Federal Flexible Spending Account Program (FSAFEDS) Open Season, November 13, 2006 - December 11, 2006

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20240-0036
http://www.blm.gov

October 18, 2006

In Reply Refer To:
1400-700 (WO-750) P

EMS TRANSMISSION 10/24/2006
Director’s Office Information Bulletin No. 2007-002

To: All Washington Office Employees

From: Director of Human Capital

Subject: Federal Flexible Spending Account Program (FSAFEDS) Open Season, November 13, 2006 - December 11, 2006

The Federal Flexible Spending Account Program (FSAFEDS) Open Season begins on November 13, 2006 through December 11, 2006. These are the same dates as the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program Open Season. This will be the only time Federal employees who work for the Executive Branch or adopting agencies may enroll in the FSAFEDS Program for 2007, outside of a qualified status change.

Unlike FEHB enrollments, enrollments in FSAFEDS do not carry over from year to year. Employees wishing to enroll in FSAFEDS for 2007 must make a positive enrollment during Open Season, even if they are currently enrolled in the Program.
Employees now have the option of enrolling in FSAFEDS from any touch-tone telephone at 1-877-FSAFEDS (372-3337), (TTY Line: 1-800-952-0450), Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m., Eastern Time or through their website, www.fsafeds.com. Enrollments that are made during open season will become effective January 7, 2007.

The deadline for FSAFEDS enrollment during the open season is close of business, December 11, 2006.

PROGRAM INFORMATION

Types of FSAFEDS Accounts
FSAFEDS offers three types of flexible spending accounts: a Health Care Flexible Spending Account (HCFSA), Limited Expense Health Care Flexible Spending Account (LEX HCFSA) and a Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (DCFSA). Employees may enroll in DCFSA, HCFSA or LEX HCFSA.

A HCFSA pays for qualified medical expenses for the employee (and all eligible family members) that are not covered or reimbursed by an FEHB plan or any other type of insurance. Insurance premiums, including premiums for long-term care insurance, are not qualified medical expenses. Employees may elect a minimum annual amount for an HCFSA of $250 up to a maximum annual amount of $5,000.

A LEX HCFSA is a new money saving option available to employees who are enrolled in a Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program under a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with a Health Savings Account (HAS). The LEX HCFSA is limited to eligible dental and vision expenses only; the maximum annual allotment for the FSAFEDS LEX HCFSA is $5,000 per covered employee, or $10,000 for a “federal couple”, where both spouses are covered under the FSAFEDS Program.

A DCFSA pays for childcare or adult dependent care expenses that are necessary to allow the enrolled employee and his/her spouse (if married) to work, look for work, or attend school full-time. The DCFSA minimum annual amount is $250 and the maximum annual amount is $5,000 per household or $2,500.00 if married, filing separately.

Signed by:
Authenticated by:
Marilyn H. Johnson
Robert M. Williams
Director of Human Capital
Division IRM Governance,WO-560