Dependent Care Flexible Benefit Plan Updates

2012 Dependent Care Benefit Plan Enrollment Period is November 1-30
The dependent care flexible benefit plan allows you to pre-tax child, spouse or elder care expenses that you incur in order to allow you (and your spouse, if married) to work. If married, both spouses must be working to claim dependent care expenses. A dependent is defined as:
• A dependent of the employee who is under 13 years of age
• A dependent, spouse or parent who is physically or mentally disabled

The Agency’s dependent care flexible benefit plan runs on a calendar year basis, from January through December. Enrolling in the plan is voluntary and allows you to deduct out-of-pocket dependent care expenses from your paycheck on a pre-tax basis.

If you are interested in learning more about paying for your dependent care expenses on a pre-tax basis, or if you have been a participant in the past, but have questions about how the plan works and what type of child care expenses you can deduct on a pre-tax basis, check out the video on the Intranet under Benefits > 2011 Benefit Videos > Dependent Care.

If you are currently participating in the dependent care plan, an information packet with an enrollment form for 2012 will be mailed to your home address the first week of November. A statement showing dependent care expenses that have been reimbursed to you through late October will be included in the packet. Those not currently participating in the dependent care plan, and who would like an enrollment packet, may request one from Kathy Martin, Benefits Specialist, at kmartin@aea11.k12.ia.us or ext. 14385.

The deadline for submitting your dependent care enrollment form for the 2012 plan year is November 30. Forms may be faxed to Kathy Martin at (515) 270-6562 or e-mailed to kmartin@aea11.k12.ia.us. Please follow up by sending your form with original signature to Kathy at the Johnston Administration Center.

Dependent Care Claims Reimbursement Deadline
Two dates are important to remember for employees enrolled in Heartland’s dependent care flexible benefit plan:
• All expenses for the 2011 plan year must be incurred by December 31, 2011.
• All claims for the 2011 plan year must be submitted to Kabel Business Services for reimbursement no later than 60 days after the end of the plan year. This year, the last day they will be accepted is February 29, 2012.

These dates relate to the dependent care flexible benefit plan and do not relate to the medical flexible benefit plan. The plan year for the medical flex plan is June 1 through May 31.

If you have questions about the balance you have remaining in your dependent care account, please contact Kabel Business Services at (515) 224-9400 or (800) 300-9691.