In response to instances of fraud in the Federal Flexible Spending Account Program (FSAFEDS), the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has directed that entering Qualifying Life Events (QLEs), and the enrollment functionality of the FSAFEDS platform, to be temporarily disabled. Agencies were first notified of this hold in late May.
FSAFEDS has identified a limited number of unauthorized health care FSA (HCFSA) and dependent care FSA (DCFSA) enrollments, leading to unauthorized and unexpected deductions from employees’ pay. At this time, there is no evidence that the systems have been compromised in any way. While additional steps are being taken to mitigate the fraudulent activity, members will be unable to create new enrollments until the function is reinstated.
During this hold, claims for reimbursement will still be permitted. When the platform resumes activity, members will be allowed to retroactively adjust selections due to a QLE.
“Your vigilance is crucial in helping address this issue promptly and effectively," said the Assistant Commandant for Civilian Personnel (CG-1C). "FSAFEDS appreciates your cooperation and understanding and will continue to communicate any new updates with members in the coming days and weeks.”
It is strongly encouraged that members review and continue to regularly monitor the Earnings and Leave Statement and to immediately report any unauthorized deductions for a flexible spending account to FSAFEDS at 877-FSAFEDS (372-3337); 866-353-8058 (TTY); or +1 650-577-5294 (International).
FSA is a government-wide vendor who administers the program on behalf of OPM. Questions should be routed to their office as the USCG has no access to personnel accounts.
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