55 ELM STREET HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT 06106-1775 Telephone: (860) 702-3480 Facsimile:(860) 702-3556
HEALTH CARE COST CONTAINMENT COMMITTEE
	STATE OF CONNECTICUT OFFICE OF THE STATE COMPTROLLER HEALTHCARE POLICY & BENEFIT SERVICES DIVISION

DIVISION MEMORANDUM 2013-05
TO THE HEADS OF ALL STATE AGENCIES

October 3, 2013

I. INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this memorandum is to (1) announce the annual open enrollment for the Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP) and the Medical Flexible Spending Account (MEDFLEX), and (2) advise of the availability of the Qualified Transportation Account (QTA) program. All of these programs allow participants to pay eligible expenses on a tax-free basis.

II. ANNUAL OPEN ENROLLMENT

The open enrollment period for the DCAP and MEDFLEX 2014 Plan Year is scheduled for November 1, 2013 through November 30, 2013.

For the 2014 Plan Year we are not planning agency statewide informational sessions. For that reason, we are asking agencies to display the attached DCAP and MEDFLEX flyers on your agency bulletin board. These announcements are the only statewide communications that will be issued to employees regarding the 2014 Plan Year enrollment. If your agency believes that its employees would benefit from an onsite session, please contact the Employee Benefits Unit at the number below to schedule one.

III. PROCESSING PROCEDURES

A. Enrollment Procedures:

Employees interested in participating in the programs are responsible for obtaining the necessary enrollment applications and meeting all associated deadlines. All current participants in the DCAP and MEDFLEX will be informed of open enrollment by mail. Employees who fail to enroll before the deadline will be denied participation in the program; no late applications will be accepted; no exceptions will be made.

Employees can enroll in QTA at any time.

Employees can only enroll in DCAP and MEDFLEX during one of the following periods:

1. The annual open enrollment period;
2. Within thirty-one days of the hire date; or
3. Within thirty-one days of a change in family 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. They will have 31 days to enroll in DCAP and MEDFLEX upon return to work

B. Payroll Procedures:

PBS will perform payroll processing for those who enroll in DCAP, MEDFLEX and the QTA.

Agencies are not responsible for processing enrollment applications.

C. Election Changes:

Employees participating in the QTA can change their elections at any time. However, for MEDFLEX or DCAP elections can only be changed if the Participant:

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

Participating employees who wish to make a mid-year election change must complete the DCAP and MEDFLEX Benefit Enrollment/Change Form with PBS within 31 days of the qualifying event.

D. Application Forms:

Employees may download enrollment/change forms and claim forms via the OSC web site: http://osc.ct.gov/empret/indxhlth.htm , the PBS web site: www.ctpbs.com  or by contacting PBS toll free at 1-866-906-8023.

IV. CONCLUSION

Your anticipated assistance in making these programs accessible to your agency's employees is appreciated. These benefits help employees save money on necessary expenses by reducing their taxable income.

Questions concerning the DCAP and MEDFLEX open enrollment period or the QTA may be directed to PBS at the 1-866-906-8023.

Questions pertaining to this memorandum may be directed to the Healthcare Policy & Benefit Services Division, Employee Benefits Unit at (860) 702-3570.

Very truly yours,

Thomas C. Woodruff, Ph.D., Director

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