Sign up soon to save on 2012 taxes


By DEBORAH STAYMAN If you’re looking for ways to stretch


your money, Flex Spending Accounts (FSA) can help you. Negotiated by PEF and the state to


help members save money on their taxes, the FSA has two benefits: the Health Care Spending Account (HCSAccount) and the Dependent Care Advantage Account (DCAAccount). They allow you pay for health care or dependent care, respectively, with pre-tax earnings. You must enroll this fall between


October 14 and November 14, if you want to participate in either or both of these programs in 2012. Even if you currently are enrolled for 2011, it will not automatically renew. Enrolling in either benefit is entirely


voluntary. If you enroll for 2012, you will see the


financial benefit for the HCSAccount when you file your 2012 income taxes in 2013. You may get an additional


“immediate” benefit from enrolling in the DCAAccount. If the PS&T tentative agreement is ratified, the state will chip in to help pay your dependent care costs in 2012. How much it contributes would


depend on how much you earn. Your tax savings will vary depending


on your annual income, the number of dependents you claim on your taxes, and how much money you contribute through payroll deductions to your HCSAccount and/or DCAAccount. The only significant down side is if you


overestimate your expenses for 2012 and set aside too much of your earnings to cover those expenses. If you don’t use it, you lose it. Also, you may not pay for health care


or dependent care directly from these accounts. You must pay the expenses first, and then submit claims for reimbursement from your HCSAccount or DCAAccount.


How to enroll To enroll in either the HCSAccount or


the DCAAccount, you must estimate your annual out-of-pocket costs, and then decide how much money to have withheld from your paycheck. You may enroll in both accounts, but must do it separately. You may enroll on-line at


www.flexspend.ny.us or call 1-800-358- 7202, where a representative will take


your application. If you have additional questions you may email them to fsa@goer.ny.us.


How HCSAccounts work If eligible, you may contribute any


amount from $100 to $4,000 annually in pre-tax dollars to pay for out-of-pocket medical, dental, vision, or hearing costs not reimbursed by health insurance. Among the allowable costs are prescription-drug copayments, dental implants, and orthodontia fees paid to non-participating providers, deductibles, laser eye surgery and contact lenses. Over-the-counter (OTC) drug expenses


are reimbursable through the HCSAccount as long as the items are used to treat a medical condition or illness. General purpose items such as


toothpaste, moisturizers, and lip balm are not eligible expenses. OTC drug claims must be submitted


with a receipt that clearly states the name of the drug or supply, store name, purchase date, and price. Changes to federal law limit OTC drug


reimbursement. Over-the-counter drugs, medicines, and biologicals require a


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TARTING SIX MONTHS AFTER CARD ISSUANCE. Card expires 6 years after the date of issuance if not deple eligible. See in-store rebate form or sprint.com/upgrade for details See in-store rebate form or sprint.com/upgrade for details. 3D Content: Capture and record in 3D available w your base service plan. Connectivity dependent upon compatibility. Nat


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aches over 278 million people Sprint 4G network reaches over 70 mar wo com fofor details.©2011 Sprint. Sprint and the logo are trademar or BALANCE, customer service and Cardholder wo employees NEW YORK STATE e with diiscounts


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Express Cards. Some limitations apply. Offer valid only in the U. S. and Puerto Rico. Not redeemable for cash and does not have ATM access. Use of Card constitutes acknowledgement that it is given as a reward and no consideration, value, or money has been paid by the holder to American Express in exchange for this Card. USE OF CARD IS SUBJECT TO THE CARDHOLDER AGREEMENT. SUBJECT TO APPLICABLE LAW, A $3.00 MONTHLY FEE WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST CARD BAL- ANCE, STARTING SIX MONTHS AFTER CARD ISSUANCE. Card expires 6 years after the date of issuance if not depleted before. For BALANCE, customer service and Cardholder Agreement, visit americanexpress.com/sprint or call 866-608-3756. Issued by American Express Prepaid Management Corporation. Upgrade: Existing customers in good standing with ser with rear-facing camera only 3D features compatible only with 3D content.-facing camera only. 3D features compatible only with 3D content. HTC EVO 4G: Allows photo and video playback on an HD capable auxiliary device but it does ot provide HD playback directly on the phone gible employees of the company or organization participating in the discount program. May be subject to change according to the company’ ces Sprint 3G network (i( ncluding roaming)


credit approval and deposit. Up to $200 early termination fee/line applies. Phone Offer: Offer ends 9/30/11. While supplies last. Taxes and ser and Puerto Rico Not redeemable for cash and does


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visit americanexpress restrictit ons apply. See store or sprint.com for details ©2011 Sprint. Sprint and the logo are trademarks of Sprint. Android, Google


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g) reaches over 282 million people See sprint.com for deta


ate applies. Requires activation at the time of purchase. Video: Records and plays back at 720p @30fsps. Reward Card: The American Express Prepaid Reward Card (“Card”) is a prepaid Card that is usable only at U e, orr money has been paid by the holder to 3756.


W, A $3.00 MONTHL LY FEE HD capable auxiliary device but it does ot provide HD playback directly on the phone. Accessory cable available separately coverage may default toto 3G/s/separatete netwo workrk where 4G unavailab ad ks of HTC Corporatit on. Other marks are the property of their respective owners.


vice plan. Connectivity dependent upon compatibility Individual-Liable Discount: Available only to eligible employees of the company or organization participating in the discount program. May be subject to change according to the company’s agreement with Sprint. Available upon request on select plans and only for eligible lines. Discount applies to monthly service charges only. No discounts apply to add-ons $29.99 or below. Other Terms: Coverage not available everywhere Nationwide Sprint Network reaches over 278 million people. Sprint 4G network reaches over 70 markets and counting, on select devices. Sprint 3G network (including roaming) reaches over 282 million people. See sprint.com for details. Not all services avail. on 4G and coverage may default to 3G/separate network where 4G unavailable. Offers not available in all markets/retail locations or for all phones/networks. Pricing, offer terms, fees and features may vary for existing customers not eligible forary fofor existit ng custotomers not eligible fofor upgrade Other restrictions apply See stotore or sprint.co


arks of Sprint. Android, Google, he Google logo and Google Search ar Page 16—The Communicator September 2011 e, t the Google logo and Google Search are trademarks of Google Inc The HTC logo are trademarks of Google Inc. The HTC logo, and HTC EVO are the trademarks of HTC Corporation. Other marks are the property of their respective owners o, and HTC EV


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HEALTH NOTES


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