Under a cafeteria plan, how can employees purchase benefits?

In a cafeteria plan, employees have the flexibility to choose from a variety of pre-approved benefits, allowing them to customize their benefits package based on individual needs. This structure often involves several methods by which employees can purchase these benefits.

The correct answer encompasses all the methods listed. Employees can utilize flex dollars provided by the employer as part of the cafeteria plan. These are employer-contributed funds that employees can use to purchase additional benefits. Additionally, employees can opt for salary reduction, where they designate a portion of their pretax salary to cover the cost of benefits. This approach not only helps in making benefits more affordable but also reduces taxable income, leading to potential tax savings for the employee.

Lastly, payroll deductions can also be made using post-tax dollars for benefits that might not qualify for pretax treatment, thereby giving employees additional purchasing options.

All these methods enhance the flexibility of cafeteria plans, allowing for a wide range of customized benefits based on employee preferences. This multifaceted approach is what enables employees to tailor their benefits package effectively.