Don’t leave money on the table: your mid-year FSA check-In

As we head into the summer months, it’s easy to let your benefits slip to the back of your mind. However, if you enrolled in a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for 2026, now is the strategic time to check your balance.

Augustana College offers Medical and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), administered by the Employee Benefits Corporation (EBC). These accounts allow benefit-eligible employees to set aside pre-tax earnings for qualifying healthcare or childcare expenses, reducing your taxable income while covering essential costs. Whether or not you are enrolled in a college health plan, you can participate as long as you meet the minimum work hour requirements. Keep in mind that FSA elections are made annually and remain fixed for the calendar year unless you experience a qualifying life event.

1. Check your balance.

Log in to your EBC profile. (Register or log in at www.ebcflex.com). You also may call at 800-346-2126.  Knowing your number now prevents a frantic, last-minute shopping spree in December.

2. Think beyond the doctor’s office

Most people know FSAs cover co-pays and prescriptions, but the list of eligible items is much broader. You can use your tax-free dollars for:

• Summer essentials: sunscreen (SPF 30+), prescription sunglasses, and even high-end bug spray.
• Tech and wellness: Many high-tech health trackers, massage guns (for recovery), and light-therapy devices for skin care are now eligible.
• Family care: Menstrual products, baby monitors, and even certain over-the-counter medications like Ibuprofen or allergy relief.

3. Plan your procedures

If you’ve been putting off new glasses, dental work, or a physical therapy consultation, summer is the ideal time to schedule those appointments. Using your FSA funds for these services now ensures you get the care you need without the year-end "holiday rush" at doctor's offices.

4. Don’t forget your dependent care FSA

Summer can be one of the busiest times of year for dependent care expenses, making this a great time to review your Dependent Care FSA contributions and reimbursement activity.

Eligible expenses for dependent care flexible spending may include:

• Summer day camps
• Before- and after-school programs
• Preschool or nursery school
• Babysitters or nanny services that allow you (and your spouse, if applicable) to work or attend school full-time
  (Please note that overnight camps are generally not eligible expenses.)

See Augustana’s flexible spending accounts page to find out more about FSA.