Flexible Spending Account enrollment still underway
CLEVELAND, November 3 — Open enrollment is currently underway for the Flexible Spending Account benefit. BLET members should have received the enrollment packet in the last couple of weeks.
The package includes an enrollment form, a claim form, and a plan description. If you have not received a packet, you may contact United Health Care at (877) 311-7849 or log on to their website, www.myuhc.com.
The forms are also available for download from the BLET website at http://www.ble-t.org/fsa. Members must enroll in the plan by November 12, 2008. A minimum of 5% of eligible BLET members must enroll in the program or it will be terminated as of December 31, 2009.
In much the same way that a 401k program allows individuals to use pre-tax dollars to save for retirement, the Railroad Employees Flexible Benefits Program allows members to use pre-tax dollars to pay for certain medical expenses or dependent care expenses.
Everyone who ever pays a co-pay for doctor visits or prescription drugs, or purchases pan relievers, cough medicine, contact solution, or any other over-the-counter medications, should sign up for the minimum amount of $120 per year ($10 per month) in pre-tax dollars. Up to $3600 can be put into the account if you anticipate some larger expenses in the coming year, i.e., braces, eye glasses, etc.
The Dependent Care Associate Program (DCAP) covers dependent child care expenses for children under 13, or expenses incurred for physically or mentally handicapped dependents, including elderly parents if they meet the requirements recognized by the IRS qualifying them as a dependent. The minimum amount for the DCAP is $120 per year, up to a maximum of $5,000. One caveat is that the employee cannot make over $105,000, including 401(k) and cafeteria plan contributions.
To get more information go to www.myuhc.com. Under “Learn More About,” click on Flexible Spending accounts, or you can call 1-877-311-7849. A worksheet is available to help determine the amount that would be best for you, and also a full list of covered items, including over-the-counter medications. Using pre-tax money also saves on your income tax next year. The full amount you decide to deduct for the coming year is available for you to withdraw as soon as expenses are incurred (as early as January), even though the monthly payroll deductions are spread out over the course of the entire year.
Everyone who has participated has nothing but good to say, so please send in your election to participate in this excellent benefit.
Monday, November 03, 2008
bentley@ble.org
