As the open season for the new government-wide flexible spending account program continues through June 20, some employees apparently have come to the mistaken belief that the benefit will come automatically through some type of linkage to the Federal Employees Health Benefits program “premium conversion” arrangement. The programs do have some similarities, starting with their tax treatment. Under premium conversion, FEHB premiums can be paid from pre-tax money, while under FSAs, employees can set aside pre-tax up to $3,000 a year to pay certain medical and dental expenses not covered by FEHB or other health insurance (plus up to $5,000 for dependent care expenses). Employees eligible for FEHB coverage are eligible to open health care FSAs. And under the tax code, retirees cannot participate in either program since the tax break can come only from payroll dollars going to active employees.