"The flexible spending account debit card offers tremendous benefits to both our employees and the HR team. The program really runs itself which is exactly what we are looking for." — Maria Medina, Manager of Benefit Programs, PerkinElmer

Challenge

PerkinElmer provides products and services for companies in a wide range of industries — agriculture, cellular research, environmental analysis, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and semiconductors — just to name a few. Its technical expertise and operational excellence allow PerkinElmer to create a range of applications that deliver innovation, precision, and reliability. Part of its success stems from its ability to develop an intimate understanding of its customers' needs.

When it comes to helping employees manage reimbursements for their medical and dependent care flexible spending accounts, PerkinElmer believes that confidentiality is a critical factor. When looking for a partner to manage this program for them, they were also looking for someone who demonstrated the shared values of innovation, precision, and reliability.

Solution

PerkinElmer chose Hewitt's Flexible Spending Account Administration for its account administration. The HR team liked its innovative online technology, as well as its debit card. The Hewitt debit card allows plan participants to avoid paying out-of-pocket for eligible health care expenses at doctors' offices, pharmacies, and other health care providers. The debit card and the autoreimbursement model make it as simple as possible for the participants and limits the need for paper documentation. In fact, approximately 90% of all claims through Hewitt's Flexible Spending Account Administration are autosubstantiated, meaning no documentation needs to be mailed in by the participants. For the HR team, one of the advantages Hewitt provides is its monthly reporting on processing. This feedback helps PerkinElmer proactively manage their flexible spending account program.

Results

Because of the tremendous convenience of the Hewitt debit card, 80% of the 3,800 PerkinElmer U.S. employees who participate in the flexible spending program choose to utilize the card. As Hewitt manages the program in its entirety, the HR team at PerkinElmer has experienced very few calls this past year from employees who needed assistance with the YSA debit card.

The HR team at PerkinElmer has been focused on the company's growth but plans to increase its marketing efforts around the Flexible Spending Account program and debit card in the near future. These efforts will include focused communications to educate employees about the ease and convenience of participation. Innovation, precision, reliability — it's what drives PerkinElmer and what Hewitt provides as well.