University at Buffalo - The State University of New York

Enroll in Flex Spending Accounts

Open enrollment is now under way for New York State Flex Spending Accounts, which allow state employees to pay for certain expenses with pre-tax dollars.

The Health Care Spending Account lets employees set aside any amount—from $100 up to $4,000 annually—to pay for health care expenses that are not reimbursed by health insurance or other benefit plans. These include medically necessary medical, hospital, dental, vision, hearing and prescription drug expenses for employees and their tax dependents. Recent changes to federal law now limit over-the-counter (OTC) drug reimbursement. Click here for more details.

The Dependent Care Advantage Account allows workers to set aside up to $5,000 for eligible child care, elder care or disabled dependent care expenses that are necessary for the employee and his or her spouse to work.

The open enrollment period for 2012 runs through Nov. 14.

For more information, click here or call the Flexible Spending Account Hotline at 1-800-358-7202.

Flu shots offered

Student Health Services will offer seasonal flu vaccine shots to UB students, faculty and staff Nov. 1-4 at sites on both the North and South campuses.

Flu vaccines are $20 (payable by cash or check only) to faculty and staff with photo ID; vaccines are free to UB students with valid UB photo ID.

Spouses, partners or dependents of faculty, staff and students are not eligible to receive the vaccine at these clinics.

Clinics will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 1 and 2 in the Student Union Social Hall, North Campus, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 3 and 4 in the lobby of the Biomedical Education Building, South Campus.

Vaccines will be administered on a first come-first served basis. The clinics may close early based on vaccine availability. An individual’s ability to receive the vaccine is subject to medical oversight (screening forms and clinical staff on site).

The flu (influenza) is a highly contagious, viral illness that is most common in the winter months. It is spread by sneezing, coughing and direct contact with an infected person. Symptoms include sudden onset of fever with chills, headache, malaise, muscle aches and pains with a dry cough. It typically lasts five to seven days. Some people develop secondary bacterial infections, such as sinus infections or pneumonia.

The flu can be prevented with a vaccine. Flu shots must be given each year because the viruses that cause influenza mutate and the vaccine must be altered to remain effective. Flu shots are given in the fall to provide optimal protection, beginning one to weeks after injection.

Applicants sought for fellowships

Full-time UB faculty members are invited to submit proposals for fellowships to advance community-based research projects on issues of social equity and justice and/or public policy.

The research fellowships, sponsored by the Civic Engagement and Public Policy strategic strength, support community-based research proposals and/or the development of external grant proposals.

Fellows may receive up to $3,500.

Application deadline is Oct. 31.

For details, visit the Civic Engagement and Public Policy website.