Open enrollment for the 2009 NYS Flex Spending Account is Monday, September 22, through Friday, November 14, 2008. The program 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 $4,000 annually in pretax salary to pay for health-care expenses not reimbursed by insurance. Over-the-counter (OTC) drug expenses including allergy remedies, antacids, cold medicines, and pain relievers are also reimbursable.

The DCAAccount allows employees to set aside up to $5,000 annually for child-care, elder-care, or other dependent-care expenses on a pre-tax basis. The employer contribution will be reinstated for the 2009 plan year, providing up to $800 for employees in eligible negotiating units who enroll in the DCAAccount. The employer contribution is based on salary and is available to state employees who are M/C or represented by CSEA, PEF, or UUP. Pending conclusion of negotiations and ratified contracts, the employer contribution may also be available to state employees in other negotiating units.

Participants currently enrolled in the HCSAccount or DCAAccount must re-enroll to continue benefits in 2009. Re-enrollment instructions will be sent directly from the Fringe Benefits Management Company.

Paperless enrollment is quick, easy, and secure. Apply online or call the Flex Spending Account hotline at (800) 358-7202.  The deadline for 2009 enrollment is November 14, 2008, and is strictly enforced.

Call the Human Resource Management Office at 878-4821 with questions.