STATE OF CONNECTICUT
NANCY WYMAN COMPTROLLER	OFFICE OF THE STATE COMPTROLLER 55 ELM STREET HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT 06106-1775	MARK OJAKIAN DEPUTY COMPTROLLER

COMPTROLLER'S MEMORANDUM NO. 2008-39

November 12, 2008

TO THE HEADS OF ALL STATE AGENCIES

 I. INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this memorandum is to (1) advise of the annual open enrollment for the Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP), (2) introduce the new program administrator, and (3) restate the DCAP payroll, enrollment, and election change processing procedures.

II. ANNUAL OPEN ENROLLMENT

The open enrollment period for the 2009 DCAP plan year is scheduled for November 14, 2008 through December 5, 2008.

Progressive Benefit Solutions (PBS) is the new administrative services provider for the DCAP. On behalf of the program's administrative services provider, PBS representatives will be available at various locations throughout the State to provide information as well as enroll employees in the program. Unless otherwise noted, informational sessions are open to all State employees therefore employees may attend those sessions that best meet their needs. Statewide communication relative to DCAP will encompass agency visits along with a DCAP informational flyer. The flyer will inform employees of the open enrollment period and includes the statewide schedule of informational sessions. In that connection, we are asking agencies to display the attached DCAP flyer and Statewide Enrollment Schedule on your agency bulletin board.

Employees interested in participating in the program are responsible for obtaining the necessary enrollment applications and meeting all associated deadlines. Applications are available by download via the OSC web site: www.osc.state.ct.us, at agency visit locations or by contacting PBS at 1-866-906-8023. Employees, who fail to return the application before the deadline, will be denied participation in the program; no late applications will be accepted; no exceptions will be made.

III. PROCESSING PROCEDURES

A. Enrollment Procedures:

PBS is responsible for the enrollment of eligible employees who wish to participate in DCAP. Employees are entitled to enroll in DCAP during one of the following periods:

1. The annual open enrollment period;
2. Within thirty-one days of the hire date; and
3. Within thirty-one days of a change in family status which makes the employee eligible to participate.

B. Payroll Procedures:

Payroll processing of DCAP applications will be performed by PBS. For payroll purposes, agencies are not responsible for processing DCAP enrollment applications.

C. Election Changes:

Once enrolled, changes in elections are allowed only under the following circumstances:

1. Participant terminates employment;
2. Participant experiences a family status change, such as marriage, divorce, death of a spouse or dependent, birth or adoption of a child, changes in spouse's employment status.

Participating employees who wish to make an election change, or terminating employees must complete the DCAP Benefit Enrollment/Change Form with PBS within thirty-one days of the change in status.

Employees who are out on any leave of absence including worker's compensation, do not need to enroll during the annual open enrollment period. Upon return to work, employees have 31 days to enroll in DCAP.

Employees may obtain enrollment forms, election forms, and change forms by download via the OSC web site: www.osc.state.ct.us, or by contacting PBS toll free at 1-866-906-8023.

IV. CONCLUSION

Your anticipated assistance in making the program accessible to your agency's employees is appreciated. The DCAP not only assists employees in managing their dependent care expenses while reducing their taxable income, it saves the State money as well.

Questions concerning the DCAP may be directed to the Retirement and Benefit Services Division, Employee Benefits Unit at (860) 702-3543.

Very Truly Yours,

NANCY WYMAN
STATE COMPTROLLER

TW/SA/AA
Attachments - Flyer - Schedule

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