Can my HSA pay for Lasik?

Asked by: Ben McKenzie  |  Last update: November 13, 2023
Score: 4.8/5 (73 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.

Is LASIK 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.

Does LASIK go towards deductible?

Keep in mind that because Lasik benefits are a discount program rather than traditional health insurance coverage, any costs for Lasik will fall outside of your health insurance plan's deductibles and copayments.

Is LASIK covered by limited purpose FSA?

Limited purpose FSAs cover dental, vision, and other expenses like LASIK but not medical or prescription costs. A post-deductible FSA only allows you to use the funds for medical expenses after meeting the deductible on a high deductible plan.

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.

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

28 related questions found

What age is LASIK best?

Generally speaking, most LASIK eye surgeons agree on 25-40 as the ideal age range for LASIK eye surgery candidacy for a few reasons. By the age of 25, eyeglasses and contact lens prescriptions have most likely stabilized. A stable prescription is one of the hallmarks of a good LASIK candidate.

Does LASIK have a high success rate?

No surgical procedure is 100% effective. However, LASIK has one of the highest success and satisfaction rates of any elective procedure, with 96% of LASIK patients reporting high satisfaction after treatment. Effectiveness studies show that 70% to 90% of LASIK patients achieve 20/20 vision or better after treatment.

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 I use HSA for laser hair removal?

You also can't use your HSA or FSA to pay for laser hair removal. This is not an HSA-eligible expense under IRS Publication 502. If you tap into these accounts to pay for your laser hair removal procedure, this would be considered a nonqualified distribution. You may be subject to a penalty.

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.

Does LASIK fix astigmatism?

The answer is usually yes. LASIK is successful in treating most people's astigmatism, as long as it's the right type and it falls within the treatment limits. With the technology used in our practice, we are typically able to treat patients who have high levels of astigmatism.

Why won t insurance cover LASIK?

LASIK is not covered by Medicare or private health insurance plans because it's not considered medically necessary. Nationally, the average cost of LASIK is about $2,600 per eye and $4,200 for both eyes. Some insurers and vision plans offer LASIK discounts and payment plans.

Are you awake during LASIK?

Understandably, many people have questions about this procedure with “Are you awake during LASIK surgery?” being one of the top frequently asked questions. Yes, you will be awake for your entire LASIK corrective eye surgery procedure.

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).

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.

What is the difference between FSA and HSA?

HSAs and FSAs both help you save for qualified medical expenses. HSAs may offer higher contribution limits and allow you to carry funds forward, but you're only eligible if you're enrolled in a HSA-eligible health plan. FSAs have lower contribution limits and generally you can't carry over funds.

Can you use HSA for braces?

Get ready to smile! The answer is yes. In most cases, you can use your HSA or FSA to pay for any part of your orthodontic treatment that isn't covered by your dental insurance or any other plan.

Can HSA be used for tattoo removal?

Tattoo removal is 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 I use HSA for cosmetic surgery?

Cosmetic procedures (e.g. facelift, Botox, hair transplants, liposuction, teeth whitening) are usually ineligible, unless the procedure is necessary to improve a deformity due to a congenital abnormality, personal injury or disfiguring disease.

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 are eyes blurry after LASIK?

As safe and effective as LASIK surgery has become, making a full recovery from any surgical procedure takes time, and we want you know to know what to expect after the procedure. Many patients' vision starts to return to normal within 48 hours, though others' can take up to a week to seem right.

Who is a good candidate for LASIK?

Good candidates are 21 years and older, have good eye and general health, with stable prescriptions (for at least one year). Talking Points: LASIK is generally safe and effective for correcting myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. About 94-100% of patients with low-to-moderate myopia achieve 20/40 vision or better.

What are the side effects of laser eye surgery?

Laser Eye Surgery Risks and Side Effects May Occur After Surgery
  • Infection. ...
  • Diffuse Lamellar Keratitis (DLK) / Inflammation Under the Flap. ...
  • Keratoconus / Corneal Weakening. ...
  • Patient's LASIK Fears – One Year Later.
  • Need for an “Enhancement Procedure” ...
  • Dry-Eye or Dryness. ...
  • Night Glare or Halos. ...
  • Other Laser Eye Surgery Risks.

Is LASIK worth it over 40?

Additionally, LASIK is worth it at any age. People nearing 40 years old or 50 years old may think that LASIK is only effective for a little while, and then, they'll experience normal vision loss associated with aging. This isn't always the case.