Unions denounce spike in fed health insurance costs

Federal employees and their unions are blasting—and trying to roll back—the recently announced price rise in health insurance premiums. How much is the increase? If you haven’t heard, brace yourself: almost 5 percent! View More

Informed Investor: Limited Expense HCFSA Available to Employees with Excess Dental and Vision Expenses

In the third of four columns discussing choices related to the 2017 benefits “open season”, this week’s column discusses the limited expense health care flexible spending account or LEX HCFSA, including what type of expenses a LEX HCFSA pays for, which employees should consider enrolling in a LEX HCFSA, and how employees enroll in a LEX HCFSA. View More

How much can I put into an FSA?Feb 11, 2015

The maximum annual contribution to a dependent care FSA is $5,000 a year ($2,500 if married but filing separately). The maximum annual contribution to a health care FSA is $2,550 a year. View More

How does the tax savings work?Apr 06, 2014

Contributions are not subject to either income or employment taxes. Participation in FSAs reduces your taxable wage base for calculation of Social Security benefits although not for civil service retirement benefits. View More

What expenses will a dependent care account cover?Apr 06, 2014

Are there any benefits available to opposite-sex domestic partners as well as to same-sex partners?Apr 06, 2014

What expenses will a health care account cover?Apr 06, 2014

Do I have to reenroll every year?Apr 06, 2014

Can I pay FEDVIP costs with pretax money?Apr 06, 2014

Can I change my FSA during a year?Apr 06, 2014

Is there a chance I will lose money by having an FSA?Feb 11, 2015

What happens to an FSA account if I retire or leave federal service for another reason?Apr 06, 2014

Can I appeal the denial of a claim for reimbursement?Apr 06, 2014