Employee Benefits Programs

PBS prides itself on serving the employees. The Education Center can assist you in a whole number of ways. Here you can better understand the aspects of your benefits program and determine how much you should contribute to cover expenses.

Pre-tax IRS Education Center

What is the PBS Prepaid Benefits Card?

The PBS Prepaid Benefits Card is a special-purpose MasterCard card that gives you an easy, automatic way to pay for qualified health care/benefit expenses. The Card lets you electronically access the pre-tax amounts set aside in your respective employee benefits accounts such as Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), Health Reimbursement Accounts (HRAs), Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), Qualified Transportation Accounts (QTAs), and other benefit accounts.

How does the PBS Prepaid Benefits Card work?

It works like a MasterCard with the value of your account(s) contribution stored on it. When you have qualified eligible expenses at a business that accepts MasterCard™, simply use your Card. The amount of your qualified purchases will be deducted – automatically – from your account and the pre-tax dollars will be electronically transferred to the provider/merchant for immediate payment.

How does the PBS Prepaid Benefits Card change how I am reimbursed for expenses?

Before the PBS Prepaid Benefits Card became available, you were required to first make a contribution from your paycheck into your FSA or other benefit account. You then had to pay for your eligible expenses at the time of purchase, submit claim forms along with all receipts, and then wait for the reimbursement to be processed. A check was issued and mailed to you and then you cashed the check. In essence, you paid twice – through payroll deduction and then at the point of service. Then you had to wait for reimbursement.

With the PBS Prepaid Benefits Card, you simply swipe the Card and the funds are automatically deducted from your respective employee benefit account(s) for payment. The Card eliminates most out-of-pocket cash outlays and paperwork, as well as the need to wait for reimbursement checks.

Is the PBS Prepaid Benefits Card just like other MasterCard™?

No. The PBS Prepaid Benefits Card is a special-purpose MasterCard™ that can be used only for qualified expenses. It cannot be used, for instance, at gas stations or restaurants. There are no monthly bills and no interest.

How many PBS Prepaid Benefits Cards will I receive?

You’ll receive two Cards. If you would like additional cards for other family members, contact your plan Administrator.

Do I need a new PBS Prepaid Benefits Card each year?

As long as the respective employee benefit account(s) remain part of your benefit plan and you elect to participate each year, your PBS Prepaid Benefits Card will be loaded with your new annual election amount at the start of each plan year or incrementally with each pay period, based on the type of account(s) you have.

What if my PBS Prepaid Benefits Card is lost or stolen?

Call your Plan Administrator to report your card lost or stolen as soon as you realize it is missing, so the Administrator can turn off your current card(s) and issue replacement card(s). A small replacement card fee may apply.

Can I use my PBS Prepaid Benefits Card for OTC Medications?

The CARES Act was signed into law on Friday, March 27th 2020 as an additional piece of legislation crafted to help Americans during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. It includes a number of provisions that affect your employee benefits plans. We’ve outlined a few of the highlights below.

OTC products as eligible expenses

The CARES Act permanently reinstated over-the-counter products as eligible expenses for Health Savings Account (HSA), Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) funds without a prescription. This reverses laws put in place by the Affordable Care Act nearly 10 years ago, which stated that those expenses were only eligible for reimbursement with a prescription. This change takes place retroactive to January 1, 2020.

Menstrual care included as eligible

Menstrual care products were added as eligible expenses as part of the legislation. That means employees can now use their HSA, FSA and HRA funds to purchase items such as tampons, pads and menstrual sponges. This change also takes place retroactive to January 1, 2020.

HDHPs and telehealth services

The CARES Act temporarily allows High-Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs) with an HSA to cover any telehealth or remote care expenses, even if the participant hasn’t reached his/her deductible. This change continues through 2020 and 2021 (for calendar year plans). This comes after the recently passed Families First Coronavirus Response Act required certain coronavirus-related telehealth expenses to be covered with no cost sharing.

OTC Rx Repeal:

Prescriptions (Rx) will no longer be required for over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, including items like Tylenol, Claritin, Tamiflu, etc. when purchased with an FSA and HSA effective immediately and retroactive to January 1, 2020. As you know, FSA and HSA OTC drug purchases have required a prescription since 2011 per the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. This change caused confusion and unnecessary trips to the doctor, and the welcome relief will mean that Americans with FSAs and HSAs can again buy the OTC medicines they need to stay healthy now and in the future.

How do I activate the Card?

The PBS Prepaid Benefits Card is either automatically activated upon recognition of its first swipe or by calling the toll free number on the activation sticker on the front of your card or visit the website on the back of your card.

If your card requires toll free call activation, you can use both Cards once the first Card is activated – you do not need to activate each card. Wait 1 business day after activation to use your card. Each card user should sign the card with his or her own name.

What dollar amount is on my PBS Prepaid Benefits Card when I activate it?

For Health Care FSAs, the dollar value on your Card will be the annual amount you elected to contribute to your respective employee benefit account(s) during your annual benefits enrollment. It’s from that total dollar amount that eligible expenses will be deducted as you use your card or submit manual claims. Some other types of accounts, like Dependent Care FSAs, HRAs, and transportation accounts, are funded incrementally at each pay period, so it is especially important to be aware of account balances in order to avoid declines at the point of service.

Where can I use my PBS Prepaid Benefits Card?

Your PBS Prepaid Benefits Card can be used to pay for eligible goods and services at providers/merchants that offer these goods or services and accept MasterCard™. Be sure to review your current benefit plan or contact your Plan Administrator for a complete list of eligible expenses.

Are there places the PBS Prepaid Benefits Card won't be accepted?

Yes. Your card will not be accepted at locations that do not offer the eligible goods and services, such as hardware stores, restaurants, bookstores, gas stations and home improvement stores.

For FSAs and HRAs, as of January 1, 2008, cards will not be accepted at discount stores, department stores, and supermarkets that cannot identify FSA-eligible items at checkout.

If asked, should I select "Debit" or "Credit"?

The PBS Prepaid Benefits Card is actually a prepaid card. But, since there is no “prepaid” selection available, you’ll select “Credit”. You do not need a PIN and you cannot get cash with the PBS Prepaid Benefits Card.

Why do I need to save all of my itemized receipts?

You should always save itemized receipts for purchases made with the PBS Prepaid Benefits Card. You may be asked to submit receipts to verify that your expenses comply with IRS guidelines. Each receipt must show: the merchant or provider name, the service received or the item purchased, the date, and the amount of the purchase.

What if I lose my receipts or I accidentally swipe the Card for something that's not eligible?

Usually the service provider can recreate an account history and provide a replacement receipt. In the event that a receipt cannot be located, recreated, or if the expense is ineligible for reimbursement, you can send a check or money order to the Plan Administrator for the amount so it can be credited back to your benefit account.

How do I know how much is in my account?

You can visit your Account Summary page at www.pbscard.com (Your Plan Administrator’s web site) and view your account activity and current balance. Or, you can call your Plan Administrator at the phone number on the back of your Card to obtain your current balance. You should always know your account balance before you make a purchase with the Card.

Call PBS at: Toll Free 1-888-333-3901 or locally at 203-985-1711

What if I have an expense that is more than the amount left in my account?

By checking your account balance often – either online or by calling your Plan Administrator at the phone number shown on the back of your Card – you will have a good idea of how much is available. When incurring an expense that is greater than the amount remaining in your account, you may be able to split the cost at the register. (Check with the merchant.) For example, you may tell the clerk you wish to use the Card for the exact amount left in your account, and then pay the remaining balance separately. Alternatively, you may pay by another means and submit the qualified transaction manually via a claim form with the appropriate documentation to your Plan Administrator. The manual claim form can be found on the homepage at www.pbscard.com under form downloads.

What are some reasons my PBS Prepaid Benefits Card might not work at point of service?

  • The most common reasons why your card may be declined at the point of service are:
  • Your Card has not been activated
  • You used your Card before the 1 business day period after activation
  • You have insufficient funds in your respective employee benefit account to cover the expense
  • You’ve included non-qualified expenses at the point of service (retry the transaction with the qualified expense only)
    The merchant is encountering problems (e.g. coding or swipe box issues)
  • The discount store, department store, or supermarket cannot identify FSA-eligible items at checkout according to IRS rules on or after January 1, 2008

Am I responsible for charges on lost or stolen PBS Prepaid Benefit Cards?

If the Plan Administrator and the issuing bank are notified within 2 business days, you will not be responsible for any charges. If the notification is after 2 days, you may be responsible for the first $50 or more. A small replacement card fee may apply.

Whom do I call if I have questions about my PBS Prepaid Benefits Card?

Call PBS at: Toll Free 1-888-333-3901 or locally at 203-985-1711

Can I use the PBS Prepaid Benefits Card to access last year's money left in the account this year?

The IRS allows for a grace period in the current year to use up funds carried over from the prior year. Check with the Plan Administrator to find out how the rollover is handled for your specific program.

How will I know to submit receipts to verify a charge?

You will receive a letter or notification from the Plan Administrator if there is a need to submit a receipt. All receipts should be saved per the IRS regulations.

What if I fail to submit receipts to verify a charge?

If receipts are not submitted as requested to verify a charge made with the PBS Prepaid Benefits Card, then the Card may be suspended until receipts are received. You may be required to repay the amount charged. The Plan Administrator will advise you that the Card has been suspended, if a receipt is not received. Submitting a receipt or repaying the amount in question will allow the Card to be reactivated.

What is a Health Care Flexible Spending Account?

A Health Care Flexible Spending Account, also called a Health Care “FSA,” is like a personal bank account in which you can set aside an amount of money on a pre-tax basis to cover qualified health care expenses that are not covered by your health plan.

How is an FSA funded?

You contribute to an FSA through payroll deductions. Your deductions are made on a pre-tax basis, which means before income taxes, FICA (Social Security). This lowers the amount of taxes you pay.

Why should I participate in an FSA?

Basically, if you want to save money on your out-of-pocket health care expenses you should seriously consider participating in an FSA. Since your contributions are made on a pre-tax basis your taxable income is reduced by the amount you contribute, and that lowers the amount of taxes you pay. For example, an individual in the 28% federal income tax bracket who pays $2,000 in qualified medical expenses out of an FSA would save $560 in taxes!

Of course, using the PBS Prepaid Benefits Card makes using an FSA simple and automatic!

What health care expenses may be reimbursed through a Health Care FSA?

The IRS defines qualified health care expenses as expenses you or your dependents incur for the diagnosis, cure, treatment or prevention of diseases, conditions or ailments. Most cosmetic surgeries, unless they are for medical reasons, are excluded.

Please see the IRS website to see the details of what expenses are eligible to be reimbursed.

Examples of qualified out-of-pocket health care expenses that are not covered by your benefit plan but are able to be paid for with an FSA include:

  • Copayments
  • Medical statements with a “patient balance due,” e.g., health plan deductibles and coinsurance
  • Dental Expenses
  • Eyeglasses and Contact Lenses
  • LASIK Surgery
  • Orthodontics
  • Online and Mail Order Pharmaceuticals
  • Eligible Over-the-Counter Products (OTCs)
  • Hearing Aids
  • Non-covered charges for qualified medical expenses, or provider bills for amounts beyond what insurance pays
  • Health care expenses not paid by insurance (e.g., in vitro fertilization)
  • Cholesterol Testing Kit
  • Wheelchair Rental
  • Acupuncture
  • Oxygen
  • Smoking cessation programs– Smoking-cessation medications as of 1/1/2011 if prescribed, however, you cannot include in medical expenses amounts paid for drugs that do not require a prescription, such as nicotine gum or patches, that are designed to help stop smoking.
    — Smoking-cessation programs – amounts paid for a smoking-cessation (stop-smoking) program may qualify

Health FSAs can’t reimburse expenses that are reimbursable from any other source.

You can use the PBS Prepaid Benefits Card for all these – and more – thereby stretching your health care dollar and making it easy to do so!

Be sure to review your current benefit plan or contact your Plan Administrator for a complete list of eligible expenses.

What are some examples of health care expenses that are not allowed to be reimbursed through a Health Care FSA?

Examples Include:

  • Teeth whitening services and products
  • Health clubs
  • Hair transplants
  • Most cosmetic surgeries
  • Expenses that are covered by another insurance plan
  • Insurance premiums or premium contributions

Please go to the IRS web site for a complete list. Always check your employer’s benefit plan materials as well.

Can I change my contribution amount during the year?

Yes, but only under certain circumstances. The IRS regulations allow you to change your election within thirty days of a change in “family status.” Family status changes include marriage, divorce, death of spouse or child, birth or adoption of child, and termination of employment of spouse. Always check your employer’s benefit plan materials regarding changes.

What happens if I don't use all the money in my account?

In 2006, the IRS began allowing employers to extend the period for a plan year’s purchases up to 2 1/2 months after the plan year. However, employers can choose whether or not tallow this additional grace period. Check with your employer or Plan Administrator to determine a) if they are allowing the grace period for purchases and b) if you can use your PBS Prepaid Benefits Card for these purchases or if you must submit a manual claim. If your employer does not allow the grace period, you must use all your FSA contributions before the end of the plan year or you will forfeit any money left in your account.

What happens if I have an expense at the end of the year and don't submit it by the end of the plan year?

You will have time after the end of the plan year to file claims for qualified expenses that you incurred on or before the end of the plan year. The deadline for submitting claims is usually three months following the end of the plan year. Always check your employer’s benefit plan materials or call your Plan Administrator.

The IRS allows employers to extend the period for a plan year’s purchases up to 2 1/2 months after the plan year or to carry over up to $640 in unspent funds from the old plan year into the new. However, employers can choose whether or not allow this additional grace period or rollover. Check with your employer or Plan Administrator to determine a) if they are allowing the grace period for purchases or rollover and b) if you can use your PBS Prepaid Benefits Card for these purchases or if you must submit a manual claim. If your employer does not allow the grace period or a rollover, you must use all your FSA contributions before the end of the plan year or you will forfeit any money left in your account.

Can I still benefit from an FSA if I don't itemize deductions on my tax return?

Yes. You don’t need to itemize deductions to take advantage of this benefit.

Can I deduct the health care expenses on my tax return that are reimbursed through the health care FSA?

No. You cannot claim a tax deduction for the same expenses that are reimbursed tax-free through your health care FSA. But, keep in mind only health care expenses that are more than 7 1/2% of your adjusted gross income can be deducted from your income taxes, and most people do not have enough expenses to take the deduction. So, in a sense, an FSA eliminates the 71/2% threshold.

If I become disabled and am only working part-time, can I adjust my FSA account contributions?

Yes. This constitutes a family status change. Always check your employer’s benefit plan materials and please contact your Human Resources Team for assistance.

Will I ever need to submit a paper claim form?

  • You may need to submit a claim form – along with the receipts – if:
  • You make a purchase at a place that does not accept MasterCard™
  • You forget to take your PBS Prepaid Benefits Card with you
  • You choose not to use the Card for a particular transaction
  • Your transaction is denied for any reason
  • You make a purchase for an OTC medication that is ONLY covered with a medical necessity form signed filled out and signed by your physician.

Where do I get a claim form

If, you don’t use the PBS Prepaid Benefits Card, go to www.pbscard.com, on the main page under form downloads you will find any and all forms needed. If you do not have access to a computer please see your HR department or contact your Plan Administrator at the phone number on the back of your Card to obtain a claim form.

How much money can I set aside in my account?

The maximum is set by your employer and is identified in your employer’s enrollment materials

Using FSAs with the PBS Prepaid Benefits Card

Can I use this account to pay for my spouse's deductibles, copayments or other eligible expenses?

Yes, an FSA can be used to pay for your spouse’s eligible expenses. You can receive two PBS Prepaid Benefits Cards so your spouse or dependent can sign and use one of them.

Can I use this account to pay for my dependents' eligible expenses, even if they are covered under a different health plan or I have waived medical coverage for them?

Yes, you can use your account for eligible expenses for anyone who qualifies as your dependent. As of 01/01/2011, due to health care reform, dependents are covered by the FSA plan up to age 26 no matter if a participant is claimed on a participant’s taxes or not.

You will receive two PBS Prepaid Benefits Cards so your spouse or dependent can sign and use one of them. You can also purchase additional Cards for a small fee to suit your unique dependent needs.

Where can I use my PBS Prepaid Benefits Card?

Your PBS Prepaid Benefits Card can be used to pay for eligible goods and services at providers/merchants that offer these goods or services and accept MasterCard™. Be sure to review your current benefit plan or contact your Plan Administrator for a complete list of eligible expenses.

Are there places the PBS Prepaid Benefits Card won't be accepted?

Yes. Your card will not be accepted at locations that do not offer the eligible goods and services, such as hardware stores, restaurants, bookstores, gas stations and home improvement stores.

For FSAs and HRAs, as of January 1, 2008, cards will not be accepted at discount stores, department stores, and supermarkets that cannot identify FSA-eligible items at checkout.

How will the Card work in participating discount stores and supermarkets starting January 1, 2008?

  • Bring prescriptions, vision products, OTCs and other purchases to the register at checkout to let the clerk ring them up.
  • Present the Card and swipe it for payment.
    If the Card swipe transaction is approved (e.g., there are sufficient funds in the account and at least some of the products are FSA-eligible), the amount of the FSA-eligible purchases is deducted from the account balance and no receipt follow up is required. The clerk will then ask for another form of payment for the non-FSA-eligible items.
  • If the Card swipe transaction is declined, the clerk will ask for another form of payment for the total amount of the purchase.
  • The receipt will identify the FSA-eligible items and may also show a subtotal of the FSA-eligible purchases.
  • In most cases, you will not receive requests for receipts for FSA-eligible purchases made in participating pharmacies, discount stores or supermarkets.

Can I use my PBS Prepaid Benefits Card for prescriptions ordered prior to activation of the card?

No. Your Card must be activated prior to the order or purchase date of your prescriptions. You need to wait 1 business day after activating your card to purchase prescriptions at your pharmacy with the Card. For example, if the Card is activated on Tuesday, a prescription can be ordered and picked up on Wednesday.

Can I use the PBS Prepaid Benefits Card if I receive a statement with a Patient Due Balance for a medical service?

Yes. As long as you have money in your account for the balance due and the provider accepts MasterCard™, simply write the Card number on your statement and send it back to the provider. Enrolling in FSA.

How do I enroll in an FSA?

Just complete the Enrollment Form provided by your employer or found online at www.pbscard.com and indicate the amount you want deducted from each paycheck.

When can I enroll in an FSA?

You can enroll in the FSA during your employer’s annual open enrollment or during the plan year, if you experience a family status change. But remember, if you are eligible for the FSA during open enrollment and you choose not to participate, you will not be eligible to participate in the FSA until the next open enrollment unless you have a family status change. Always check your employer’s benefit plan materials.

What is a Qualified Transportation Account?

A Qualified Transportation Account, also called a “QTA,” is like a personal bank account in which you can set aside an amount of money on a tax-advantaged basis to cover qualified transportation and parking expenses incurred to and from your place of work. Within a QTA, there are two subcategories: a Mass Transit Account and a Parking Account.

How is a QTA funded?

You contribute to a QTA through payroll deductions. Your deductions can be made on a pre-tax basis, which means before taxes, FICA, and Medicare are taken out of your paycheck.

How much money can I set aside in my account on a pre-tax basis?

As of 2024, you may contribute on a pretax basis up to $315/month into the Mass Transit Account if you have qualified mass transit expenses, and $315/month into the Parking Account if you have qualified parking expenses, on a pre-tax basis. (These limits are set by the IRS and will be reviewed annually so be sure to check your benefit plan design). Should your monthly expenses for transit or parking be higher than these amounts, your employer may allow you to contribute additional funds on a post-tax basis – be sure to check your employer’s benefit plan design. Money from the parking account cannot be used for mass transit expenses, and vice versa.

Can I participate in both accounts/categories?

Yes, if you have qualified expenses in both categories.

Why should I participate in a QTA?

You save money on expenses you would incur any way by contributing to the QTA monthly and on a pre-tax basis up to the 2024 IRS-imposed maximums of $315.00/month into the Mass Transit Account, and $315/month into the Parking Account. And the PBS Prepaid Benefits Card makes using the QTA simple!

In one conservative example, let’s assume an individual in the 28% federal income tax bracket (assuming a $30,000 salary) pays $1,200 qualified transit and parking expenses out of a QTA – doing so would save $336 in taxes! The PBS Prepaid Benefits Card makes accessing the funds simple and automatic!

What transportation expenses may be reimbursed through a QTA?

The IRS defines qualified transportation expenses as expenses that are necessary for you to travel to and from work, including parking, mass transit and commuter highway vehicles.

Please click here to visit the IRS web site for the details of what expenses are eligible to be reimbursed. Always check your employer’s benefit plan material.

Examples of qualified out-of-pocket transportation expenses that can be paid for with a QTA include:

  • Parking expenses for any type of vehicle on or near your work location
  • Parking on or near a location from which you commute using mass transit
  • Transit Passes
  • Transit Tokens
  • Transit Farecards
  • Transit Vouchers

You can use the PBS Prepaid Benefits Card for all these, thereby stretching your dollar and making it easy to do so!

What transportation expenses cannot be reimbursed through a QTA?

Some examples of ineligible transportation expenses are:

  • Carpooling with a neighbor
  • Transportation and/or parking expenses to attend leisure events
  • Expenses incurred by your spouse and/or dependents in connection with their commutes
  • Tolls
  • Mileage and gas expenses associated with going to and from work
  • Always check your employer’s benefit plan materials.

Can I change my contribution amount during the year?

Yes, since the QTA is a monthly election, you can change your amount or stop contributions at any time throughout the year. Retroactive changes are not allowed, only changes that will affect future months are allowed. Be sure to check your employer’s benefit plan design.

What happens if I don't use all the money in my QTA?

Funds can be rolled over from month-to-month and to a new plan year, so check your employer’s benefit plan design.

It’s important to note that PBS allows for real-time access at transit and parking locations for amounts you’ve contributed to your QTA. So PBS makes it easy to use your QTA and keep track of your balance. Go to the web site on the back of your card for more information and to check balances.

Can I still benefit from a QTA if I don't itemize deductions on my tax return?

Yes. You don’t need to itemize deductions to take advantage of this benefit.

Can I deduct the expenses on my tax return that are reimbursed through a QTA?

No. You cannot claim a tax deduction for the same expenses that are reimbursed tax-free through your QTA.

When are funds available to me, and when can I start using my PBS Prepaid Benefits Card?

QTA funds are only available if they have been deducted from your payroll. For example, suppose you elect to contribute $50 per month and your employer deducts those funds in two equal installments over the first two pay periods of the month. After your first pay period, you would have only $25 of your $50 monthly election available. After your second pay period, an additional $25 would be available. Because of this rule, you cannot use the PBS Prepaid Benefits Card until you have “saved” enough money in your QTA to pay for the first expense you will incur.

What happens if the amount that I want to use in a month is higher than the IRS will allow?

The IRS monthly limits govern contributions and payments that may be made with pre-tax dollars. There are two ways you could use the PBS Prepaid Benefits Card for an amount greater than the monthly QTA limits:

If your monthly parking or transit expenses are higher than the IRS limits and your employer’s plan permits it, you should elect to contribute additional post-tax dollars to your QTA. The PBS Prepaid Benefits Card can only authorize a payment if sufficient funds are in the account. So, for example in 2024, if your monthly commuter rail pass costs $350, you would elect to contribute $350/month to your pre- and post-tax accounts. The first $315 would be pre-tax and the additional $35 would be post-tax based on the 2024 IRS defined allowances. The PBS Prepaid Benefits Card could then be used since there would be sufficient funds on the card to cover the transaction.

What if I pay for eligible expense a month in advance?

Many transit and parking passes are payable in advance. Simply save up one month’s worth of contributions into your QTA. Once you have saved enough, just use your PBS Prepaid Benefits Card to pay for the next month’s pass. For example, you can purchase a transit pass for the month of March in late February, as long as there is enough money in your account to pay for the pass. Then, your March contributions into the account can be used near the end of the month to pay for your April pass, and so on.

What happens if a QTA expense is quarterly?

Simply save up three months worth of contributions in your QTA, then begin paying on a regular basis each quarter. If the amount of the quarterly expense is higher than the IRS monthly limit, you may be asked to send in a copy of your receipt to document that the expense covers more than one month.

Will I ever need to submit a paper claim form?

    • You may need to submit a claim form – along with the receipts – if:
    • Your transportation expense is incurred at a location that does not accept MasterCard™
    • You forget to take your PBS Prepaid Benefits Card with you
    • Your transaction is denied for any reason
    • Be sure to check your employer’s benefit plan design.

Where do I get a claim form?

When using the PBS Prepaid Benefits Card, you usually don’t need a claim form. However, if for some reason you don’t use the PBS Prepaid Benefits Card, contact your Plan Administrator at the phone number on the back of your Card or as identified below to obtain a claim form or online at www.pbscard.com.
Call PBS at: Toll Free 1-888-333-3901 or locally at 203-985-1711.

What happens if I incur an expense and my QTA balance is less than the amount of the expense?

If the amount of payment you seek to make using the PBS Prepaid Benefits Card is greater than your QTA balance, the card request will be denied. You need to limit your card request to the amount in your QTA and pay the remaining amount with another method. If allowed by your employer, you can avoid having this happen by contributing enough funds each month (pre- and post-tax, if necessary) to cover your monthly transit or parking expenses.

If I run out of money in my parking account, can I pay for additional parking expenses with money from my transportation account?

No. The two funds are separate and you cannot transfer funds from one account to another.

If I stop participating, what happens to the money left in my account(s)?

You can submit claims for expenses that were incurred while you were a participant. However, any other funds will be forfeited.

What happens if I terminate my employment?

Upon termination you will have a specific amount of time dictated by your employer’s benefit plan design to file claims on the unused balance in your account. You may submit for reimbursement for services provided prior to the termination date. Any unused funds after that employer-defined amount of time will be returned to the employer. Per IRS guidelines, these funds are non-refundable to the employee.

Can I use this account to pay for my spouse's transportation and/or parking?

No. The transportation benefit is only for the employee who works for the employer offering the QTA.

How do I know how much is in my account?

You can visit your Account Summary page at the web site on the back of your card and view your account activity and current balance. Or, you can call your Plan Administrator at the phone number on the back of your card to obtain your current balance. It’s a good idea to know your account balance before you make a purchase with the PBS Prepaid Benefits Card.

How do I enroll in a QTA?

Just complete the Enrollment Form provided by PBS and indicate the amount you want deducted from each paycheck for each account – parking and/or transportation. Forms are available on the PBS website for downloading at www.pbscard.com for your convenience.

When can I enroll in a QTA?

You may be able to enroll in the QTA at any time during the year but check with your employer as this depends on the particular benefit plan design.

How do I use the QTA for Lyft Line services(available in Miami, Boston, New York, and Seattle)?

We are thrilled to announce that QTA cards are now an approved payment form for Lyft Line in Miami, Boston, New York, and Seattle. Lyft Line is a valid terminal for transit purchases in these cities. As such, any QTA card that has a transit purse loaded with the terminal ID solution configured can use Lyft Line in Miami, Boston, New York, and Seattle.

All QTA cards issued that have a transit purse loaded using the terminal ID solution can take advantage of this benefit. As a commuter in Miami, Boston, New York, and Seattle, you can now add your QTA card to your Lyft account. Simply select your QTA card as the payment method and request a Lyft Line. Lyft will automatically match the commuter with eligible vehicles. Lyft Line can also match commuters going to the same place at the same time to share an eligible vanpool vehicle (six or more seats).

To add the QTA card:

  1. Open the Lyft app
  2. Tap on your picture in the top left corner
  3. Tap on the ‘Payment’ tab
  4. Tap ‘Add credit card’
  5. Enter your commuter benefits prepaid card information

To request a ride with QTA benefits:

  1. Open the Lyft app
  2. Tap on the Line mode
  3. Set your pickup and destination. Make sure your QTA card is selected as the method of payment. You won’t be able to change this after the ride is requested.
  4. Request a Line ride

How much can you elect to contribute for the DCAP Program?

If you are single or married and filing jointly, the maximum amount you can contribute annually is $5,000. If you are married and filing separately, your maximum pre-tax amount will be $2,500.

What are the advantages of the DCAP Program?

Regulated by the IRS, this program lets you pay for eligible dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars. In other words, the money you deposit into the DCAP will never be taxed. For every dollar set aside in DCAP you can reduce your child care expenses by as much as 30%.

Who are considered qualified dependents?

  • Child(ren) under age 13 whom you are entitled to claim as dependents on your federal income tax return; and/or
  • Participant’s spouse or any dependent living in household who is physically and/or mentally incapable of self-care who spends at least eight hours a day in your home

What are considered qualified dependent care expenses?

  • Care at licensed nursery schools, day camps (not overnight camps) and child care centers which provide day care.
  • Services from individuals – other than you or your spouse’s dependent or children under age 19 who provide care in or outside your home.
  • Household services related to the care of your qualified dependent provided by a care provider who is responsible for the care of your qualified dependent.

What are considered ineligible dependent care expenses?

  • Care provided by your spouse, a child of yours younger than age 19 or by a dependent whom you claim as a dependent on your federal income tax return
  • Nursing home or custodial care
  • Overnight camps
  • Childcare expenses while you are not working
  • Schooling expenses for grades kindergarten and higher
  • Expenses claimed under the Dependent Care Tax Credit on your federal income tax return

Do I need to re-enroll every plan year?

Pursuant to IRS guidelines, you must re-enroll during the annual open enrollment period to participate in the DCAP for the upcoming year. After the annual open enrollment period you cannot make any changes to your DCAP unless there is a qualifying family status change. You have 31 days from the effective date of your family status change to modify your DCAP. Such changes must be consistent with your changes in family status, such as:

  • Marriage or divorce;
  • Birth or adoption of a child;
  • Death of a dependent or spouse;
  • A child ceases to be an eligible dependent under the Plan; (to age 13)
  • The beginning or ending of your spouse’s employment;
  • A change from full-time to part-time employment, or vice versa, for you or your spouse
  • A leave of absence taken by you or your spouse; and
  • A significant change in cost or coverage to your Dependent Care Expense.

If you are out on any leave of absence, including worker’s compensation, during the open enrollment period you will have 31 days from your return to work to enroll in DCAP

What happens if my employment is terminated?

If you terminate employment or cease to be an eligible participant under the plan, your program participation will end. Any amounts taken after termination will be reimbursed on an after-tax basis. Expenses for services rendered after the termination date are ineligible for reimbursement.

How do I submit a claim?

Claim Reimbursement Forms can be downloaded through the PBS web site and must be submitted directly to PBS for reimbursement by mail or through the use of the on-line facility at www.pbscard.com. You must incur and pay for your dependent care expenses to your care provider before submitting a claim to PBS for reimbursement.

Since DCAP’s are regulated by the IRS, participants need to save all receipts and submit them to PBS to verify expenses.

DCAP funds become available as they are deducted from your paycheck and submitted to PBS.
You may choose to receive reimbursements by check or direct deposit. You will be reimbursed up to the amount in your DCAP account at the time of claim processing. If your claim exceeds the amount in your DCAP account, you will be reimbursed for the amount of your balance. As your account is replenished, reimbursements will be issued until your entire claim is paid out. Reimbursements are processed on a daily basis.

To request direct deposit of your DCAP, simply access the PBS web site: www.pbscard.com to enroll in this option.

What happens if I can’t claim all my funds by the end of the plan year?

The IRS “Use It or Lose It” rule provides that any monies remaining in your DCAP account at the end of the Plan Year will be forfeited unless you make a claim for reimbursement.

Are the DCAP account funds front loaded on day one?

No, the DCAP funds become available as they are deducted from your paycheck and submitted to PBS.

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Contact Us You can always contact PBS to speak to a CSR by calling 203-208-4800 or toll free at 1-888-333-3901 between the hours of 8:30AM and 4:30PM Monday through Friday.

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Benefits Administration with Defined Contribution

Health Care is Complicated. PBS is making it simple

Our experience working with employees to purchase benefits and defined contributions is integrated into the PBS employee experience.

Really, we assist employees in the decision-making process for health insurance by providing them the tools and recommendation technology to make decisions based on the employees financial status:

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Best case scenario
Premium employee
pays for coverage

2-ticks

Average case scenario
Premium + some
out of pocket expenses

1-tick

Worst case scenario
Premium + large amount of
out of pocket expenses

Platforms

Our goal when developing partnerships with benefit administration systems is to streamline the HR, benefits and payroll process so that it is simple for the employer and employee. This was selected with the employee in mind as the end user.

Shop

We make the shopping experience easier with decision support tools like recommendation technology to take the guesswork out of benefit decisions and provides a personalized plan comparison.

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Enroll

Enrollment at the click of a button. And with Defined Contribution, you decide how much your employees can spend on health and benefits, and they are empowered to choose the combination of coverage that’s just right for them.

Engage

Employee Engagement throughout the year for the employees and information about the benefits at their fingertips. Access coverage information and helpful videos in the Benefits Portal, find your benefits breakdown with Total Compensation Statements, and view it all on the go with our Mobile functionality.

engage

Employee Experience