Does FSA cover LASIK?
Asked by: Jayson Feest | Last update: December 11, 2025Score: 4.8/5 (34 votes)
Can you use FSA for lasik eye surgery?
Yes, you can use an FSA for LASIK and other laser vision correction procedures. The IRS places restrictions on what is covered by FSA funds. However, an FSA currently covers laser vision correction procedures including LASIK, SMILE, PRK, ICL, and other techniques.
Is laser treatment covered by FSA?
Skin treatments that aren't covered with your FSA
These types of treatments are not considered medical care and therefore not eligible for reimbursement with an FSA. Examples of cosmetic skin treatments include laser hair removal, facelifts, acid peels, chemical peels, laser resurfacing, and microdermabrasion.
What does FSA cover for vision?
This includes eye exams, glasses, prescription sunglasses, eye drops and contact lenses. Eye care accessories such as contact lens solution and cleaner are also eligible. You can even put FSA funds toward eye surgery such as LASIK, radial keratotomy and cataract surgery.
Is LASIK a qualified medical expense?
The IRS defines medical expenses as, "the costs of diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, and the costs for treatments affecting any part or function of the body." As LASIK is a treatment to correct defective vision, it is a medical expense which can be deducted from a patient's taxes.
The Benefits of Applying FSA and HSA Funds to LASIK
Does insurance ever cover LASIK?
Most insurance plans don't cover the cost of Lasik eye surgery. But there are a few rare exceptions where some insurance plans might consider a Lasik procedure to be medically necessary, not elective.
Who is not qualified for LASIK?
- You required a change in your contact lens or glasses prescription in the past year. This is called refractive instability. ...
- You have a disease or are on medications that may affect wound healing. ...
- You actively participate in contact sports. ...
- You are not an adult.
What does FSA not cover?
For example, daily care products, like Vaseline, toothpaste, and deodorant, are not FSA-eligible expenses. Gym memberships and health insurance premiums aren't eligible either. It's possible that you may accidentally purchase a nonqualifying expense with your FSA funds. If you do, don't panic.
Can I use HSA for LASIK?
Raising contribution limits each year for HSAs and FSAs helps more people afford medical costs for procedures. So, can you use HSA for LASIK? Absolutely!
Can I use my FSA card for eye drops?
The good news is that the cost of most types of eye drops are covered by FSA. If you have further questions about eligible eye care expenses using FSA, or if you would like to schedule an appointment, please get in touch by calling our knowledgeable team at Lifetime Vision and Eye Care in Miami Gardens, FL today.
Is a gym membership FSA eligible?
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) usually doesn't allow funds from an FSA to pay for membership dues at health clubs or gyms. However, the IRS allows FSA funds to be used for paying separate fees charged at health clinics or physical therapy centers for specific activities prescribed by doctors for an individual.
Is LASIK worth it?
Most people who undergo LASIK surgery will have good to excellent vision in most situations, for many years or decades. You'll be able to play sports and swim, or even just see the clock first thing in the morning, without having to worry about your glasses or contact lenses.
Will FSA pay for Botox?
Botox injections are typically not eligible for reimbursement with an FSA, as they are primarily used for cosmetic purposes. However, in recent years, these injections have begun to be used to treat a variety of health conditions as well, including chronic headaches.
How long does LASIK last?
While the effects of LASIK surgery are permanent, the benefits can decrease over time. For most patients, the results of this surgery will last a lifetime. About 10-12% of patients nationwide will need enhancement surgery because of anatomical changes to the eye/eyes.
Are sunglasses covered by FSA?
You can use FSA dollars on sunglasses, as long as they are prescription sunglasses. Some non-prescription sunglasses can be purchased with HSA or FSA dollars, but you will most likely need a prescription for the shades from your doctor.
Can I use my FSA for weight loss surgery?
Changes to FSA for 2021
If your employer offers a flexible spending plan for healthcare expenses, you can use this pre-tax income to pay for a variety of healthcare costs, including weight loss programs and bariatric surgery. The 2021 FSA maximum contribution remains at $2,750.
Is LASIK an eligible FSA expense?
Lasik: FSA Eligibility. LASIK is eligible for reimbursement with flexible spending accounts (FSA), health savings accounts (HSA), health reimbursement accounts (HRA) and limited-purpose flexible spending accounts (LPFSA). Lasik is not eligible for reimbursement with dependent care flexible spending accounts (DCFSA).
What are FSA eligible expenses?
Allowed expenses include insurance copayments and deductibles, qualified prescription drugs, insulin, and medical devices. You decide how much to put in an FSA, up to a limit set by your employer. You aren't taxed on this money.
What is the difference between LASIK and PRK eye surgery?
LASIK involves creating a thin flap in the outer layer of the cornea, which is lifted to allow the reshaping of the cornea using a laser. The flap is then repositioned, promoting faster healing. PRK involves removing the outer layer of tissue, exposing the area of the cornea that the laser reshapes.
Is an Apple Watch FSA eligible?
Likely not. While your Apple Watch, Garmin, or other tracker may offer you some insight—and maybe even some encouragement—to stay on top of your fitness routine, they are not typically considered medical devices for purposes of FSA and HSA funds.
What are the major disadvantages of FSA?
While FSAs offer several benefits, they also have limitations. The 'use-it-or-lose-it' rule can lead to the loss of unspent funds. Additionally, there are restrictions regarding eligible expenses and contribution limits, which are determined by the IRS and can change annually.
Are tampons FSA eligible?
Feminine hygiene products: Pads, liners, and tampons all qualify as FSA-eligible expenses. The end of the year is a good chance to stock up if you need to. Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain medications such as Aleve, Tylenol, and generic versions of the drugs are available for purchase through FSA funds.
Why do doctors not recommend LASIK?
Unresolved Vision Problems
Our eyes may encounter more problems than simple refractive errors. Dry eye is a common condition that may not seem serious but can prevent you from being eligible for LASIK. Scarring from a previous eye injury or surgery can impede the surgeon's ability to perform the operation safely.
Is there a better alternative to LASIK?
Refractive lens exchange
RLE is a good alternative for patients with severe nearsightedness, farsightedness, presbyopia or astigmatism, or if the surgeon believes laser surgery is not the best option. In both younger and older patients, RLE has a high success rate.
What qualifies you for LASIK?
A good candidate must be at least 18 years old and have a stable prescription. You must also be near-sighted up to -12.00 or far-sighted up to +6.00. Your level of astigmatism may be as high as 6.00 diopters.