Hellobee Boards

Is there a reason why you'd end coverage with DH and switch to yours? There's no cost to either of those benefits so you'd be better off keeping them with your DH.

But, in the even that you decide to switch, here's what happens:

For both account there will be a termination date based on when you stop contributing. All claims you submit will need to have occurred before this date.

For the medical account your best bet is to submit a claim for any and all expenses before this date for as much money as you can use up. If you guys need glasses/contacts/dentist visits, etc - do it before that date and submit the claim before it gets turned off. If you do it before the termination date, you are entitled to the entire amount of the account. So even if you only contributed $200, but the account was supposed to get to $1000, you could claim all $1000. Yes, this is legal, just in case you're wondering. But if you wait too long, you will only have access to the $200 you contributed.

For dependent care you only have access to what you have contributed so you won't be able to claim more than what's in the account at the time. But if your child care is unevenly spaced so that you pay more certain times of the year, you need to make sure that you have enough from the beginning of the year to wipe out the money you've contributed. You also need to be aware with the new account that any expenses are only reimbursable if they are incurred before you started your new account.

Again, I highly advise you stick with your DH's benefits for these accounts. Switch healthcare if it's a better deal, but there will likely only be more hassle by switching DCA/FSA providers.

Let me know if you have more questions. Another lifetime ago I processed claims like this for a living.

@Mrs. Pen: DH and I have switched things back and forth many times now and he should definitely be able to keep his DCA and FSA accounts even without healthcare through that provider.

Oh, and I meant to mention earlier, if you do end up switching make sure the total of what you contribute is under/at the maximums. I know the yearly maximum per couple for dep care is $5k. I can't remember what the med one is, it's much higher and changes more often.