Can I pay for my child's medical bills with my FSA?


Editorial team Published on

Yes, you can use your Health Care Flexible Spending Account (HCFSA) to pay for your child's eligible medical, dental, and vision expenses.

Key Rules for Children's Expenses

  • No Insurance Requirement: Your child does not need to be enrolled in your employer's health insurance plan for you to use your FSA funds on their care.
  • Age Limits: Generally, you can use your Health Care FSA for your qualifying children:
    • Under the age of 19, or under 24 if they are a full-time student and do not file their own tax return.
    • Under the Affordable Care Act rules, many plans also allow you to pay for a child's medical expenses through the end of the calendar year they turn 26, or indefinitely if they are permanently and totally disabled.
  • Tax Dependency: For standard IRS rules, the child usually needs to be claimed as a tax dependent on your return.

Eligible Expenses

You can cover out-of-pocket costs such as:

  • Doctor visits, copays, and deductibles
  • Prescription medications
  • Dental care, cleanings, and braces/orthodontia
  • Vision care, eye exams, and glasses or contact lenses

(Note: You cannot use a Health Care FSA to pay for health insurance premiums.)