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The Flex Spending Account (FSA) is a valuable employee benefit that puts money in your pocket by helping you save on health care costs and the dependent care expenses you incur to be employed. The FSA benefit includes two programs to help you keep more of your paycheck.
Enrolling in the FSA is easy. You can apply for enrollment in either the Dependent Care Advantage Account (DCAAccount) or the Health Care Spending Account (HCSAccount) or both through a paperless process. Submit your application online or call 1-800-358-7202 if you do not have Internet access and a Customer Service Representative will take your application. The process is quick, easy, and secure.
The FSA offers other customer-friendly services such as direct deposit of authorized reimbursements into your bank account. You can reduce claims processing time by submitting your claims online or faxing reimbursement request forms to the FSA Administrator. More than one-half of the current FSA participants use these program features, which give them prompt access to their funds by eliminating mail time. You can check your account balances any time online or by using a voice-response system.
The FSA, administered jointly by staff of the Governor's Office of Employee Relations and the Work-Life Services Program, is an economy-minded and family-oriented program that has emerged in part through the collective bargaining process. We are very pleased to be able to offer you this program to enable you to better afford rising health care costs and the high cost of quality child and adult day care services.
Here’s what some of your coworkers had to say:
Linda D., M/C, Tax & Finance
“I’ve participated in the Flex Spending Account for several years and although it seemed difficult at first to determine a dollar amount prior to the calendar year, once in place, the system works very easily. I fax in my uncovered medical bills, co-pays, and allowable over-the-counter items and receive reimbursement directly into my checking account within a day or two. This simply required setting up a direct deposit plan to my account. The website is accessible at any time and allows you to check the status of your claims and reimbursements whenever you need to.”
Diane R., PEF, Tax & Finance
“My first experience with the NYS Flex Spending Account occurred when I was considering having laser vision correction. I was pleasantly surprised to find this was covered under the program. At the advice of a customer service representative I made an appointment close to the application period to first determine if I was an eligible candidate for the surgery. Once given the go ahead, I joined the NYS Flex Spending Account program which I found to be an easy process and continued to be throughout. I had paid for surgery using my credit card. I immediately sent in my receipts for reimbursement and received the check before my credit card bill became due. Another added bonus was that I was able to have the surgery in January – I didn’t have to wait! What a great way to have elective surgery AND save taxes at the same time!!”
Stephen G., UUP, SUNY Albany
“I consider myself lucky to find child care for both my children at $9,200 per year. Although that’s a good price for quality care, it still takes a sizeable bite out of my spendable income. Between my payroll deductions and the employer contribution, I shave about 30 percent off those child care expenses by participating in the DCAAccount, putting nearly $2,750 back in my own pocket.”
Barbara G., CSEA, Bronx Psychiatric Center
“I like the Dependent Care Advantage Account program because of the tax savings that I see at the end of the year. I also like the speedy reimbursements through the direct deposit – it really helps me a lot. I like the customer service reps, too. They’re always very helpful.”
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