 Apply now for Dependent Care
Advantage to save $
Don’t miss out on the open enrollment period for the
Dependent Care Advantage Account if you have
out-of-pocket expenses for child care, elder care or
dependent care. Apply now for the 2003 plan year and take
advantage of two great ways to keep some of that money in
your pocket.
First, if you are in the state PS&T unit, you may
take advantage of the PEF-negotiated benefit of an
employer contribution of up to $600. If both you and your
spouse are state employees, you are each eligible for the
employer contribution.
Second, the money you set aside from your paycheck, up to
$5,000 per family, to pay for dependent care is not
taxable under this program.
The enrollment period began September 16 and will end
November 15. And it’s easier than ever this year.
A new paperless process makes enrolling quick, easy and
secure. Just log on to www.flexspend.state.ny.us. All the
information, instructions, forms, and the tax calculator
to help you identify your potential savings are at your
fingertips. Complete the online application form and you
will receive a confirmation notice by mid-December.
Or call 1-800-358-7202 and speak to a customer service
representative who will ask you a few pertinent questions
and begin the application process. You will receive a
notification form and a postage-paid envelope in the
mail. You must verify the accuracy of the application
information, sign and return the form immediately to
ensure the enrollment process is completed. If you
don’t return this form, your enrollment can’t
be processed.
No enrollments can be accepted after November 16, 2002 at
midnight, unless your family experiences a change in
status.
2003 Employer
Contribution Rates
Employer’s Salary More than $60,000: Salary
Contribution $200
Employer’s Salary $50,000-$60,000: Salary
Contribution $300
Employer’s Salary $40,000-$50,000: Salary
Contribution $400
Employer’s Salary $30,000-$40,000: Salary
Contribution $500
Less than $30,000: $600
GSEU employees only $150
Save $; use Flex
Spending Acct. for health care
The Flex Spending Account (FSA) is a program PEF and the
state negotiated to help members save money on their
taxes. The FSA has two benefits — the Health Care
Spending Account (HCS Account) and the Dependent Care
Advantage Account (DCA Account) — that help you pay
for health care or dependent care with pre-tax dollars.
Enrolling in either benefit is voluntary. Savings will
vary depending on your annual income, the number of
dependents you claim on your taxes and the amount of
money you contribute through payroll deductions to your
HCS Account and/or DCA Account.
If eligible for the HCS Account, you may contribute any
amount from $150 to $3,000 annually in pre-tax dollars to
pay for out-of-pocket medical, dental, vision or hearing
costs not reimbursed by health insurance.
Some examples of allowable costs are dental implants,
orthodontia, fees paid to non-participating providers,
co-payments, deductibles, laser eye surgery, contact
lenses and braille materials.
To enroll in the HCS Account, estimate your annual
out-of-pocket costs and decide how much money to have
withheld from your paycheck. Estimate conservatively
because, if you don’t file claims for reimbursement
of the entire amount, you will lose what’s left.
Once enrolled, mail or fax claims and receive
reimbursement by check or direct deposit.
The 2003 open-enrollment period for the HCS Account is
September 16 through November 15. For the first time, you
can enroll online at www.flexspend.state.ny.us.
Or call 1-800-358-7202 and a customer service
representative will take your application.
(For information about the Dependent Care Advantage
Account — Deborah Stayman
Enroll or
re-enroll in HCSA and/or DCAA by Nov. 15
Re-enrollment is NOT automatic. Go to www. flexspend.state.ny.us or call: 1-800-358-7202
 GO TO HEALTH BENEFITS WEBSITE
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COMMUNICATOR HOMEPAGE
Inside This
Issue:
Features
PEF dedicates memorial to
fallen members
Union marshals forces behind
candidates
Early retirement agency
options
PS&T contract team
shares good news
AFT lends experience for
PS&T talks
Departments
President's Message: PEF
unity best tribute
You Said It: Member's
letters this month
Member Mobilization: Fully
mobilized divisions
Legislative Action: More PEF
bills are law
Nurses' Station:
Needlesticks, act now
Health Notes: Flex
Spending/Dependent Care
Retirees In Action: On the
move nationally
Health & Safety: Coping
with worksite disaster
Member Highlights: picture
page
PEF Membership Benefits
Program & Travel Corp
Union Matters
Reg. 7 members earn SEFA
awards
Fineson member earns
employee award
Nominees for Reg. 12
coordinator sought
Training grants help members
Tri-County Labor Council
elects Twitchell
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