-it" rule.
Note: Beginning with the 2024 plan year, you can carry over up to $640 of unused funds into the next plan year for the Health Care Reimbursement Account only.* View this FAQ for more information.
Contact Information
If you have questions that are not addressed on this website, please contact:
HealthEquity
Member Services: 877-924-3967
Fax: 877-353-9236
Mailing Address: Claims Administrator, PO Box 14053, Lexington, KY 40512
Tips for Success
Your reimbursement account is designed to be a hassle-free way for you to save on the year's health care and dependent care costs. To keep it that way, it's important to comply with the IRS regulations that govern the program. To help you avoid any inconvenience, please keep these tips in mind:
- Know what's covered. Knowing what expenses are eligible for your Health Care or Dependent Care Reimbursement Account is key.
- You and yours. Make sure you file claims only for eligible expenses for yourself, your spouse, and your eligible dependents.
- Keep your receipts. Save receipts that describe exactly what you paid for and when, just like you would to deduct them on your taxes.
- Add your email address to your personal online account to ensure you receive up-to-date communications and notifications regarding your account.
- Keep an eye on your reimbursement account. Watch your statements to see if you need to verify any claims, or check your personal online account for the latest information.
- Use your money. Keep track of your reimbursement account balance, and plan ahead to make sure you spend it before your plan year ends.