<div dir="ltr"><div class="gmail_default" style="font-family:verdana,sans-serif;font-size:small"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Avenir,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;white-space:pre-wrap">I am pleased to announce the 2022 open enrollment campaign for the </span><span style="background-color:transparent;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Avenir,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;white-space:pre-wrap">Flex</span><span style="background-color:transparent;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Avenir,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;white-space:pre-wrap"> </span><span style="background-color:transparent;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Avenir,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;white-space:pre-wrap">Spending</span><span style="background-color:transparent;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Avenir,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;white-space:pre-wrap"> Account (FSA).  The enrollment period will run from November 2, 2021 to November 29, 2021.  The FSA is a state employee benefit that saves you money by allowing you to pay for certain expenses with pre-tax dollars.  Under this program, you can choose from three different benefits:</span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="font-family:verdana,sans-serif;font-size:small"><span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;background-color:transparent;font-size:12pt;font-family:Avenir,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"> </span><span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;background-color:transparent;font-size:12pt;font-family:Avenir,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"><br></span><span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;background-color:transparent;font-size:12pt;font-family:Avenir,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">-The Health Care <span>Spending</span> Account (HCSA) currently lets you set aside any amount from $100 up to $2,750 for the 2022 plan year to pay for health care expenses that are not reimbursed by your health insurance or other benefit plan.  However, only medically necessary medical, hospital, dental, vision, hearing, and prescription drug expenses for you, your spouse, and your eligible dependents can be reimbursed by your HCSA.  </span><span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;background-color:transparent;font-size:12pt;font-family:Avenir,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"><br></span><span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;background-color:transparent;font-size:12pt;font-family:Avenir,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"> </span><span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;background-color:transparent;font-size:12pt;font-family:Avenir,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"><br></span><span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;background-color:transparent;font-size:12pt;font-family:Avenir,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">-The Dependent Care Advantage Account (DCAA) allows your family to set aside up to $5,000 in pre-tax salary for eligible custodial child care, elder care, or disabled dependent care expenses that are necessary for you and your spouse, if you are married, to work.</span><span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;background-color:transparent;font-size:12pt;font-family:Avenir,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"><br></span><span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;background-color:transparent;font-size:12pt;font-family:Avenir,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"><br></span><span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;background-color:transparent;font-size:12pt;font-family:Avenir,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">-The Adoption Advantage Account lets you pay for expenses related to the adoption of an eligible child with pre-tax dollars.  Employees who are represented by CSEA, PEF, UUP, NYSCOPBA, PBA-Troopers, PBA-Supervisors and M/C employees are eligible for this program.</span><span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;background-color:transparent;font-size:12pt;font-family:Avenir,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"><br></span><span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;background-color:transparent;font-size:12pt;font-family:Avenir,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"> </span><span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;background-color:transparent;font-size:12pt;font-family:Avenir,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"><br></span><span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;background-color:transparent;font-size:12pt;font-family:Avenir,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Employer Contribution in the DCAA:</span><span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;background-color:transparent;font-size:12pt;font-family:Avenir,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"><br></span><span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;background-color:transparent;font-size:12pt;font-family:Avenir,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">The DCAA Employer Contribution will be available in 2022 for unions that have agreements to participate in the employer contribution program.  The following employees are currently eligible for the employer contribution: M/C and employees represented by CSEA, PEF, UUP, NYSCOPBA or GSEU.  This is a one time yearly employer contribution of $300 - $800 based on the employees' State salary.</span><span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;background-color:transparent;font-size:12pt;font-family:Avenir,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"><br></span><span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;background-color:transparent;font-size:12pt;font-family:Avenir,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"> </span><span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;background-color:transparent;font-size:12pt;font-family:Avenir,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"><br></span><span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;background-color:transparent;font-size:12pt;font-family:Avenir,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">The 2022 Plan Year Employer Contribution Rates are:</span><span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;background-color:transparent;font-size:12pt;font-family:Avenir,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"><br></span><span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;background-color:transparent;font-size:12pt;font-family:Avenir,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">If Your Salary Is…………………………..The Employer Contribution Is…</span><span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;background-color:transparent;font-size:12pt;font-family:Avenir,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"><br></span><span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;background-color:transparent;font-size:12pt;font-family:Avenir,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Under $30,000……………………………………..….$800</span><span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;background-color:transparent;font-size:12pt;font-family:Avenir,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"><br></span><span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;background-color:transparent;font-size:12pt;font-family:Avenir,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">$30,001 - $40,000…………………………………….$700</span><span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;background-color:transparent;font-size:12pt;font-family:Avenir,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"><br></span><span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;background-color:transparent;font-size:12pt;font-family:Avenir,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">$40,001 - $50,000…………………………………….$600</span><span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;background-color:transparent;font-size:12pt;font-family:Avenir,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"><br></span><span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;background-color:transparent;font-size:12pt;font-family:Avenir,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">$50,001 - $60,000…………………………………….$500</span><span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;background-color:transparent;font-size:12pt;font-family:Avenir,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"><br></span><span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;background-color:transparent;font-size:12pt;font-family:Avenir,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">$60,001 - $70,000…………………………………….$400</span><span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;background-color:transparent;font-size:12pt;font-family:Avenir,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"><br></span><span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;background-color:transparent;font-size:12pt;font-family:Avenir,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Over $70,000…………………………………….……$300</span><span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;background-color:transparent;font-size:12pt;font-family:Avenir,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"><br></span><span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;background-color:transparent;font-size:12pt;font-family:Avenir,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">GSEU Employees only (regardless of salary)…$600</span><span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;background-color:transparent;font-size:12pt;font-family:Avenir,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"><br></span><span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;background-color:transparent;font-size:12pt;font-family:Avenir,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"> </span><span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;background-color:transparent;font-size:12pt;font-family:Avenir,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"><br></span><span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;background-color:transparent;font-size:12pt;font-family:Avenir,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">The Employer Contribution may be available to state employees in other bargaining units for the 2022 plan year pending conclusion of negotiations and ratified contracts.  Based on salary, the Employer Contribution will provide up to $800 for eligible employees who enroll in the DCAA.  For Employer Contribution updates please visit the FSA website: </span><a href="http://goer.ny.gov/FSA" style="font-family:georgia,serif;text-decoration-line:none" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Avenir,sans-serif;background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;text-decoration-line:underline;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">goer.ny.gov/FSA</span></a><span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;background-color:transparent;font-size:12pt;font-family:Avenir,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"> or call 1-800-358-7202.</span><span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;background-color:transparent;font-size:12pt;font-family:Avenir,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"><br></span><span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;background-color:transparent;font-size:12pt;font-family:Avenir,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"> </span><span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;background-color:transparent;font-size:12pt;font-family:Avenir,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"><br></span><span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;background-color:transparent;font-size:12pt;font-family:Avenir,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">What's the catch? Use it or lose it!</span><span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;background-color:transparent;font-size:12pt;font-family:Avenir,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"><br></span><span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;background-color:transparent;font-size:12pt;font-family:Avenir,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">The key is to estimate your expenses carefully.  According to IRS regulations, if you overestimate your costs, you will lose any money that remains in your account at the end of the calendar year.</span><span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;background-color:transparent;font-size:12pt;font-family:Avenir,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"><br></span><span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;background-color:transparent;font-size:12pt;font-family:Avenir,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"><br></span><span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;background-color:transparent;font-size:12pt;font-family:Avenir,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">If you are currently enrolled in the <span>Flex</span> <span>Spending</span> Account, you must re-enroll to continue your benefits in 2022.  Please note that the deadline is strictly enforced so be sure to enroll by November 29, 2021 (no later than 10pm).</span><span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;background-color:transparent;font-size:12pt;font-family:Avenir,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"><br></span><span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;background-color:transparent;font-size:12pt;font-family:Avenir,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"> </span><span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;background-color:transparent;font-size:12pt;font-family:Avenir,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"><br></span><span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;background-color:transparent;font-size:12pt;font-family:Avenir,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">It is easy to enroll in the <span>Flex</span> <span>Spending</span> Account.  Just submit your application for enrollment online at </span><a href="http://goer.ny.gov/FSA" style="font-family:georgia,serif;text-decoration-line:none" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Avenir,sans-serif;background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;text-decoration-line:underline;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">goer.ny.gov/FSA</span></a><span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;background-color:transparent;font-size:12pt;font-family:Avenir,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">.  If you do not have access to the Internet, apply by telephone at 1-800-358-7202.  You will need your NYS EMPLID number, which is located on your paystub, to complete your application.</span><span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;background-color:transparent;font-size:12pt;font-family:Avenir,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"><br></span><span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;background-color:transparent;font-size:12pt;font-family:Avenir,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"> </span><span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;background-color:transparent;font-size:12pt;font-family:Avenir,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"><br></span><span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;background-color:transparent;font-size:12pt;font-family:Avenir,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">An informational brochure can be found at the following link:  </span><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/139WN0ha1pBP6uLbi8exD1BaS8oSM3p7I/view?usp=sharing" style="font-family:georgia,serif;text-decoration-line:none" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Avenir,sans-serif;color:rgb(5,99,193);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;text-decoration-line:underline;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">FSA 2022 Informational Flyer</span></a><span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;background-color:transparent;font-size:12pt;font-family:Avenir,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"> </span><br clear="all"></div><br clear="all"><div><div dir="ltr" data-smartmail="gmail_signature"><div dir="ltr"><p style="margin:0px;line-height:normal"><strong><font face="arial, sans-serif">HUMAN RESOURCE SERVICES</font></strong></p><div dir="ltr"><font size="2" face="arial, sans-serif">912 Kehoe Building</font></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:13px"><p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-size:12.8px;margin:0px;line-height:normal"><a href="https://maps.google.com/?q=101+Broad+Street+Plattsburgh,+NY+12901&entry=gmail&source=g" style="color:rgb(17,85,204);font-size:small" target="_blank"><font face="arial, sans-serif">101 Broad Street</font></a></p></span><div dir="ltr" style="font-size:12.8px"><font size="2"><font size="2"><p style="margin:0px;line-height:normal;font-size:12.8px"><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0)"><font size="2" face="arial, sans-serif"><a href="https://maps.google.com/?q=101+Broad+Street+Plattsburgh,+NY+12901&entry=gmail&source=g" style="color:rgb(17,85,204)" target="_blank">Plattsburgh, NY 12901</a></font></span></p><p style="margin:0px;line-height:normal;font-size:12.8px"><font size="2" face="arial, sans-serif">(o) <a href="tel:(518)%20564-5062" value="+15185645062" style="color:rgb(17,85,204)" target="_blank"><font color="#1155cc">518-564-5062</font></a></font></p><p style="margin:0px;line-height:normal;font-size:12.8px"><font size="2" face="arial, sans-serif">(f) <a href="tel:(518)%20564-5060" value="+15185645060" style="color:rgb(17,85,204)" target="_blank"><font color="#1155cc">518-564-5060</font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