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🚗 Halfway Through the Year: Make the Most of Your FSA

August 12, 2026 by Deidre Mings

FSA Savings, Mileage and Eligible Expenses.

We are already halfway through 2026, making this a good time to check your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) balance and make sure you are taking advantage of the benefit.

What Is an FSA?

Missouri State University’s Cafeteria Plan allows eligible employees to set aside money from their paycheck on a pre-tax basis to pay for eligible expenses. A Medical FSA can be used for qualified medical, dental and vision expenses.

Missouri State University’s FSA is administered by ASIFlex, which provides claims processing and resources to help you determine whether an expense is eligible.

Not sure if an expense qualifies? Check the ASIFlex Eligible Expense List before making a purchase or submitting a claim.

🚗 New 2026 Medical Mileage Rate

Medical mileage is an eligible reimbursable expense when the travel is primarily for the purpose of receiving qualified medical care.

The IRS increased the standard mileage rate for medical transportation for the second half of 2026:

  • January 1–June 30, 2026: 20.5 cents per mile
  • July 1–December 31, 2026: 23.5 cents per mile

Important: The applicable reimbursement rate is based on the date the travel occurred—not the date the claim is submitted.

If you travel for eligible medical care, keep track of your date, destination, purpose and mileage so you have the documentation needed when submitting a claim.

💡 Check Your FSA Balance

The middle of the year is a great time to review your FSA balance and plan for eligible expenses. Remember, the FSA is subject to a use-it-or-lose-it rule, so don’t wait until the end of the year to see what you may be able to use your funds for.

Consider:

  • Checking your current FSA balance.
  • Reviewing upcoming medical, dental and vision expenses.
  • Keeping receipts and other documentation.
  • Checking the ASIFlex eligible expense list before making purchases.

🛒 Have You Heard of the FSA Store?

The FSA Store is an online marketplace offering thousands of products and services that are eligible for reimbursement through an FSA. It can be a convenient way to find eligible items and learn more about products you can purchase with FSA dollars.

Visit the FSA Store

Current promotion: The FSA Store is offering $20 off your first $150 order when you sign up for discounts, special promotions, tips and more.

📅 Thinking Ahead to Open Enrollment?

FSA elections do not automatically continue from year to year. If you want to participate in the Medical FSA for the 2027 plan year, you will need to make a new election during Missouri State University’s Open Enrollment, November 1–December 1, 2026.

Open Enrollment is a good opportunity to consider your expected medical, dental and vision expenses for the upcoming year and decide how much you want to contribute to your FSA.


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Filed Under: Employee Benefits, Featured Tagged With: Asiflex, cafeteria, Cafeteria Plan, employee wellness, financial wellness, Flexible spending, FSA, FSA Store, health, medical, MoCafe, wellness

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