Does FSA pay for sunglasses?

Asked by: Prof. Virgil Quigley I  |  Last update: April 14, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (7 votes)

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 you use your FSA for sunglasses?

You can use your FSA funds to purchase prescription and reading sunglasses online, through your eye doctor, or at an optical or retail store. Most people are given an FSA debit card, which can often be used to pay during the checkout process just like a regular debit or credit card.

Are sunglasses a qualified medical expense?

Answer: Yes!! The amount you pay for contact lenses, eye exams, eyeglasses, and prescription sunglasses can be included in medical expenses.

What vision products are FSA eligible?

Prescription contact lenses and eyeglasses are common FSA/HSA-eligible vision expenses, but here are a few more that may qualify:
  • Astigmatic keratotomy (AK) surgery.
  • Automated lamellar keratoplasty (ALK) surgery.
  • Bifocals.
  • Contact cleaning solution.
  • Contact lens cases.
  • Corrective swim goggles.

Are Oakley prescription sunglasses FSA eligible?

Take advantage of your insurance before the year ends and call us at 800 403 7449 to learn more about using your benefits online (Mon-Fri 8:30AM-5:30PM ET). You can also use your HAS/FSA cards at checkout to purchase prescription glasses or sunglasses.

Can You Use HSA/FSA Funds on Prescription Eyewear? | SportRx

29 related questions found

Is eyewear FSA eligible?

FSAs and HSAs are programs offered by employers that allow you to set aside pre-tax funds for eligible health care expenses including prescription eyewear and contact lenses. FSA funds must be used by the end of each calendar year (December 31), or else you lose your money.

Is sunscreen FSA eligible?

You can use your flexible spending account (FSA) to buy broad-spectrum sunscreens with a minimum SPF of 15 using pretax dollars. A variety of items that offer sun protection, including lip balms, lotions, and moisturizers, might also qualify for these funds. Many FSA plans offer debit cards to make using funds easier.

Is deodorant FSA eligible?

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.

Is FSA worth it?

A health care FSA can be useful for people with any level of health costs because it provides access to the entire annual amount elected, beginning on the very first day of the plan year for medical, dental, and vision costs. So, if you have an unexpected large expense, you can access the funds you need.

Does FSA cover teeth whitening strips?

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.

Are sunglasses covered by benefits?

In certain situations, health insurance may cover the cost of sunglasses if they are deemed medically necessary. This is more likely to occur in cases where sunglasses are prescribed by a healthcare professional to address specific eye health conditions or post-surgery recovery.

Is the Apple Watch HSA-eligible?

Why other fitness trackers don't qualify. Even though Fitbits and Apple Watches measure important health data, they currently do not qualify for HSA reimbursement, as they are considered for general health use and not intended to treat or manage a specific medical condition.

Can I claim sunglasses for work?

Glasses, contact lenses and protective glasses

You can only claim these expenses if your eyesight is at real risk or harm or injury from the sun, as well as other workplace conditions. Protective eyewear includes prescription sunglasses, photochromatic and anti-glare glasses.

How do I pay for glasses with FSA?

How To Use Your FSA or HSA for Glasses or Other Vision Expenses. Many flexible spending or health savings accounts will provide a debit card. If you have one, you can use it to pay just like you would use a typical debit card.

Are gym memberships 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.

What is the biggest disadvantage of the FSAs?

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.

Can I get my FSA money back?

There are government rules that control what's allowed with forfeited FSA funds: The funds can't be returned to individual employees based on the amount forfeited because that would violate the “use it or lose it” rule. You can't donate the funds to charity or take a tax deduction from them.

Can I use my FSA for my girlfriend?

The IRS has very strict guidelines about who and what your FSA money can be used for. When it comes to your personal FSA, you can only use your funds for yourself or for people who are considered qualifying dependents.

Are sunglasses FSA eligible?

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 FSA pay for therapy?

Is therapy covered by an FSA? Yes, FSAs generally do include therapy as an eligible expense. But certain factors determine this, such as the type of therapy, type of provider, and medical necessity considerations. Every FSA plan can vary in terms of coverage, so it's best to check the details of your specific plan.

What happens if I use my FSA incorrectly?

If the Benefits Card is accidentally or intentionally utilized for ineligible expenses, you are responsible for reimbursing your account. You will be notified if you have an ineligible expense and your Benefits Card may be deactivated until your account is reimbursed.

Can I buy sunglasses with HSA?

While most non-prescription eyewear is not HSA-eligible, HSA plans do cover sunglasses if they are medically necessary.

Is toothbrush FSA eligible?

Brush-Up on FSAs and HSAs

However, current law does not recognize certain oral healthcare products — such as manual toothbrushes, electric toothbrushes, water flossers, mouthwash, or OTC anti-cavity toothpaste — as “qualified medical expenses.”

Is lip balm FSA eligible?

Thanks to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act of 2020, you can now use your flexible spending account (FSA) to buy certain over-the-counter products. The list includes some types of lip balm.