Can you use FSA only for dental and vision?

Asked by: Mr. Matteo Becker I  |  Last update: November 16, 2023
Score: 4.5/5 (7 votes)

FSA funds to pay for qualifying dental and vision expenses. Here's how a limited-purpose FSA works. Money is set aside from your paycheck before taxes are taken out. You can then use your pre-tax FSA dollars to pay for eligible vision or dental expenses throughout the plan year.

Is FSA only for dental and vision?

Medical, dental or vision office visits are eligible for reimbursement with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), or a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA).

What is the difference between healthcare FSA and dental and vision FSA?

The difference between a limited-purpose FSA and a FSA is what they cover. A LPFSA can typically only cover qualified vision and dental expenses. On the flip side, health FSAs can cover a variety of medical expenses allowed by the IRS, such as acupuncture, birth control pills, and monthly menstrual supplies.

Can you use FSA for vision expenses?

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) Reading glasses (over-the-counter, no prescription needed)

What is vision and dental FSA eligible expenses?

Limited Expense Health Care FSA Eligible Expenses
  • Vision exams, LASIK surgery, contact lenses, and eyeglasses.
  • Dental cleanings, X-rays, fillings, crowns, and orthodontia.

What is an FSA (Flexible Spending Account?)

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What types of expenses are not eligible for reimbursement with an FSA?

This is a partial list of health care expenses that are NOT eligible for reimbursement from the Health Care Spending Account:
  • Any illegal treatment.
  • Baby-sitting fees to enable you to visit a doctor.
  • Cosmetic surgery improving the patient's appearance.
  • Dental bleaching or any other teeth whitening**

What isn't covered by an FSA?

You can spend FSA funds to pay deductibles and copayments, but not for insurance premiums. You can spend FSA funds on prescription medications, as well as over-the-counter medicines with a doctor's prescription. Reimbursements for insulin are allowed without a prescription.

Can I use my FSA to pay for glasses?

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.)

What vision products are FSA eligible?

Here is a list of the most common eligible vision-related products:
  • Reading Glasses. If you're the type of person who needs readers, you'll be glad to know reading glasses are FSA-eligible. ...
  • Prescription Eyeglasses. ...
  • Prescription Sunglasses. ...
  • Contact Lenses and Care. ...
  • Annual Eye Exams. ...
  • Share this Infographic On Your Site.

How many pairs of glasses can I buy with FSA?

As long as you have the funds, you can buy as many pairs of prescription glasses or sunglasses as you like. If you have money saved at the end of the year, make sure you use your FSA for your next glasses purchase so your money doesn't go to waste!

Can I use my FSA 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 I buy a toothbrush with FSA?

Toothbrushes are not eligible for reimbursement with flexible spending accounts (FSA), health savings accounts (HSA), health reimbursement accounts (HRA), dependent care flexible spending accounts and limited-purpose flexible spending accounts (LPFSA) because they are general health products.

Can I use my FSA for braces?

In most cases, yes, you can use your HSA or FSA for eligible orthodontic treatment. Only the portion of your orthodontic payments(s) not paid by your dental insurance or any other plan may be considered an eligible expense.

What happens to unused FSA funds?

For employees, the main downside to an FSA is the use-it-or-lose-it rule. If the employee fails to incur enough qualified expenses to drain his or her FSA each year, any leftover balance generally reverts back to the employer.

Does FSA include sunglasses?

Sunglasses may count as a qualified vision expense for an FSA. There must be an IRS-approved medical reason for the sunglasses, such as to correct your vision. But you must have a prescription from a doctor.

What can I use my limited FSA for?

The LPFSA is used to pay for eligible vision and dental expenses that are not covered by your insurance. It can also be used to pay for eligible post-deductible medical expenses. Pre-tax contributions reduce your taxable income.

Does FSA cover dental crowns?

You may already know that your HSA or FSA can be used for things like dental visits and crowns—but did you also know they can be used toward braces and other orthodontic work? It's true. FSAs and HSAs can help you get reimbursed for a wide variety of dental treatments for you and your family.

Does FSA cover teeth whitening?

Key Takeaways. Funds from a flexible spending account (FSA) cannot be used for teeth whitening expenses. The U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) specifically excludes various medical expenses spent on unnecessary cosmetic procedures, such as teeth whitening, in IRS Publication 502.

Is deodorant FSA eligible?

Deodorant reimbursement is not eligible 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 gym membership?

Physical therapy is an approved medical expense. Can I use my HSA for a gym membership? Typically no. Unless you have a letter from your doctor stating that the membership is necessary to treat an injury or underlying health condition, such as obesity, a gym membership isn't a qualifying medical expense.

Can I buy vitamins with FSA?

FSA and HSAs won't cover a vitamin supplement geared toward general health and wellness. A vitamin is eligible for coverage by an FSA or HSA only if that vitamin has been recommended by a medical professional for the treatment or prevention of a specific disease or condition.

Are massages FSA eligible?

Did you know? Massage Therapy is eligible for reimbursement through most FSA's and HSA's. Some do require a Letter of Medical Necessity from your doctor, but this means you can potentially be reimbursed from your insurance for your massage from us! You just need a note from your primary care physician.

Is ear wax removal FSA eligible?

Ear drops and wax removal products are eligible over-the-counter (OTC) products with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA) or a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA).

Can I use FSA at Costco?

Costco accepts a limited number of cards at the main checkout lanes, but they'll let you pay for eligible items with your HSA/FSA card at the Pharmacy or Optical counters. So to use your FSA or HSA cards at Costco, just bypass the regular checkout lines and visit the Pharmacy or Optical department instead.

Can I buy gas with FSA card?

Fuel is eligible for transportation to and from medical care, up to the allowed mileage rate. Fuel, gasoline for medical care reimbursement is eligible with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA) or a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA).