What is the difference between a limited purpose FSA and a regular FSA?
Asked by: Tristian Davis | Last update: June 14, 2025Score: 4.4/5 (54 votes)
What is the difference between FSA and FSA limited purpose?
It's an account you elect to set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for certain health care expenses. Unlike a general-purpose health FSA, however, funds in a limited-purpose health FSA can only be used to pay for qualifying dental, vision and orthodontia expenses.
Can I use limited FSA for sunglasses?
In most cases, non-prescription sunglasses are not eligible for payment with FSA funds. However, reading sunglasses like our SunReaders® are FSA-eligible because they help correct presbyopia. Reading glasses (without tinted lenses) are also FSA-eligible for this reason.
What is the IRS rule for limited purpose FSA?
The IRS created this rule, which states that all money left in your FSA is forfeited after the plan year ends, or if applicable, after the run-out period. If your limited-purpose FSA has a carryover feature, you may carry over up to $500 of unused funds into the next plan year.
What are the three types of FSA?
There are three types of FSA accounts: 1) Health Care FSA (HCFSA); 2) Limited Expense Health Care FSA (LEX HCFSA); and 3) Dependent Care FSA (DCFSA).
FSA Limited Purpose
Can I use my limited purpose FSA for my spouse?
A limited purpose FSA is a tax-advantaged savings account that lets you set aside pre-tax money to pay for eligible dental and vision expenses. LP-FSAs can cover individuals, spouses, and eligible dependents.
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.
Why do I need a limited purpose FSA if I have an HSA?
To keep more of your HSA money, it might be a good idea to contribute the max to your HSA and then also contribute an additional $1,100 to an LPFSA. Then you can use your LPFSA to pay for those expected dental and vision expenses, while still saving the full annual maximum in your HSA.
Is electric toothbrush FSA eligible?
Unfortunately, most products for oral health care are not currently eligible medical expenses for FSA and HSA spending.
Does Limited Purpose FSA cover Invisalign?
Invisalign orthodontics reimbursement is eligible with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), health reimbursement arrangement (HRA) or a limited-purpose flexible spending account (LPFSA).
How to spend limited purpose FSA money?
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.
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.
Can FSA be used for dental?
You can use funds in your FSA to pay for certain medical and dental expenses for you, your spouse if you're married, and your dependents. You can spend FSA funds to pay deductibles and copayments, but not for insurance premiums.
How much do you put into limited purpose FSA?
You can contribute up to a maximum of $3,300.00 * to your Limited Expense Health Care FSA each year. Keep in mind, you may carry over up to $660.00 remaining in your account from one plan year to the next.
Can both spouses have an FSA 2025?
For the 2025 plan year, contributions to an FSA are limited to $3,300 per person. Married couples can therefore contribute a combined $6,600 if they each have an FSA.
Is Tylenol FSA eligible?
Can I buy OTC medicine such as Tylenol and Tums with my FSA or HSA? Yes. You can buy OTC medicine such as Tylenol and Tums with your FSA or HSA.
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.
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. It's possible that you may accidentally purchase a nonqualifying expense with your FSA funds.
Is limited purpose FSA worth it?
The bottom line
A limited-purpose FSA may be a good consideration for those who want an additional tax-advantaged account to pay for high dental or vision expenses. Your employer may also allow you to use your LPFSA to pay for additional medical expenses after you've reached your insurance deductible.
What is the difference between a limited FSA and a regular FSA?
Healthcare FSAs let you pay for all eligible medical expenses, including dental and vision expenses, as well as over-the-counter medications. Limited Purpose FSAs restrict eligible expenses to dental and vision eligible medical expenses exclusively.
Can I use HSA for dental?
Your HSA also covers expenses for standard dental cleanings and dental check-ups. One thing to keep in mind is that some of these procedures may have a co-payment, so it's important that you check with your dental insurance provider to find out exactly what you'll have to pay out of pocket.
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 you use FSA for glasses?
Can I use my FSA on all prescription eyewear? Yes, you can use it to buy prescription glasses, sunglasses and contact lenses all year round.
Is toilet paper FSA eligible?
Here are examples of items and expenses that are not FSA-eligible for 2024: General health items: toiletries like toothpaste, toilet paper, or shampoo, cosmetic products, vitamins and supplements (without a prescription) Non-medical equipment: car seats, strollers, non-medical exercise equipment.