Which of the following statements accurately describes a Flexible Spending Account (FSA)?

A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is an employee benefit that allows individuals to set aside pre-tax earnings for certain out-of-pocket health expenses, making the correct statement about it that funds must be used within a certain timeframe after the plan year ends. This distinct feature means that FSAs typically operate under a "use it or lose it" rule. Any funds not used within the specified timeframe—usually the end of the plan year plus a grace period—are forfeited, which encourages participants to plan their healthcare spending carefully.

Regarding why the other options do not accurately describe an FSA:

• Accessibility is not universal; FSAs are usually subject to the specifics of the employer's benefit plan, meaning they may not be available to every employee.

• The rollover feature is more characteristic of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). FSAs typically do not allow for the carrying over of all unused funds into the next year, although there are some employers that may permit a small rollover or a grace period for spending.

• While FSAs can be partially funded by employer contributions, they are generally funded primarily through employee contributions made via payroll deductions, but they are not exclusively reliant on employee contributions.

Overall, understanding the characteristics and rules surrounding FSAs helps