FSAFEDS Open Season 2027: Re-Enroll and the Visa Card

FSAFEDS open season 2027 elections must be made between November 9 and December 14, 2026, because flexible spending accounts do not carry over automatically from one year to the next. Every current participant who wants a Health Care, Limited Expense Health Care or Dependent Care FSA in 2027 must re-enroll. This year, employees with a health care account can also choose a new FSAFEDS Visa FSA card, which makes clear communication from HR offices especially important.

Why FSAFEDS is different from other Open Season programs

Most Open Season choices are "set it and forget it." OPM's Open Season announcement states that FEHB, PSHB and FEDVIP coverage will continue into 2027 if enrollees make no changes. FSAFEDS works differently. In OPM's words, FSAFEDS participants "must make a new election each year to continue that benefit."

This is the single most important message for agency communications. Employees who assume their FSA renews like their health plan will have no account in 2027 unless they qualify to enroll later through a qualifying life event.

Other key facts from OPM's Flexible Spending Accounts page and the 2027 Open Season Highlights:

• Eligibility: FSAFEDS is available to employees of an Executive branch agency or an agency that has adopted the Federal Flexible Benefits Plan (FedFlex). It is for active employees; annuitants cannot enroll.
• Account types: The Health Care FSA (HCFSA), the Limited Expense Health Care FSA (LEX HCFSA) and the Dependent Care FSA (DCFSA).
• Minimum election: OPM lists a minimum annual election of $100.
• Carryover: OPM notes that a carryover feature applies to the HCFSA and LEX HCFSA.
• Administrator: FSAFEDS is administered by HealthEquity.
• Effective date: For re-enrollments, new enrollments and changes made during Open Season, the effective date is January 1, 2027.

What is new for FSAFEDS open season 2027: the Visa FSA card

For the 2027 benefit year, FSAFEDS is introducing the FSAFEDS Visa FSA card for HCFSA and LEX HCFSA accounts. According to OPM's 2027 Highlights:

• The card can pay for eligible health care, pharmacy, dental and vision expenses at the point of service.
• Because the card draws funds directly from the participant's account, participants do not need to pay out of pocket and wait for reimbursement.
• Transactions and balances will be available in the FSAFEDS mobile app.
• Participants can choose the card or continue with paperless reimbursement.

The card is selected as part of the 2027 election. That gives employees another reason to log in and make an active choice this Open Season.

What the card does not change

It is helpful to set expectations so employees are not surprised:

• The card is for health care accounts only. OPM describes it for the HCFSA and LEX HCFSA. Dependent Care FSA participants should not expect to use it for dependent care expenses.
• Eligible expenses are still eligible expenses. The card is a payment method; it does not expand what the account covers.
• Employees can still choose paperless reimbursement. Some employees prefer to submit claims and be reimbursed, and that option remains.

Because the card is new, employees will likely have practical questions about using it at pharmacies, receipts and documentation. Refer those questions to FSAFEDS rather than guessing. FSAFEDS can be reached at 1-877-372-3337 (TTY 1-866-353-8058).

The deadline and how to enroll

FSAFEDS Open Season ends at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on December 14, 2026. Employees enroll or re-enroll through FSAFEDS, not through their agency's health benefits enrollment system. OPM's Open Season page links to each program.

For employees who join the government later, OPM explains that new and newly eligible employees have 60 days after becoming eligible to enroll, but must enroll before October 1 of the benefit year.

What about 2027 contribution limits?

Contribution limits for health care FSAs are tied to an annual IRS figure. As of late October 2026, the 2027 FSAFEDS maximums had not been posted in the official sources we reviewed. Rather than quote a figure that could change, HR offices should direct employees to FSAFEDS.gov for current limits before they choose an amount. If you include limits in agency messages, update them once FSAFEDS publishes them.

A communications plan for HR offices

FSAFEDS messages work best as a short, repeated reminder within your broader Open Season outreach.

Before November 9

• Add a line to your Open Season preview: "FSAFEDS does not renew automatically. If you want an FSA in 2027, you must enroll again."
• Note the new Visa FSA card as a reason to review the election.

During Open Season

• Include the re-enrollment reminder in every Open Season email, not just the first one.
• Share FSAFEDS marketing materials. OPM's Agency Benefits Officers page links to an FSAFEDS toolbox with ready-made materials.
• If your payroll system can identify current FSA participants, send them a targeted reminder.

Final week

• Send a reminder that the FSAFEDS deadline is 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on December 14.
• Remind employees that the deadline time differs from FEHB and PSHB, which are based on the location of the electronic enrollment system they use.

Sample message text HR offices can adapt

Short, plain messages work best. HR offices can adapt this text for an email or intranet post:

Your FSA does not renew automatically. If you want a Health Care, Limited Expense Health Care or Dependent Care FSA in 2027, you must enroll through FSAFEDS between November 9 and December 14, 2026. The deadline is 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on December 14. New this year: if you choose a Health Care or Limited Expense Health Care FSA, you can select the FSAFEDS Visa FSA card to pay eligible expenses at the point of service, or keep paperless reimbursement. Questions? Contact FSAFEDS at 1-877-372-3337 (TTY 1-866-353-8058).

Adjust the text to match your agency's style, and add a contact in your HR office for general questions.

Common questions HR offices may hear

"I enrolled last year. Am I still covered?" For 2026, yes, if the employee enrolled for 2026. For 2027, only if the employee re-enrolls during Open Season.

"Do I need the card?" No. The card is optional. Participants can choose paperless reimbursement instead.

"Can I use the card for day care?" OPM describes the card for the Health Care FSA and Limited Expense Health Care FSA. Dependent care questions should go to FSAFEDS.

"I'm retiring next year. Can I keep my FSA?" FSAFEDS is for active employees, and annuitants are not eligible to enroll. Employees planning to retire should ask FSAFEDS how retirement affects their account and deadlines for claims.

"How much can I contribute?" Refer employees to FSAFEDS.gov for the current 2027 limits.

Helping employees choose an amount

Employees often ask HR how much to set aside. HR offices should avoid giving individual advice but can share neutral planning steps:

1. Review last year's out-of-pocket costs for prescriptions, copays, dental and vision care.
2. Consider known upcoming expenses, such as new glasses or planned dental work.
3. Check the FEHB or PSHB plan they choose for 2027, since a plan change can change out-of-pocket costs.
4. Understand the carryover rules on FSAFEDS before electing a large amount.

Employees who have a health savings account should check FSAFEDS guidance on which FSA type they can use alongside it before enrolling. FSAFEDS provides details on each account.

Where FEBA can help

FSAFEDS fits into a larger picture of health benefits and financial planning. Our agency briefings cover FEHB plan comparison and how dental and vision coverage fit alongside it. Employees looking for broader financial guidance can visit Ask Dr. FedEd, and our federal employee resources page is a good starting point for general benefits questions.

To schedule a briefing for your workforce, contact our team.

Questions

Does an FSAFEDS account renew automatically for 2027?

No. OPM states that FSAFEDS participation does not automatically continue from year to year. Current participants who want an account in 2027 must re-enroll during Open Season, November 9 through December 14, 2026.

What is the new FSAFEDS Visa FSA card?

It is a debit card option for Health Care FSA and Limited Expense Health Care FSA accounts. It pays eligible health care, pharmacy, dental and vision expenses at the point of service by drawing directly from the account.

Is the card required?

No. According to OPM, participants can choose the card or continue with paperless reimbursement.

Can retirees enroll in FSAFEDS?

No. FSAFEDS is available to eligible active employees. Annuitants are not eligible to enroll.

What are the 2027 FSA contribution limits?

As of late October 2026, the 2027 limits had not been posted in the sources we reviewed. Employees should confirm current limits on FSAFEDS.gov before making an election.

Federal Employee Benefits Advocates is an independent educational organization. This article is not a government publication and is not official guidance from OPM or any federal agency.

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