Can I use my HSA for laser eye surgery?

Asked by: Cheyanne Ritchie  |  Last update: January 17, 2024
Score: 4.7/5 (17 votes)

You can use an HSA for LASIK and other laser vision correction procedures. Like the FSA, the IRS sets limits on what procedures can be covered by an HSA. Laser vision correction procedures including LASIK, SMILE, and PRK are eligible expenses.

Does an HSA cover laser eye surgery?

In a word – yes! With a tax-free Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA), you can pay for your LASIK surgery with pre-tax dollars, which could mean a 20-30% discount for those who are eligible.

Is LASIK HSA eligible for 2023?

Laser eye surgery, also known as LASIK, is a popular procedure that corrects vision problems. However, the cost of the surgery can be a concern for many people. The good news is that LASIK is an eligible expense under both Flexible Spending Arrangements (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA) for the tax year 2023.

Is Lasik surgery a qualified healthcare expense?

According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the amount paid for eye surgeries to correct defective vision, such as LASIK or radial keratotomy, can be included in medical expenses and deducted from taxes.

Can I use HSA for ICL surgery?

LASIK, PRK, ICL, and refractive lens exchange all qualify as eligible expenses. With these tax-free accounts, you can pay for your refractive surgery with pre-tax dollars, resulting in savings of up to 20%-30% if you're eligible.

Use your FSA/HSA funds on LASIK eye surgery at TLC Laser Eye Centers!

15 related questions found

Can you use HSA money for cosmetic surgery?

Therefore, in the vast majority of cases, cosmetic procedures are not eligible for reimbursement with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), health reimbursement arrangement (HRA), limited-purpose flexible spending account (LPFSA) or a dependent care flexible spending account (DCFSA).

Can you use HSA for Botox?

Botox: HSA Eligibility

Botox injections are not eligible for reimbursement with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA) health reimbursement arrangement (HRA), dependent care flexible spending account (DCFSA) or a limited-purpose flexible spending account (LPFSA).

Why does insurance not cover LASIK?

Because LASIK is an elective surgery, more often than not it is not covered by insurance. However, some non-standard vision insurance plans, such as VSP or EyeMed, may offer benefits or discounts. Some of these benefits might include additional services and savings for people who are interested in LASIK.

How long does it take to fully recover from Lasik surgery?

During the surgery, your cornea has a flap cut into it. That flap needs time to reattach itself before it is safe to resume a normal life. A normal LASIK patient takes around three months to complete this recovery time. Some patients can take upwards of six months to a year to fully recover.

Can you use HSA for dental?

You can also use HSAs to help pay for dental care. While dental insurance can help cover costs, an HSA can also help cover any out-of-pocket expenses resulting from dental care and procedures.

Do I need vision insurance if I have HSA?

You don't even need vision insurance. As long as you have a vision prescription, you can use your HSA or FSA on the following eyecare expenses: Prescription glasses and sunglasses. Contact lenses (not including non-prescription contacts)

Can I use my HSA account at the eye doctor?

Eye exams with a medical professional are eligible for reimbursement with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA), or a limited-purpose flexible spending account (LPFSA).

Can I use my HSA for eyes?

Yes! You can definitely use funds from your flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA) to purchase prescription glasses. (FSAs and HSAs can be used for many other vision- and eye health-related expenses, too, but we'll discuss that more in a bit.)

Which is better smile or LASIK?

LASIK has better recovery from side effects at a seven-day follow-up point compared to SMILE, although there was no difference in recovery rates at one month after the operation. Both procedures have high patient satisfaction long term. Ultimately, most people who get either procedure are happy with the results.

Can you use HSA for hair transplant?

Hair removal and transplants are not eligible for reimbursement with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), health reimbursement arrangement (HRA), limited-purpose flexible spending account (LPFSA) or a dependent care flexible spending account (DCFSA).

What can I use my HSA for?

You can use HSA funds to pay for deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, and other qualified medical expenses. Withdrawals to pay eligible medical expenses are tax-free. Unspent HSA funds roll over from year to year, allowing you to build tax-free savings to pay for medical care later.

How painful is LASIK after surgery?

It is not uncommon for your eyes to sting a bit or to feel a little gritty and/or sensitive to light after your procedure. “Patients have described their vision after LASIK comparable to looking under water. I usually ask patients to go home and keep their eyes closed for a few hours.

What happens if you accidentally rub your eye after LASIK?

Rubbing or touching the eye at this time could cause the flap to become displaced, hindering the healing process and having an adverse effect on your vision. Though this complication is rather rare, it should still be considered and avoided through proper after-surgery care methods.

How long do you have to wear sunglasses after LASIK?

Your eyes are especially sensitive for the first week after you have LASIK. Plan to wear sunglasses for at least the first week after your LASIK procedure. Also, even post-LASIK surgery, you should continue wearing sunglasses. Sunglasses protect your eyes from the sun's harmful rays.

What insurance is best for LASIK?

We recommend Cigna health insurance plans for the best benefits for Lasik eye surgery. The cost of Lasik eye surgery averages $2,250 per eye when paying full price. Costs vary based on where you get the procedure and whether the procedure is traditional or custom.

What excludes you from getting LASIK?

Certain conditions, such as autoimmune diseases (e.g., lupus, rheumatoid arthritis), immunodeficiency states (e.g., HIV) and diabetes, and some medications (e.g., retinoic acid and steroids) may prevent proper healing after a refractive procedure. You actively participate in contact sports.

Does LASIK wear off?

LASIK permanently corrects the vision prescription that you have at the time of surgery. This means that it cannot wear off. However, any underlying conditions such as presbyopia that progress over time can cause changes to your vision, making the original LASIK procedure less effective.

Can I use my HSA for Invisalign?

Absolutely, you can use your HSA or FSA to pay for Invisalign aligners based on the same criteria listed above. While typically more expensive than braces, Invisalign aligners are practically invisible and removable, making them a great option for many Kristo Orthodontic patients— especially teens and adults.

Can you use HSA for tummy tuck?

You can't use pre-tax funds from a health savings account (HSA) or a flexible spending account (FSA) for cosmetic surgical procedures, like a tummy tuck. However, if you have good credit, you could take out a private loan to finance your surgery.

Can I use my HSA for massage?

Massages with a doctor's note of necessity

In certain cases, the massage is deemed medically necessary, and can be classified as a qualified medical expense. In a case like this, accountholders can use their HSA to pay for the massage.