Open Enrollment -- Two Articles

Image courtesy: sxc.hu

Two articles discussing new laws affecting benefits elections. The first focuses on 2012, while the second is a two year plan.



My Open Enrollment Action Plan
Like many other employees, my husband's benefit elections enter the annual open enrollment period in November. Here are some changes I am making to 401(k) contributions, medical, dental and vision insurance, FSA withholding, and commuter expenses for 2012 because of new laws and a new family member.


Maximizing My FSA Benefit and Lowering Taxes
President Obama's health care reform has made two significant changes to FSA. Since 2011, OTC medications require a doctor's prescription for reimbursement. In addition, for 2013, the maximum FSA contribution is reduced to $2,500. Health care expenses are tough to budget, more so if you are budgeting two years out. However, by front loading some of the known spending in 2012 and getting a master prescription list, I plan to partially offset the negative impact of FSA reform.