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I pay annual dependent care expenses of more than $7,000. Does the city offer a benefit plan that allows me a tax advantage for those expenses?
Flu season will be here soon. Are flu shots covered under my medical plan?
Q: I pay annual dependent care expenses of more than $7,000. Does the city offer a benefit plan that allows me a tax advantage for those expenses?
A: The Dependent Care Reimbursement Program provides you with a tax advantage by lowering your taxable income. DCRP allows you to set aside pretax money from your paycheck in an account to pay for dependent care. The annual minimum contribution is $99.84, and the annual maximum contribution is $5,000.
Use this plan to pay yourself back for dependent care costs. Here’s how it works.
- Determine how much to deduct from your biweekly paycheck before taxes.
- Pay the provider.
- File claims on eligible expenses.
- Estimate your annual expenses for dependent care.
- Eligible expenses for dependents of any age include:
- Licensed nursery school and day-care centers for children
- Food and education provided as part of preschool care services
- Licensed day-care centers for disabled dependents
- Licensed individuals who provide care for your eligible dependents, either inside or outside your home
- Expenses will be reimbursed to you from your DCRP account. You will be reimbursed only the amount that you have contributed.
The enrollment period will begin mid-November for coverage effective Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2007. More questions, call the benefits office (713) 837-9367.
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Q: Flu season will be here soon. Are flu shots covered under my medical plan?
A: Flu vaccine is a benefit of all plans.
- HMO Blue Texas – If a nurse gives the vaccine without a doctor’s visit, the vaccine is free. If the doctor gives the vaccine or if you meet with the doctor for a consultation, treatment or diagnosis, a $20 office copayment applies.
- PPO In-network - Copayment is $30.
- PPO Out-of-network - Copayment is 40 percent after annual deductible.
- Medicare Advantage plans – No copayment for pneumonia and flu vaccines.
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