2027 Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) Open Enrollment Information

The Office of Labor Relations (OLR) has announced that the 2027 Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) Open Enrollment Period will run from October 1 through November 13, 2026, for coverage beginning January 1, 2027.

Please note: This is separate from the annual Health Benefits Open Enrollment/Transfer Period. The FSA enrollment period occurs earlier and has its own enrollment requirements and deadline.

Additionally, the 2027 FSA Open Enrollment Period does not apply to employees in adjunct titles.

What Programs Are Included?

• Dependent Care Assistance Program (DeCAP) – Allows eligible employees to set aside pre-tax dollars for qualifying health care expenses.
• Health Care Flexible Spending Account (HCFSA) – Allows eligible employees to set aside pre-tax dollars for qualifying childcare expenses for dependents.
• MSC Health Benefits Buy-Out Waiver Program – Allows eligible employees to waive CUNY health coverage if they have health insurance through another employer, such as a spouse’s plan. In return, they receive an annual payment in two installments.
• MSC Premium Conversion Program – Allows eligible employees to decline pre-tax health insurance deductions and have premiums deducted on a post-tax basis. To decline participation in the program, employees must complete and submit a MSC Premium Conversion Form.

For CUNY Senior Colleges employees, FSA payroll deductions will begin with the second paycheck in January 2027.

How Do I Enroll/Re-Enroll? 
The Plan Year 2027 FSA Program Brochure and required forms will be available on the FSA website on the Forms and Downloads page.

If you wish to participate in the HCFSA or DeCAP for 2027, you must enroll for the 2027 plan year. Participation does not automatically carry over from one plan year to the next.

Current 2026 HCFSA and DeCAP participants will receive enrollment information from the FSA Administrative Office by the second week of October at the address on file. 

Participants will receive a confirmation letter after their 2027 enrollment has been processed.

2027 Contribution Limits

• HCFSA: $3,400*
• DeCAP: $7,500 ($3,750 for married individuals filing separately)

*The HCFSA limit may change based on IRS guidance. OLR will notify employees who selected the maximum amount if the contribution limit changes.

Important: If FSA payroll deductions do not begin in January 2027, please notify the FSA Administrative Office immediately by email. 

MSC Health Benefits Buy-Out Waiver
Current active participants in the MSC Health Benefits Buy-Out Waiver Program will be automatically re-enrolled for 2027

To enroll for the first time or withdraw for 2027, employees must complete the 2027 MSC Buyout Enrollment/Change Form in addition to the Health Benefits Application.

The 2027 annual incentive is:

• $500 for waiving individual coverage
• $1,000 for waiving family coverage

Payments will be issued in June and December.

For more information, please visit the OLR FSA page or contact Benefits@brooklyn.cuny.edu.Remember: The deadline to enroll in the 2027 FSA Program is November 13, 2026. This deadline is separate from the annual Health Benefits Open Enrollment/Transfer Period.

Human Resource Services
benefits@brooklyn.cuny.edu