Where to Spend FSA Money?
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) are a great way to save money on healthcare expenses by setting aside pre-tax dollars from your paycheck. But what can you actually spend this money on? Here are some common and not-so-common ways to make the most of your FSA funds.
1. Medical Expenses:
One of the most common uses for FSA money is medical expenses such as doctor’s visits, prescriptions, co-pays, and over-the-counter medications.
2. Dental and Vision Care:
FSA funds can also be used for dental and vision care, including check-ups, cleanings, eyeglasses, contacts, and even LASIK surgery.
3. Medical Equipment:
You can use your FSA money to purchase medical equipment such as crutches, blood pressure monitors, and even wheelchairs.
4. Alternative Healthcare:
Some alternative healthcare treatments like acupuncture, chiropractic care, and massage therapy may also be eligible expenses under your FSA.
5. Health and Wellness Programs:
FSA funds can be used for health and wellness programs such as weight-loss programs, gym memberships, and smoking cessation programs.
6. Mental Health:
Services like therapy and counseling are eligible expenses under FSA funds, helping you take care of your mental health as well.
7. First Aid Supplies:
Basic first aid supplies like bandages, antiseptics, and pain relievers are also eligible expenses under your FSA.
8. Sunscreen and Sunglasses:
Protecting your skin and eyes with sunscreen and sunglasses is not only important for your health but also an eligible expense under your FSA.
9. Travel Vaccinations:
If you’re planning to travel abroad, certain vaccinations required for entry into certain countries can be paid for using your FSA funds.
10. Fertility Treatments:
Some fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) may be covered by your FSA, helping ease the financial burden of starting a family.
11. Breastfeeding Supplies:
Breast pumps and other breastfeeding supplies are considered eligible expenses under FSA funds, helping new mothers with breastfeeding.
12. Prescription Eyewear for Computer Use:
With more people working from home and spending long hours on screens, prescription eyewear specifically for computer use may be covered by your FSA.
13. In-Home COVID-19 Test Kits:
To help stop the spread of COVID-19, in-home test kits for the virus can be purchased with your FSA funds for added peace of mind.
14. Allergy Testing and Treatments:
If you suffer from allergies, testing and treatments such as allergy shots or medications can be paid for using your FSA funds.
15. Birth Control:
Prescription birth control methods such as pills, patches, or IUDs are eligible expenses under FSA funds, providing women with affordable access to contraception.
16. Medical Alert Systems:
For those with chronic conditions or elderly family members, a medical alert system can be purchased using FSA funds for added safety and peace of mind.
17. Weight Loss Surgery:
In some cases, weight loss surgery such as gastric bypass or lap band surgery may be covered by your FSA if deemed medically necessary.
18. Therapy Animals:
Therapy animals such as service animals or emotional support pets may be considered eligible expenses under FSA funds, providing companionship and support.
19. Acne Treatments:
Acne treatments such as medications, creams, or professional skincare services can be paid for using your FSA funds to help improve your skin health.
20. Fitness Trackers:
Fitness trackers like Fitbit or Garmin may be considered eligible expenses under FSA funds, helping you stay motivated and track your health and fitness goals.
With so many eligible expenses, it’s important to keep track of your FSA funds and take advantage of all the ways you can use them to improve your health and well-being. Remember to check with your FSA provider for specific guidelines and restrictions on eligible expenses.