The Daily Bulletin Archive

Open enrollment for the 2018 NYS Flex Spending Account (FSA) began Monday, October 2, and ends Monday, November 6. The account offers two benefits: the Health Care Spending Account (HCSAccount) and the Dependent Care Advantage Account (DCAAccount).

The HCSAccount allows employees to set aside from $100 to $2,600 annually in pretax salary to pay for health-care expenses not reimbursed by health insurance.

The DCAAccount allows employees to set aside up to $5,000 annually in pretax salary for eligible child care, elder care, or disabled dependent care expenses. The DCAAccount employer contribution will be available to M/C employees and those represented by CSEA, PEF, or GSEU for the 2018 plan year. Future availability of the employer contribution for other unions depends on the outcome of negotiations between the state and the unions.

Employees who do not work for 26 pay periods should consider electing a shorter time frame for their deductions so they do not lose coverage while off the payroll. For example, faculty members who are not paid through the summer should elect to have all deductions taken in the spring semester in order to have coverage for all of 2018.

Participants currently enrolled in the HCSAccount or DCAAccount must re-enroll to continue benefits in 2018. Paperless enrollment is quick, easy, and secure. For program details or to enroll in the FSA, visit www.flexspend.ny.gov or call the FSA hotline at (800) 358-7202.

The November 6 deadline for 2018 enrollment will be strictly enforced.