The Flex Spending Account is a free and easy-to-use State employee benefit that saves you money by allowing you to pay for certain expenses with pre-tax dollars. Under this program, you can choose either the Health Care Spending Account (HCSAccount) which allows you to set aside any amount from $100 up to $2,500 annually to pay for health care expenses that are not reimbursed by your health insurance or other benefit plan, or the Dependent Care Advantage Account (DCAAccount) which allows you to set aside up to $5,000 in pre-tax salary for eligible child care, elder care, or disabled dependent care expenses that are necessary for you and your spouse, if you are married, to work.

The 2014 Open Enrollment Period for a Flex Spending Account is until November 8, 2013. Participants who are currently enrolled must re-enroll if they wish to continue their benefits in 2014 and they will receive re-enrollment instructions directly from Fringe Benefits Management Company, the Plan Administrator for the Flex Spending Account. If you wish to take advantage of this benefit, you must register online at www.flexspend.ny.gov or by calling the FSA Hotline, 1-800-358-7202.

Please be advised the deadline for 2014 enrollment is November 8, 2013, and is strictly enforced.