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Health Care Flexible Spending Account (HCFSA)

What is a Health Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)?

A Health Care FSA is a pre-tax benefit account used to pay for eligible medical, prescription, dental and vision care expenses that are incurred during the plan year (January through December).

You decide how much to contribute to your Health Care FSA each year. Those funds are deducted each pay period and deposited into your WageWorks^® Health Care FSA before taxes are deducted and are available on the first day of the plan year to use for eligible health care expenses. At the end of the year, you can roll over up to $500 from the current plan year Health Care FSA into the next year and still contribute up to the annual maximum for the following plan year.

What are considered eligible expenses under the Health Care FSA?

Your Health Care FSA covers hundreds of eligible health care expenses, like copays for doctor visits, prescription drugs and new eyeglasses or contact lenses.

View a list of eligible health care expenses on the WageWorks website. Please keep in mind that IRS rules determine which expenses are eligible, and some expenses may require a doctor’s note or prescription to be eligible for reimbursement under the Health Care FSA.

Can I have a Health Care FSA if I am enrolled in the REI Saver Medical Plan?

If you are enrolled the REI Saver Medical Plan, you can elect a Limited-Use Health Care Flexible Spending Account. The Limited-Use Health Care FSA allows you to set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for out-of-pocket dental and vision expenses. You decide how much to contribute to the Limited-Use Health Care FSA, and those funds are deducted per pay period and deposited into your WageWorks Limited-Use Health Care FSA. The funds are available on the first day of the plan year. At the end of the year, you can roll over up to $500 from the current plan year Limited-Use Health Care FSA into the next year and still contribute up to the annual maximum for the following plan year.

How do I use my HCFSA money?

There are a few ways you can use the funds in your Health Care FSA:

You can use the WageWorks Health Care Card associated with your Health Care FSA to pay for eligible health care products and services.
You can arrange to have your health care provider paid directly from your Health Care FSA.
You can be reimbursed for the eligible expenses you pay out of pocket.

How do I get paid back for expenses I pay for directly?

There are two ways to submit a receipt for reimbursement:

Through the WageWorks EZ Receipt mobile app. Use your mobile device to snap a photo of your receipts and submit them for reimbursement.
Through your WageWorks account. Log in to your account, select the Pay Me Back option, upload a digital image of your receipt and submit your claim.

What is the claims run-out period for an HCFSA?

REI’s plan year ends on December 31, and you have until March 31 of the following year to submit any expenses to HealthEquity for reimbursement. This can be completed via mobile app or online at HealthEquity.com.

What happens to my Health Care Flexible Spending Account if I leave REI?

If your employment ends, you can only submit claims for eligible healthcare expenses incurred prior to your termination date. If you have a claim that has not yet been reimbursed, you have up to 3 months from your coverage end date (date of termination), to submit for reimbursement.

Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (DCFSA)

What is a Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (DCFSA)?

A Dependent Care FSA is a pre-tax account used to pay for dependent care services while you are at work. The money you contribute to a Dependent Care FSA is not subject to payroll taxes, so you end up paying less in taxes and taking home more of your paycheck.

Who qualifies as a dependent under a Dependent Care FSA?

The following people qualify as dependents under your Dependent Care FSA:

A child under the age of 13 who resides with you and from whom you are entitled to a personal tax exemption as a dependent.
A spouse, parents or other tax-dependent adults who reside with you and who are physically or mentally incapable of self-care.

Learn more about eligible tax dependents here.

What are eligible expenses under a Dependent Care FSA?

A Dependent Care FSA covers a wide variety of dependent care services, such as preschool, summer day camp, before- and after-school programs and child or elder day care. Review the list of eligible expenses to determine if a Dependent Care FSA is right for you and your family.

What is a “work-related” expense?

Your Dependent Care FSA expenses need to be “work-related,” meaning they must be incurred while you (or your spouse) are working or looking for work. For example, if both you and your spouse work full-time and you pay for after-school care for your kids, that is an eligible expense.

How do I use my Dependent Care FSA funds?

There are two way you can use the funds in your Dependent Care FSA:

Pay my provider: You can arrange to pay your dependent care provider directly.
Pay me back: You can pay out of pocket and be reimbursed for eligible dependent care expenses.

What if my claim amount is greater than the balance in my Dependent Care FSA?

You will be reimbursed up to your account’s current balance. The rest of your claim will be held until your account is funded, upon which you will be reimbursed for the remainder of your claim.

How do I submit a receipt for reimbursement under my Dependent Care FSA?

The easiest way to submit a receipt is to use the WageWorks^® EZ Receipts mobile app. With the app, you can use your mobile device to take and store photos of your receipts and submit them for reimbursement. You can even have your provider sign receipts using your mobile device. You can also submit digital copies of receipts by logging in to your WageWorks accounts.

Is a Dependent Care FSA for health care for my kids?

No. Although they are both Flexible Spending Accounts, a Health Care FSA is different from a Dependent Care FSA. A Health Care FSA helps you pay for eligible health care expenses for you and your dependents. A Dependent Care FSA helps you pay for child care and elder care expenses so you can continue to work.

Health Savings Account (HSA)

What is a Health Savings Account (HSA)?

An HSA is a pre-tax account available to employees who are enrolled in the REI Saver Medical Plan. You and REI both contribute to the account, which is used to pay for eligible out-of-pocket medical, dental and vision expenses. The money that you and REI contribute rolls over year to year and belongs to you—even if you leave REI—so you can use it to pay for future eligible health care expenses.

Are there special requirements for having an HSA?

Yes. For you and REI to be able to contribute money to your HSA, the IRS requires that you be enrolled in a Consumer-Directed Health Plan (CDHP). The REI Saver Medical Plan meets the IRS qualifications for a CDHP.

In addition, in order to own an HSA, you cannot:

Have other medical coverage (e.g., through your spouse/partner, Medicare, Medicaid or other government health insurance, etc.);
Be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return; or
Have a Health Care Flexible Spending Account (excluding a Limited-Use Health Care FSA) through REI, another employer or your spouse.

You may cover your spouse/life partner and eligible dependents under the REI Saver Medical Plan even if your spouse/life partner or dependents have other medical coverage. It is your responsibility to meet the IRS requirements to own an HSA and have money contributed to it.

What are the advantages in being enrolled in an HSA?

HSAs are triple-tax advantaged:

Contributions to your account from you and REI are tax-free.
You won’t pay taxes when you withdraw funds as long as you use the money for qualified health care expenses. If you withdraw funds for non-qualified expenses, you will be taxed on the expenses and may incur a 20% penalty.
Any interest or income that is earned in the account is tax-free.

HSA’s are never taxed at a federal income tax level when used appropriately for qualified medical expenses. Also, most states recognize HSA funds as tax-free, with a few exceptions. Please consult a tax advisor regarding your state’s specific rules.

How do I open my HSA?

When you choose the REI Saver Medical Plan, you must open your HSA through the Benefits Enrollment site before you or REI can make contributions. Due to the time it takes to set up the account, it may take up to three weeks before you or REI can contribute to the account and money is available for reimbursement. Because this is an actual bank account, the funds are in an interest-bearing account with HealthEquity. Once your balance reaches $1,000, you will have additional fund options to invest your money. Think of it like a 401(k) for health care.

Who owns my HSA?

You do. All of the money in your HSA (including REI’s contribution) is yours until you spend it—even if you choose a new medical plan, leave REI or retire. Any unused funds in your HSA at the end of the calendar year roll over to the next year. There’s no limit on how much you can accumulate in the account.

How much can I contribute to my HSA?

You may make payroll contributions to your HSA with pre-tax dollars or make post-tax contributions directly to the custodial bank and deduct them on your income tax return. The IRS limits how much you (and REI) can contribute to your HSA on a calendar-year basis.

If you are enrolled in the REI Saver Medical Plan and covering yourself only, the maximum employee contribution is $3,650 for the 2022 calendar year.

If you are enrolled in the REI Saver Medical Plan and covering yourself plus dependent(s), the maximum employee contribution is $7,300 for the 2022 calendar year.

Those who will be 55 years of age or older by the end of the current tax year can make additional catch-up contributions of $1,000 to their HSA.

Do I need to contribute to my HSA to receive the REI Contribution?

In order to receive REI’s contribution you must elect the HSA, however, you do not need to contribute any funds yourself. Simply enter $0. If you decline, you will not receive REI’s contribution.

How much does REI contribute to my account?

If you enroll in the REI Saver Medical Plan with an HSA, REI will contribute $500 to your account if you enroll in employee-only coverage or $1,000 if you choose family coverage (e.g., employee + spouse, child(ren) or family). REI’s contribution to the HSA will be evenly distributed throughout the year. If you enroll in the plan mid-year because you are newly eligible or because of a qualified life event, REI’s contribution will be prorated based on the remaining number of pay periods in the plan year. You don’t pay taxes on these contributions unless you’re in California or New Jersey.

What can I pay for with my HSA?

In general, eligible expenses include medical, prescription drug, dental and vision expenses that you pay for out of pocket, such as deductibles, coinsurance and copays. If you use your HSA for non-qualified expenses, you’ll pay income tax on any disbursements. If you are under age 65, you will also be charged a 20% penalty. Visit HealthEquity^® for a list of eligible expenses.

If you are 65 or over or if you are disabled (as defined by the Internal Revenue Code), you will be taxed on funds you withdraw for non-qualified expenses, but you will not incur the 20% penalty.

How do I pay for expenses?

You may withdraw funds from your HSA by using your HealthEquity debit card or submitting a paper claim requesting that HealthEquity reimburse you directly by check or direct deposit.

You may submit charges only for expenses incurred on or after your HSA bank account is established. Due to the time it takes to set up your account, it may take up to three weeks before your account is open and money is available for reimbursement. Unlike a Health Care FSA, the money in your HSA is not available for reimbursement until money is deposited into your account.

It is your responsibility to report eligible health expenses or unqualified expenses when you file your income tax return. You should always keep proof of eligible health expenses reimbursed through your HSA in case the IRS audits you.

How do I know what my HSA balance is?

Check your account balance online through HealthEquity. Simply log in to HealthEquity and follow the prompts. Or you can use the interactive telephone system by calling 1-844-351-6849 and following the prompts.

What happens when my HSA balance is $0?

You’ll need to pay the full cost of your care out of your own pocket until you meet your deductible. Then, you and the plan will share costs until you meet your out-of-pocket maximum.

If I defaulted to the REI Saver Medical Plan, do I have money in my HSA?

No. Because the HSA is a bank account you own, you must actively elect to open it in order for you or REI to contribute money to it. If you realize you don’t have an HSA, go to REI’s Benefit Enrollment System. REI’s contribution to your HSA will be prorated based on the remaining number of pay periods left in the plan year from the date you enroll. In addition, the money from your HSA is not available until it is funded to your account.

REI partners with HealthEquity to provide access to your HSA. REI may make employer contributions to employees’ HSAs for employees enrolled in the REI Saver Medical Plan who have accepted the terms and conditions of opening and owning an HSA. Employees may contribute to their HSA through payroll contributions. However, REI will neither sponsor nor maintain your HSA; your account will not be subject to the requirements of ERISA.

You, not REI, are responsible for determining whether expenses are qualifying expenses and for paying required income taxes (including the 20% penalty) on any amounts withdrawn to pay non-qualifying expenses. You should keep receipts and other records to demonstrate that amounts withdrawn were used to pay for qualifying health care expenses and therefore not subject to income taxes or the 20% penalty.*

*For employees in CA and NJ, contributions to your HSA are not tax-free for state income tax purposes.

Which family members’ expenses are eligible for tax-free distributions from my HSA?

Expenses for the following family members are eligible for tax-free distributions from your HSA:

Your opposite-sex spouse.
Your child who is 18 years or younger or who is between age 19 to 23 and a full-time student for at least five months a year, or a child of any age who is disabled if the child lives with you and/or the child’s other parent for more than 50% of the year and does not provide more than one-half of his or her own support for the year.
Your life partner (domestic partner or same-sex spouse) and/or the children of your life partner, if they qualify as your tax dependents for REI Benefits Plan purposes. See the REI Benefits Plan Summary Plan Description section entitled “Who Your Tax Dependent for Flex Plan Purposes?” for more information.
In certain instances, expenses for children who do not meet these requirements are still eligible for tax-free distributions from the HSA. Please consult your tax advisor if you have any specific questions concerning these tax rules.

Can I enroll in an FSA if I am enrolled in an HSA?

If you have an HSA, you can also elect a Limited-Use Health Care FSA and use the funds only for dental and vision expenses. A Limited-Use FSA allows you to use your FSA funds for out-of-pocket dental and vision costs and save your HSA dollars.

Health Savings Account (HSA)

What is a Health Savings Account (HSA)?

An HSA is a pre-tax account if you actively elect coverage in the REI Access plan. You can contribute to the account, which is used to pay for eligible out-of-pocket medical, dental and vision expenses. The money that you contribute rolls over year to year and belongs to you—even if you leave REI—so you can use it to pay for future eligible health care expenses.

Are there special requirements for having an HSA?

Yes. For you to be able to to contribute money to your HSA, the IRS requires that you be enrolled in a Consumer-Directed Health Plan (CDHP). The REI Access Medical Plan meets the IRS qualifications for a CDHP.

In addition, in order to own an HSA, you cannot:

Have other medical coverage (e.g., through your spouse/partner, Medicare, Medicaid or other government health insurance, etc.);
Be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return; or
Have a Health Care Flexible Spending Account (excluding a Limited-Use Health Care FSA) through another employer or your spouse.

It is your responsibility to meet the IRS requirements to own an HSA and have money contributed to it.

What are the advantages in being enrolled in an HSA?

HSAs are triple-tax advantaged:

Contributions to your account from you and REI are tax-free.
You won’t pay taxes when you withdraw funds as long as you use the money for qualified health care expenses. If you withdraw funds for non-qualified expenses, you will be taxed on the expenses and may incur a 20% penalty.
Any interest or income that is earned in the account is tax-free.

HSA’s are never taxed at a federal income tax level when used appropriately for qualified medical expenses. Also, most states recognize HSA funds as tax-free, with a few exceptions. Please consult a tax advisor regarding your state’s specific rules.

How do I open my HSA?

When you enroll in the REI Access Medical Plan, you must open your HSA through the Benefits Enrollment site before you or REI can make contributions. Due to the time it takes to set up the account, it may take up to three weeks before you or REI can contribute to the account and money is available for reimbursement. Because this is an actual bank account, the funds are in an interest-bearing account with HealthEquity. Once your balance reaches $1,000, you will have additional fund options to invest your money. Think of it like a 401(k) for health care.

Who owns my HSA?

You do. All of the money in your HSA is yours until you spend it—even if you choose a new medical plan, leave REI or retire. Any unused funds in your HSA at the end of the calendar year roll over to the next year. There’s no limit on how much you can accumulate in the account.

What can I pay for with my HSA?

In general, eligible expenses include medical, prescription drug, dental and vision expenses that you pay for out of pocket, such as deductibles, coinsurance and copays. If you use your HSA for non-qualified expenses, you’ll pay income tax on any disbursements. If you are under age 65, you will also be charged a 20% penalty. Visit HealthEquity^® for a list of eligible expenses.

If you are 65 or over or if you are disabled (as defined by the Internal Revenue Code), you will be taxed on funds you withdraw for non-qualified expenses, but you will not incur the 20% penalty.

How do I know what my HSA balance is?

Check your account balance online through HealthEquity. Simply log in to HealthEquity and follow the prompts. Or you can use the interactive telephone system by calling 1-844-351-6849 and following the prompts.

What happens when my HSA balance is $0?

You’ll need to pay the full cost of your care out of your own pocket until you meet your deductible. Then, you and the plan will share costs until you meet your out-of-pocket maximum.

Eligibility

How do I know if I’m eligible for REI Benefits?

If you’re a regular full-time employee, you will be eligible for REI benefits on the first of the month following your date of hire or on your date of hire if hired on the first of the month.

If you are a part-time employee, your eligibility is determined by your average hours over a measurement period. You will be eligible for REI Benefits if you average 20 or more hours per week over the course of a 12-month evaluation period. Once eligible, you will receive coverage for 12 months. Use the Benefits Eligibility Estimator Tool to find out more information about your eligibility status based on your hire date. You can also watch this video to learn about the details and rules for becoming eligible for REI Benefit Plans.

Who in my family is eligible under REI’s Benefit Plans?

If you are enrolled in coverage, your spouse/life partner and children are eligible for coverage under REI’s Benefit Plans.

If I am a part-time employee, how do I stay eligible for benefits?

If you’re a part-time employee, your hours are evaluated every year so that hours worked during busier times are included in your evaluation period. This helps to minimize the seasonal impact of hours on your benefits eligibility. If you average 20 hours or more per week each year during the evaluation period, you will be eligible for 12 months of REI Benefits. If you average below 20 hours per week when your evaluation period ends, you have options through the government. Take a look at the Health Coverage Decision Tool to learn more. Another option you have is to continue coverage through COBRA.

What is an evaluation period?

An evaluation period is a defined 12-month period during which hours are tracked to determine benefits eligibility for the Full Benefits plan for part-time employees. An employee’s evaluation of hours is determined based on how long an employee has been with REI:

Initial Evaluation Period: Corresponds with an employee’s date of hire (or rehire date if the employee has been separated from REI for more than three months). For example, if an employee was hired/rehired on April 15, 2021, they will have an initial evaluation period between May 1, 2021–April 30, 2022. Typically, employees will only have one initial evaluation period, which will catch them up to the ongoing evaluation period that is reviewed in October of each year.
Ongoing Evaluation Period: Always occurs from October 4–October 3 of each year and applies to employees who have been with REI longer than 12 months.

What is Average Weekly Hours (AWH)?

AWH is hours tracked over a defined 12-month evaluation period to determine eligibity for the Full Benefits Plan for part-time employees. AWH is also used to determine leave of absence and sabbatical pay. AWH provides a reliable snapshot of an employee’s average hours and is updated every pay period.

What hours are used to determine AWH?

The AWH calculation includes the following hours: regular, overtime, vacation, paid sick time, Way Day, holiday, sabbatical and paid parental leave.

How can I view my AWH?

You may view your AWH in Employee Self Service (ESS) by going to Menu > Myself > Personal > Status/Key Dates. Managers can view Employee AWH by going to Menu > My team > My employees > Search > Personal > Status/Key Dates.

Will I lose benefits eligibility if I change from full-time to part-time? What happens to my benefits when I change from full-time to part-time?

Your benefit eligibility will depend on if you have a benefit guarantee coverage period.

If your status changes from full-time to part-time during the year and you do not have a benefit guarantee coverage period, you will lose your benefit eligibility at the end of the following month of your status change. For example, if you changed to part-time status on 8/14/21 and did not have a guarantee coverage period, you lost benefit eligibility as of 9/30/21.

If your status changes from full-time to part-time during the year and you do have a guarantee coverage period, you will remain eligible for benefits through the end of your benefit guarantee coverage period. Visit the Benefits Eligibility page to learn more about the benefits eligibility process and check out your specific eligibility in Employee Self-Service > Myself > Personal > Status/Key Dates.

What is a guaranteed coverage period?

Employees who have averaged 20 or more hours worked during their evaluation period will be covered under the REI Benefits Plan for 12 months, which is the guaranteed coverage period.

Eligibility

How do I know if I am eligible for Benefits?

You are eligible for employee only medical coverage beginning the first of the month following three month of employment.

Is there a certain number of hours a part-time employee must need to be available to work to be eligible for the REI Access Plan?

While there is no hours requirement to be eligible for the new REI Access Plan, employees are expected to work enough hours to pay for the cost of their medical insurance and meet the availability requirements for their store.

Can I enroll dependents in the plan?

Dependents aren’t eligible to be covered in the REI Access Plan. Spouses, life partners and dependents can be added to medical coverage when part-time employees become eligible for the full benefits plan (i.e., average 20 or more hours a week over a 12-month evaluation period).

What is Average Weekly Hours (AWH)?

AWH is hours tracked over a defined 12-month evaluation period to determine eligibity for the Full Benefits Plan for part-time employees. AWH is also used to determine leave of absence and sabbatical pay. AWH provides a reliable snapshot of an employee’s average hours and is updated every pay period.

What hours are used to determine AWH?

The AWH calculation includes the following hours: regular, overtime, vacation, paid sick time, Way Day, holiday, sabbatical and paid parental leave.

How can I view my AWH?

You may view your AWH in Employee Self Service (ESS) by going to Menu > Myself > Personal > Status/Key Dates. Managers can view Employee AWH by going to Menu > My team > My employees > Search > Personal > Status/Key Dates.

What is an evaluation period?

An evaluation period is a defined 12-month period during which hours are tracked to determine benefits eligibility for the Full Benefits plan for part-time employees. An employee’s evaluation of hours is determined based on how long an employee has been with REI:

Initial Evaluation Period: Corresponds with an employee’s date of hire (or rehire date if the employee has been separated from REI for more than three months). For example, if an employee was hired/rehired on April 15, 2021, they will have an initial evaluation period between May 1, 2021–April 30, 2022. Typically, employees will only have one initial evaluation period, which will catch them up to the ongoing evaluation period that is reviewed in October of each year.
Ongoing Evaluation Period: Always occurs from October 4–October 3 of each year and applies to employees who have been with REI longer than 12 months.

Benefits Enrollment

How do I enroll in benefits?

Once you have reviewed your benefit options, you will need to make your elections in UKG. Visit the Enroll in Benefits page for detailed instructions on enrolling or making changes to your benefits.

Can I change my elections mid-year?

You can make changes during the year if you have a qualified life event. Examples of qualified life events include family changes (such as a marriage, divorce, birth, adoption or death) or a change in residence or jobs that affects benefits eligibility or coverage. You have 30 days following a qualified event to make changes.

What happens if I don’t enroll when I become eligible for coverage?

If you do not take action to elect or decline benefits when you are first eligible for coverage, you will be enrolled in the REI Saver Medical Plan for You Only coverage and will be responsible, through payroll deductions, for your cost of this coverage. You will remain in the REI Saver Medical Plan for the entire year. You will not have dental or vision coverage, and any eligible family members will not be enrolled in coverage through REI. You will not be able to contribute to a Health Care or Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account, and you will not receive REI’s contribution to the Health Savings Account (HSA). You won’t be able to elect Supplemental Life or Voluntary Long Term Disability for you or your eligible family members until the next Benefits Open Enrollment period.

What happens if I don’t enroll when I become eligible for coverage?

If you do not take action to elect the REI Access Plan when you are first eligible for coverage, you will need to wait to enroll during the next Open Enrollment session or when you have a qualified life event.

Medical

How do I choose the medical plan that is best for me?

All of REI’s medical plans cover the same kinds of core services, but some plans offer enhanced benefits for certain conditions or medical needs.

One medical plan might meet your health care needs better than another. For a high-level view of what’s covered, see the Medical page. For details, call the medical plan administrator (see Vendor Contacts for contact info), or check out the Plan documents.

How do I find an in-network provider?

You save money by going to an in-network provider or facility.

To find an Aetna network provider, use the REI Provider directory. The provider search tool is customized for participants enrolled in the REI Saver and Choice Medical Plans.

If you are enrolled in a Kaiser (HMO) plan, use the provider search tools to find in-network doctors in California, Colorado or Washington.

How much will each medical plan cost me?

Each of your medical plan options has different bi-weekly payroll contributions, deductibles, copays, coinsurance and benefit limits. Comparing these costs can help you make the right decision.

Use the Medical Cost Estimator Tool to estimate your total costs under each medical plan option based on the medical care you expect to use this year.

What is the medical group number?

Employees enrolled in the REI Saver or Choice Medical Plan can find a copy of your plan number by visiting aetna.com > View Member ID cards.

Employees enrolled in a Kaiser Permanente Medical Plan can find their Member ID/group number by visiting my.kp.org/rei/.

How do I request a medical insurance card? (Enrolled in an Aetna Medical Plan)

If you are enrolled in an Aetna Medical Plan, you can view or request a copy of your insurance card in the following ways:

To print a copy of your ID card, register or sign into your account using your member ID or Social Security number at aetna.com.
To access your digital insurance card and plan benefits, download the Aetna Health Navigator App and register using your member ID or Social Security number.
Contact the REI Health Guide at 1-800-451-2967 to have a new insurance card mailed to your home address.

How do I request a medical insurance card (Kaiser WA, CA, CO)?

If you are enrolled in Kaiser coverage (WA, CA, CO), you can view or request a copy of your insurance card in the following ways:

Download the Kaiser Permanente mobile app and register or sign in to access your digital insurance card and plan benefits as you need them.
For Kaiser WA:
- Register or sign in to your account at kp.org/wa; or
- Contact Kaiser WA member service at 1-888-901-4636 to have a new card mailed.
For Kaiser CA or CO:
- Register or sign into your account at my.kp.org/rei;
- Contact Kaiser CA member services at 1-800-464-4000 to have a new card mailed; or
- Contact Kaiser CO member services.

What is the spousal surcharge?

If your spouse/life partner is offered medical coverage through his or her employer but is not enrolled in this coverage, and you enroll him or her in an REI medical plan, you will pay a surcharge of approximately $100 per month ($46.15 per pay period). If your spouse/life partner is an REI employee, you do not have to pay this surcharge if you enroll him or her in the REI Benefits Plan.

I’ve heard the REI Saver Medical Plan referred to as a CDHP. What does that mean?

“CDHP” stands for Consumer-Directed Health Plan and describes an important feature of this type of medical plan—that you, the consumer, control your health care costs. This plan has a higher deductible, so it takes longer for the plan to start paying, but you have the option to own a special tax-advantaged bank account, called a Health Savings Account (an HSA), to help you pay for certain health care expenses not covered by the plan. The name “CDHP” focuses on the fact that in this plan, you can control your costs by making smart choices about the medical care you receive.

How does the REI Saver Medical Plan differ from the other medical plans?

The REI Saver Medical Plan is similar to your other medical plan options in a lot of ways. You pay for coverage with bi-weekly payroll contributions; the plan shares some of the costs of services with you; and the plan protects you financially if you have large medical bills. And, you get 100% coverage for in-network preventive care.

The REI Saver Medical Plan allows you to own a Health Savings Account (HSA), which is funded by REI and your own contributions. This account helps you pay for certain eligible medical, prescription, dental and vision out-of-pocket expenses.

How does the REI Saver Medical Plan deductible work?

Any money you spend on health care covered by the plan (including non-preventive prescription drugs) counts toward your deductible. If you have family coverage, the plan will not start sharing costs with you until the $3,600 family deductible is met (even if one family member meets the $1,800 individual deductible). In addition, the $1,800 employee and $3,600 family deductibles include medical care and prescription drugs. This is different from how the deductible works in most other medical plans (like the REI Choice Medical Plan). Keep in mind that you have a separate deductible for dental costs, and your dental expenses don’t apply toward your REI Saver Medical Plan deductible or out-of-pocket maximum.

For prescription drugs, you’ll pay the full cost of non-preventive drugs until you meet the plan deductible. Like the REI Choice Medical Plan, only preventive drugs purchased at in-network pharmacies apply toward the deductible and out-of-pocket maximum. The deductible doesn’t apply to preventive drugs (drugs intended to prevent disease or manage a condition, such as cholesterol-lowering medications).

Similarly, the money you spend on health care that is covered by the plan, including costs that apply to your deductible, counts toward your out-of-pocket maximum. If you have family coverage, the plan will not start paying 100% of the cost of care until the entire $7,200 family out-of-pocket maximum is met (even if one family member meets the $3,600 individual out-of-pocket maximum). In addition, the out-of-pocket maximums include both medical care and prescription drugs.

Why is the deductible so high with the REI Saver Medical Plan?

The IRS requires Consumer-Directed Health Plans (CDHPs) to have high deductibles as one of the requirements of owning an HSA. You’ll pay less in bi-weekly payroll contributions, and you have the option of using a Health Savings Account, or HSA, to help pay for health care costs and meet your deductible. Remember, with all the plans, you get free in-network preventive care.

Can I see any doctor I want in the REI Saver Medical Plan?

Yes and no. You may see any provider, but you’ll pay significantly less if you use an in-network provider because Aetna negotiates discounted rates with its network providers and facilities. So, even if you’re paying the full cost, you’ll get a discount by staying in the network. Similar to the REI Choice Medical Plan, you must obtain your prescriptions from an Express Scripts-contracted pharmacy to have the cost of those prescriptions apply to your deductible and out-of-pocket maximum. You should always present your medical and prescription drug ID cards when you need care so the cost of these services can be applied to your deductible and out-of-pocket maximum.

How do I request a new prescription insurance card?

If you are enrolled in the REI Saver or Choice Medical Plan, prescription coverage is administered by Express Scripts. To view or print your prescription card:

Register of sign into your account at express-scripts.com.
Download the Express Scripts mobile app to view your ID card, order and track refills and view your plan benefits.
Call Express Scripts at 1-800-462-5916 to request a new ID card.

What is the prescription group number?

For those employees enrolled in the REI Saver or Choice Medical Plan, prescription coverage is administered by Express Scripts. You can find the group numbers by Visiting express-scripts.com/REI > Benefits > Forms & Cards.

Medical

How do I find an in-network provider?

You save money by going to an in-network provider or facility. To find an Aetna network provider, use the REI Provider directory. The Provider search tool is customized for employees enrolled in the REI Access Medical Plan.

How does the REI Access Medical Plan deductible work?

Any money you spend on health care covered by the plan (including non-preventive prescription drugs) counts toward your deductible. The $1,800 employee deductibles includes medical care and prescription drugs.

For prescription drugs, you’ll pay the full cost of non-preventive drugs until you meet the plan deductible. Only preventive drugs purchased at in-network pharmacies apply toward the deductible and out-of-pocket maximum. The deductible doesn’t apply to preventive drugs (drugs intended to prevent disease or manage a condition, such as cholesterol-lowering medications).

Similarly, the money you spend on health care that is covered by the plan, including costs that apply to your deductible, counts toward your out-of-pocket maximum. In addition, the out-of-pocket maximums include both medical care and prescription drugs.

Can I see any doctor I want in the REI Access Medical Plan?

Yes and no. You may see any provider, but you’ll pay significantly less if you use an in-network provider because Aetna negotiates discounted rates with its network providers and facilities. So, even if you’re paying the full cost, you’ll get a discount by staying in the network. You must obtain your prescriptions from an Express Scripts-contracted pharmacy to have the cost of those prescriptions apply to your deductible and out-of-pocket maximum. You should always present your medical and prescription drug ID cards when you need care so the cost of these services can be applied to your deductible and out-of-pocket maximum.

What is the medical group number?

Employees enrolled in the REI Access Medical Plan can find a copy of your plan number by visiting aetna.com > View Member ID cards.

How do I request a medical insurance card?

If you are enrolled in an Aetna Medical Plan, you can view or request a copy of your insurance card in the following ways:

To print a copy of your ID card, register or sign into your account using your member ID or Social Security number at aetna.com.
To access your digital insurance card and plan benefits, download the Aetna Health Navigator App and register using your member ID or Social Security number.
Contact the REI Health Guide at 1-800-451-2967 to have a new insurance card mailed to your home address.

How do I request a new prescription insurance card?

To view or print your prescription card:

Register of sign into your account at express-scripts.com.
Download the Express Scripts mobile app to view your ID card, order and track refills and view your plan benefits.
Call Express Scripts at 1-800-462-5916 to request a new ID card.

What is the prescription group number?

For those employees enrolled in the REI Access Medical Plan, prescription coverage is administered by Express Scripts. You can find the group numbers by visiting express-scripts.com/REI > Benefits > Forms & Cards.

Life Insurance/Voluntary LTD

When is Evidence of Insurability (EOI) needed?

Certain types of insurance require you or your family members to show proof of good health if you don’t enroll when you are initially eligible or you want to increase your coverage. If you don’t enroll during Benefits Open Enrollment or when you have a qualified life event, you may have to provide EOI:

To enroll in Supplemental Life Insurance or Supplemental LTD for the first time;
To increase your Supplemental Life Insurance coverage by more than one level; or
To enroll in or increase your supplemental spouse/life partner amount by more than one level.

How will I know if EOI is required?

REI’s enrollment system will help you determine if EOI is required while you are electing coverage or making changes.

How do I receive EOI paperwork?

If EOI is required for Employee Supplemental or Spouse Life Insurance, The Hartford will send you or your spouse/life partner an EOI form in the mail. Complete and mail the form or submit it through The Hartford’s online system within 31 days. If the form is late, your coverage may be delayed.

If EOI is required for Voluntary Long Term Disability, Lincoln Financial Group will email you a link to complete the health questionnaire online. If you have questions, contact Lincoln Financial Group at 1-888-287-8494, option 2.

How can I check the status of my EOI application?

For Life Insurance: Call The Hartford at 1-800-331-7234 to check the status of your application. Once The Hartford has approved your EOI, they will notify the Employee Service Center and the appropriate payroll contributions will be made.

For Voluntary Long Term Disability: Call Lincoln Financial Group at 1-888-287-8494, option 2.

How do I update my beneficiary?

You can update your beneficiary at any time during the year through hr.rei.com. Navigate to Myself > Life Events > Life Events. Select Life Event “LE12 Update Beneficiary”.

What is GTL Imputed Income on my pay statement?

GTL stands for Group Term Life Insurance. This is the REI employer-paid basic life insurance benefit that you receive. The IRS considers insurance provided by employers to be a tax-free benefit as long as the basic life benefit, also called plan volume, is less than $50,000. The IRS taxes basic life plan volume that is greater than $50,000 by calculating imputed income and adding that amount to your gross income.

Leaves of Absence (LOA)

How do I initiate a leave of absence?

To initiate a leave of absence you can:

Contact the REI Health Guide at 1-800-451-2967 and select option “3” for Leave and Disability. An intake specialist will walk you through initiating a leave of absence and provide you with documentation needed to ceritfy your leave.
Initiate a claim online through Lincoln Financial Group at mylincolnportal.com (company code REI1938). Once your claim has been initiated Lincoln Financial will follow-up via email and phone to confirm next steps and any documentation needed to certify your leave of absence.

How do I know what time or pay I may be eligible for?

Review the Leaves of Absence Tool to see what time you may be eligible for and if disability pay would be applicable to your situation.

Once you initiate your leave of absence Lincoln Financial will confirm your available leave time and pay benefits, if applicable.

What is parental leave?

Parental leave promotes family bonding. It is paid time away for every benefits-eligible employee when a child joins the family through birth, placement for adoption or foster care. It often follows a paid disability leave (typically six weeks) for the birth parent. Taken together, disability leave and parental leave provide 12 weeks of income replacement for eligible employees.

What do I do with my timecard while on a leave of absence?

During a leave of absence, regular hours should be not submitted in your timesheet for paid or unpaid leave. If you are on an unpaid leave (i.e. personal leave, extended medical, or bonding) please reference the leave of absence tool to confirm if sick or vacation hours can be used, or are required for your leave scenario. Work with your manager, admin, or operation lead to ensure your timesheet is submitted with the “Leave of Absence” timecode, or sick or vacation hours if applicable.

What information do I need to provide when reporting a leave claim?

You will need to provide personal information: name, address, telephone number and job title.

Physicial information: name address, fax/telephone numbers for each treating physician related to the illness or injury.

Illness/Injury information: detailed information of your illness/injury, symptoms and/or diagnosis.

Job information: your last day worked, first day absent from work and anticipated return to work date.

What can I expect after I report my leave of absence claim?

Once you report your claim, a case manager will call you within 2 business days to discuss the details of your medical condition – including how it impacts your ability to do your job – and your treatment plan. Your case manager will be responsible for your claim and will be your main contact at Lincoln Financial Group.
Your case manager will call your physician to obtain as much detailed medical information as needed and request copies of your medical records. To expedite this process, please provide your physician or medical care provider with a copy of the Authorization to Release Information at your next visit. This form gives your doctor permission to release your medical information to Lincoln Financial Group. The authorization form can be found on MyLincolnPortal.com.
Your supervisor will also be contacted by your case manager to discuss the details of your job duties and hours worked. Lincoln will not share any confidential supervisor. Lincoln will only discuss any physical limitations and/or restrictions as they relate to your job requirements.

How long will it take to make a decision on my claim?

Once Lincoln Financial receives all of the relevant information from your physician, Lincoln Financial Group will typically make its initial decision regarding your claim within 10 business days.

How will I know if my claim is approved?

Your case manager will call you about your approval to discuss how frequently your case will be re-evaluated and when to expect follow-up calls. If you need to be out of work longer then the approved through date, additional medical information may be required to support any extension of your leave or disability claim.

What if my claim is not approved?

If your claim is not approved, your case manager will call you to explain the reason for the claim denial and tell you how to appeal the decision. You will also receive a letter explaining why your claim was denied and the appeal process.

Retirement

Who is eligible to participate in the REI Retirement Plan (the “Plan”)?

All employees who are in our payroll system are eligible to participate in the Plan.

How do I enroll for REI’s Retirement Plan?

You can enroll online or by calling Schwab directly at 1-800-724-7526. You will also receive an enrollment packet from Schwab, the Retirement Plan record-keeper, which will provide instructions on how and when you can enroll.

If you don’t elect to make contributions from your pay after 90 days from your date of hire, you will be automatically enrolled in the Retirement Plan at a 3% contribution rate from your paycheck on a pre-tax basis. This contribution will increase by 1% each year until it reaches 15%.

However, you can always opt out of the automatic enrollment. Just go to your Schwab account online and elect to contribute 0% at any time. The Schwab Target Date Fund is the default fund if you do not select an investment fund before your first contribution is deposited in the Plan. You can select your investments by going to your online Schwab account or by calling Schwab directly.

If I have a retirement account from a prior employer, can I transfer to the REI Retirement Plan?

Yes. You can roll over your account from a prior employer if it’s considered to be a “qualified Plan.” Contact Schwab directly at 1-800-724-7526 to find out if you qualify.

When can I start making contributions?

You are eligible to start contributing from your pay on the 30th day from your date of hire.

How do I start making contributions?

You can make elections at Schwab online at or by calling Schwab directly at 1-800-724-7526. You can elect to contribute pre-tax and/or post-tax Roth contributions.

How much can I contribute?

You can contribute from 1% and up to 75% of your eligible pay. The IRS caps the maximum amount you can contribute each year. For 2023, the maximum contribution is $22,500, but if you are at least 50 years old, your maximum contribution is $30,000. You can make changes on the amount of your contributions at any time.

What are the investment options?

The Plan offers a variety of investment fund options, including brokerage accounts. You can invest in as many funds as you want, in 1% increments, as well as change your investment elections as often as once per day.

The Schwab Target Date Fund is the default fund if you do not select an investment fund before your first contribution is deposited in the Plan. You can select your investments by going to your online Schwab account or calling Schwab directly at 1-800-724-7526.

How do I qualify for REI contributions?

Once you have met the one-year waiting period, you must also work at least 1,000 hours and be an active employee on December 31 of the Plan year to qualify for the REI employer contribution for each year.

How much will REI contribute on my behalf?

If you meet all the requirements to qualify for the REI employer contribution, you are guaranteed 5% of your eligible pay.

When do I become vested in my Plan accounts?

You are always 100% vested in contributions you make from your paycheck. However, REI profit sharing contributions are subject to a vesting schedule based on your years of service with REI.

For REI contributions deposited into your account beginning 2022, you earn 33% vesting for each full year that you are with REI. For REI contributions deposited into your account before 2022, you earn 20% vesting for each full year that you are with REI.

Can I withdraw money from the Retirement Plan?

Withdrawals while still working at REI:

Age 60 or older—You can make a withdrawal for any reason.
Under age 60—You can make a withdrawal if you have a qualified financial hardship or if you have a rollover account.
At any age—You may qualify for a loan from your Plan account.

Withdrawals while not working at REI:

Your vested account balance becomes available for distribution if you leave REI for any reason, including termination, retirement, disability or death. (Death benefits are paid to your beneficiary.)

How do I access my Plan account?

You can view and make changes to your account information by going to workplace.schwab.com or by calling Schwab directly at 1-800-724-7526.

How do I designate my account beneficiaries?

It is important to have a beneficiary designated for your retirement account. You can assign or make changes to your beneficiary information through your Schwab online account or by calling Schwab directly at 1-800-724-7526.

If you are designating a beneficiary other than your spouse, you will need your spouse to approve the designation.

How do I get more information about the Plan or access retirement tools?

To learn more about the Plan and access the different learning and modeling tools available, go to the Retirement page.

Well-Being

What is offered with the Rethink Benefits Program?

Step-by-step videos showing how to teach hundreds of skills
Written lesson plans and printable materials
Data and progress tracking
Behavioral support planning tools
Child activity center
Peer support forums
Remote consultations with a clinician (up to 7 hours)
Live and archived webinars

Do I or my child need to meet certain criteria to be eligible for Rethink?

No, there is no diagnosis or age range to use Rethink. While the program is best suited for children or young adults with developmental disabilities (e.g., autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, intellectual or learning disabilities, etc.), anyone who needs support with learning could benefit from Rethink.

Do I need to use my personal health insurance to use Rethink, submit a claim or pay for out-of-pocket expenses?

No, Rethink does not require medical insurance or health benefits from REI, and you do not need to apply for Rethink through Benefits Open Enrollment. The program is also completely free to employees. (All costs are covered by REI.)

Am I limited to the number of children in my family that use Rethink or the number of adults I give access to Rethink?

No, you can add multiple dependent children to Rethink and create profiles for each of them. Also, you may grant anyone access to your child’s profiles (i.e., grandparents, aunts/uncles, teacher, babysitter, therapist, etc.). All you need to do is make them a team and give them their own login.

My child already receives ABA services. Are these the same services as those provided by Rethink? What else can Rethink provide for me that I don’t already have?

While in-home ABA services directly impact your child’s learning, Rethink is an online tool you can use as a parent/caregiver to learn how to better address behavioral challenges and communicate and interact with your child when the in-home provider is not there. Rethink also supports you in collaborating with the in-home provider. Since your in-home provider can use Rethink too, you both can communicate more efficiently through the Rethink program, work on the same skills and even share data.

Dental

Where can I locate my dental group and member ID number?

For employees enrolled in the Core or Core + Orthodontia Plan, the group number is 09340. Your member ID is located on your dental insurance card. Older cards will not have the member ID, so call Delta Dental at 1-800-554-1907 for your member ID or log into your account at deltadentalwa.com/group/rei.

How do I request a dental insurance card?

A dental insurance card can be requested the following ways:

Register or sign in to your account at deltadentalwa.com. To print a copy of your ID card:
- Group number 09340
Download the Delta Dental app:
- Access your member ID and plan benefits as you need them.
- Register using group number 09340.

Vision

What is the vision group number?

For employees and eligible dependents enrolled in the VSP vision plan, the group number is 12149216. The member ID for you and any enrolled family members is your Social Security number.

How do I request a vision insurance card?

VSP does not provide a mailed insurance card. To view a copy of your vision insurance:

Register or sign in to your account at vsp.com to print a copy of your ID card.
- Group number 12149216
Download the VSP Vision Care app
- Access your member ID and plan benefits.
- Register using group number 12149216.

COBRA

What is COBRA?

COBRA is a federal law that gives you and your dependents the right to continue health care coverage through REI at your own cost. It applies after certain life events (like employment ending) that would otherwise cause you or your dependents to lose health care coverage.

How do I enroll in COBRA coverage?

If you are no longer eligible for REI’s coverage or have recently ended your employment with REI, you have the option to continue your coverage through COBRA. An enrollment packet will be mailed to your home address from WEX, formerly Discovery Benefits. You can elect coverage in one of two ways:

Mail the election form: Complete and sign the COBRA continuation election form by the due date and mail to: WEX Health, Inc., P.O. Box 2079, Omaha, NE 68103-2079.
Elect online or through COBRA Mobile App: Visit cobralogin.wexhealth.com or download the WEX COBRA Mobile App and register as a new user to elect COBRA coverage by the due date. Online registration will require a Social Security number and a unique registration code, included in the COBRA enrollment packet.