Smart Flex
Smart Flex Purchases Made Easier
The information attached to your card is generic and not specific to SISC Flex. The revised "Answers to Frequently Asked Questions" below apply to the SISC Flex plan.
Q. What is the SmartFlex Debit Card?
A. It is a signature based pre-loaded debit card that can simplify the process of paying for eligible expenses. It allows you to pay for expenses at the point of sale thereby reducing the burden of having to pay out of pocket and waiting for a reimbursement check.
Q. How do I use my Smart Flex Debit Card?
A. You simply give your card to your Healthcare provider or swipe it through the provider’s Visa card system for eligible expenses. Remember to use it only for those co-pays and deductibles which are eligible expenses, not for services your insurance program will make payment on.
Q. Do I need a PIN number?
A. No PIN number is needed because you use this card like a credit card. Make sure you indicate CREDIT CARD when using at the point of service.
Q. Do I still need to file a claim?
A. Yes, you will still need to send a signed claim form along with your documentation substantiating the eligible expense to SISC within 30 days of the transaction date.
Q. What do you need to substantiate a claim?
A. The IRS will not allow us to accept credit card receipts as proof of an eligible transaction so participants need to send an itemized statement from the provider that shows dates of service, type of service, charge, and name of patient. A copy of the explanation of benefits (EOB) is the preferred documentation. For over the counter transactions, a receipt needs to show the date of service, name of drug or medication, and charge. The IRS does not intend for these cards to allow participants to have access to their funds without receipt substantiation.
Q. Do I need to continue to save my receipts?
A. Yes. Under the IRS guidelines, all card transactions must be substantiated as an eligible expense. Therefore, when necessary, you will be required to furnish receipts for review. SISC will not request receipts for all your transactions; however, you need to maintain the receipts in the event you receive the request or the IRS audits you. Remember, these are tax code programs, and under the IRS rules you must submit documentation when requested, just like your personal income tax. SISC is required to do this under the federal tax code for debit card programs.
Q. Where will my Smart Flex Debit Card work?
A. Your Smart Flex Debit Card will work at all healthcare providers that utilized the Visa credit card system. Your Debit Card is programmed to work with the Visa merchant category codes set for Healthcare providers. If the service provider is not set correctly, this could result in your card not working at the time of service. You will need to submit a hard copy claim for that service.
Q. What other reasons would cause my card not to work?
A. Your account balance may be too low to cover the expenses; therefore, your card will not work. If you have outstanding claims that you have not cleared up your card may be blocked and will not work. If your card is blocked three times during the plan year it will be closed. You should contact our office for information on why your card didn’t work.
Q. I have some outstanding charges from a prior year. Can I use the card to pay off old bills?
A. No. Any card use must be for services or charges incurred in the current plan year. The incurred date is the date you received treatment, filled a prescription, etc. The date that you actually pay the bill is irrelevant.
Q. What happens if the transaction is larger then my available balance?
A. Transactions exceeding your available balance will be rejected. You can request that the merchant charge only up to your available balance and pay the rest on your own.
Q. Do I get new card every year?
A. No. Your card will be reloaded with your annual election amount at the beginning of each plan year. Your card is good for three years.
Q. What if I use my card for an ineligible expense?
A. You will need to reimburse the amount of the ineligible expense back to SISC. The reimbursement will be credited to your Flexible Spending Account. Failure to reimburse SISC will result in having your card deactivated and being denied enrollment in future plan years.
Q. How many cards do I get?
A. You will be issued two cards in your name. If you need an extra card simply call our office to request one. Please be aware there may be an additional charge for extra cards.
Q. If I terminate employment can I continue to use the card?
A. No. The card will be inactivated at that time. If you have qualifying expenses to submit after your termination of employment, you can file a claim for out of pocket expenses. Remember, though, that your qualifying expenses must be incurred during your period of employment.