Lifestyle Spending Account (LSA)

• Child care (onsite help, nanny, babysitters)
• Elder care (nursing home, onsite help)
• Diapers, wipes, bottles
• Furniture necessary for comfort or convenience (crib, playpen, rocking chair, highchair, etc.)
• Adoption expenses (adoption agency fees, home study fees, court costs, legal fees, travel expenses)
  Excludes medical expenses of the birth mother/surrogate

*Excludes items covered under medical insurance and costs reimbursed through a dependent care or health care flexible spending account or claimed through the IRS child tax credit.

• Student loan reimbursement
• Home expenses (down payment for home or renter deposit, closing costs, utility bills, etc.)
• Transportation (bus ticket, bicycle maintenance or equipment, vehicle maintenance, repair or gasoline)
• Scrubs or work uniforms (including attire with Children’s Mercy logo)
• Financial advisory and planning services
• Financial seminars and classes
• Certifications
• Estate planning
• Pet insurance premiums
• Office equipment (desk, chair, keyboard, mouse)

• Athletic equipment and accessories (including athletic shoes, attire, etc.)
• Exercise equipment
• Gym, health club, fitness studio memberships (rock climbing, martial arts, tennis, etc.)
• Spa treatments (facial, pedicure, manicure, body wrap (excludes massage))
• Fitness classes (yoga, Pilates, spin/cycle, dance, etc.)
• Lessons (golf, swimming, tennis, dance, etc.)
• Personal trainer
• Fitness trackers (Fitbit, Apple Watch, etc.)
• Entry fees (marathons, leagues, etc.)
• Passes (ski, snowboard, golf, swimming, etc.)
• Home meal delivery service (Blue Apron, HelloFresh, Home Chef, etc.)

• Meditation classes
• Retreats (leadership, spiritual, etc.)
• Reading materials (books, literature, magazines, etc.)
• Pet care (walkers, day care, grooming, etc.)
• Camping (equipment, fees, etc.)
• Personal development classes (art, cooking, etc.)
• Entry passes or tickets (park, zoo, recreational, concert, museum, symphony, theater, etc.)
• Hunting and fishing licenses

*Excludes items covered under medical insurance.

Do unused funds roll over?

Unused dollars do not carry over to the new calendar year. However, unused dollars will roll over each quarter. Example: Sally, a full-time team member, purchases athletic shoes for $75 in February and submits this claim for reimbursement. Sally’s balance of $125 will carry over into the new quarter along with the newly deposited $200 on April 1.

How do I file a claim?

Log in to your WEX account online and select “Reimburse Myself,” then select your Lifestyle Spending Account. You will need to upload documentation to request a reimbursement. Confirm documentation lists date of service/purchase, item purchased, dollar amount and the name of the provider/merchant. Follow the prompts to submit your claim for reimbursement. (View a tutorial)

What documentation is needed to file a claim?

Participants must provide documentation such as a receipt or paid invoice that includes the date of service, item purchased, dollar amount and the name of the provider or merchant. Venmo or PayPal do not suffice as an acceptable form of receipt.

What’s my deadline to submit claims?

You must submit all claims to WEX by December 1 of each year to be reimbursed. You will forfeit any unused funds.

If a claim exceeds my available balance at the end of the year, can I submit the remaining portion for reimbursement the following year?

No. The purchase must be within the plan year (January to December) from which you’re requesting reimbursement. You cannot split a claim over two years.

Will I still have access to the LSA if I terminate employment?

No. If you terminate employment, you will lose access to your LSA balance immediately; there is no grace period. All claims must be submitted before termination and will be paid out by WEX if approved. Any denied claims will require additional documentation.

How am I reimbursed?

By default, WEX will reimburse you via paper check. To receive reimbursements via direct deposit to the account of your choice, you must add your banking information to your WEX account online. Learn how.

There is a minimum $25 reimbursement amount for checks to be issued right away. Your reimbursement will be issued after you submit additional claims to bring your total to at least $25. If your claims do not total $25, you will be reimbursed at the end of the month.

Note: Allow 2 to 8 business days for the check to arrive or 2 to 3 business days for funds to post to your bank account once the claim is approved.

Denied claims will require additional documentation. You will receive a notification from WEX and see an action or task on your account. The claim will not be reimbursed if you don’t provide the required documentation, and you will forfeit funds after December 1.

Can I use funds for my dependents?

Yes, eligible expenses incurred by your dependents can be reimbursed.

Can I contribute?

No; Children’s Mercy provides the funding for this account.

How is taxation assessed?

Reimbursed expenses will be added to your taxable income on a monthly basis. Social Security, Medicare, federal, state and local income taxes are applicable. Understanding Your Paystub.

Unused dollars will not be taxed, however. Keep in mind: If you store up your dollars for a larger expense at year-end, the amount added to your taxable income will be higher. Example: You want to build your balance with the intention of submitting a claim for $500 in November. On the second paycheck in December, $500 will be added to your taxable income.