Cardinal Care

Open Enrollment for employee benefits will run from May 5 through May 16. All benefit-eligible employees are required to take action during this window using Ease, the District’s online benefits platform.

More detailed plan information, comparison tools, and step-by-step guidance will be shared soon to help you make informed decisions. Be sure to review your options thoroughly and complete your enrollment by the May 16 deadline.

We’re committed to supporting your well-being, and this month, we’re sharing a helpful resource to keep you informed and inspired on your wellness journey.

You can access this month’s Helping You Resource, provided by UMR by clicking on the link below. It’s packed with valuable resources centered around this month’s health topic, including:

✅ Good-for-you recipes to keep your meals both nutritious and delicious
✅ Timely articles from Healthy You magazine for insights on staying well
✅ A mental health spotlight to help you prioritize self-care

As we approach the end of the Flexible Spending Account (FSA) plan year (July 1 – June 30), we want to remind all employees of the “use-it-or-lose-it” provision associated with your Healthcare FSA.

Here are the key points to keep in mind:

• Plan Year End: Our current FSA plan year ends on June 30, 2025.

• Run-Out Period: You have a 60-day runout period (until August 29, 2025) to submit claims for eligible expenses incurred during the plan year (July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025).

• Carryover Limit: You may carry over up to $640 of unused funds into the next plan year. Any amount over this limit that is not used by June 30 will be forfeited.

To avoid losing your hard-earned dollars, we encourage you to:

• Review your current FSA balance.

• Schedule any remaining medical, dental, or vision appointments.

• Purchase eligible over-the-counter items if needed.

• Submit all eligible claims by the August 29 deadline.

Need help finding eligible items? You can shop directly for FSA-approved products at the FSA Store — a convenient, one-stop shop for spending your remaining funds before the deadline.

Dependent Care FSA Reminder
Please note that the Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA) does not include a carryover provision—any unused funds remaining at the end of the plan year will be forfeited in accordance with IRS regulations. However, a 60-day runout period does apply, allowing you additional time after the plan year ends to submit claims for eligible expenses that were incurred during the plan year. Be sure to submit all eligible claims by the end of the runout period to avoid forfeiting unused funds.

If you have any questions about your account or need assistance, please Krista Gundberg. Let’s make sure you get the full value of your FSA!

Sleep is one of the core activities the body needs to function. This article explains sleep hygiene and highlights seven tips for quality and restorative rest.

These monthly bulletins deliver accessible resources, articles, and practical guidance on disease prevention, health promotion, community wellness, and the latest in public health.

Click here to view the April 2025 edition.