According to the Getting Paid in America survey conducted by the American Payroll Association, only 12 percent of employees contribute more than $2,500 to their medical Flexible Spending Accounts.
The survey was attempting to determine the effect of an upcoming limit on contributions. Researchers found most employees are already under the limit, even before it goes into effect.
Of respondents, 39 percent indicated contributing a lesser amount to company FSAs, while nearly half did not participate in FSAs at all.
"While healthcare costs are a big concern for employees and their families, the survey results clearly show they aren't taking full advantage of FSA plans," said APA executive director Dan Maddox.
Researchers were reportedly surprised by their findings, and Maddox noted employers may need to make more of an effort to educate employees about FSAs and other helpful pre-tax payroll deduction options.
In particular, those who conducted the survey cited a Kaiser Family Foundation and the Health Research & Educational Trust report which found the average worker paid nearly $4,000 toward family health coverage in 2010.
In the context of according this Employer Health Benefits Survey and generally rising benefit costs, the lack of apparent employee interest and commitment to FSAs was unexpected.
