R 081550Z NOV 12

ALCGCIV 012/12
SUBJ: FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT (FSA) OPEN SEASON
1.  The Flexible Spending Account (FSA) open season begins on 12
November 2012 and ends 10 December 2012.  You are eligible to elect
coverage as a Federal Employee unless your position is excluded by
law or regulation.  If you have questions about your eligibility,
contact your Command Staff Advisor (CSA), Human Resources (HR)
Specialist or Employee Benefits Specialist.
2.  Three FSA plans are offered.  The Health Care FSA (HCFSA) allows
you to use pre tax allotments to pay for certain health care expenses
not reimbursed by FEHB or any other source, and not claimed on income
tax returns.  The Dependent Care FSA (DCFSA) allows the use of pre
tax allotments to pay for eligible dependent care expenses.  The
Limited Expense HCFSA (LEX HCFSA) allows you to use pre tax
allotments to pay for eligible dental and vision expenses if you are
covered by a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with a Health Savings
Account (HSA).  The HCFSA and LEX HCFSA accounts allow a maximum
contribution of 2,500 dollars each plan year.  The DCFSA maximum
annual election is 5,000 dollars per household or 2,500 dollars per
person, if married and filing separately.  To open an FSAFEDS
account, go to https://www.fsafeds.com/fsafeds/index.asp or call
1-877-372-3337.  FSA elections will be effective on 1 January 2013.
If you already have an FSA account, it will not continue
automatically.  You must reenroll each open season to continue your
participation in FSAFEDS.
3.  For more information on the FSAFEDS Program, visit
https://www/fsafeds/com/fsafeds/index.asp.
4.  You may also contact the Retirement and Benefits Service Center
at benefits(at)uscg.mil.  To identify your servicing CSA or HR
Specialist, visit http://www.uscg.mil/civilianHR/contact.asp.
5.  Cindy Nelson-Possinger, Chief, Office of Civilian Human
Resources, Sends.
6.  Internet Release Authorized.