FSA Open Season About to End

The initial open season for the government-wide flexible spending account program ends June 20, but for those who decided to sit out the opportunity, another chance is not far ahead. The next open season will run November 10 through December 8 and cover the 2004 calendar year. The current open season allows employees to open accounts covering only the last six months of this calendar year and those enrolling in it will have to make a new election in the autumn for next year. Even before issues arose regarding delayed enrollments, federal officials were frank in their expectations that relatively few employees would enroll during the present opportunity and instead set their sights on the autumn open season, when there will be a much more extensive publicity and educational campaign. However, they believe it was worthwhile to hold the current opportunity for the sake of employees already familiar with such programs and for those with a high enough level of interest to educate themselves.