FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT

What Medical Expenses Can an FSA Be Used For?

The list of approved medical expenses that an FSA can be used for is long. Among the many items that count as approved medical expenses are:

• Co-payments for doctor visits
• Prescription costs, including for medication, eyeglasses, and contacts
• Over-the-counter medications if you have a prescription for them
• Birth control
• Medical equipment when recommended by a healthcare provider

While there are many expenses that an FSA can be used for, there are some that aren’t approved. Some common expenses that don’t qualify include the following:

• Cosmetic procedures
• Vitamins and supplements
• Over-the-counter medication if you don’t have a prescription (except insulin)
• Family and marriage counseling
• Health insurance premiums

(Over-the-counter insulin qualifies even if you don’t have a prescription.)

Additionally, any approved expense doesn’t qualify if it’s being reimbursed by an insurer or another account.

How Much Can People Save with an Flexible Spending Account?

Since the FSA’s purpose is to provide tax benefits, how much you can save by paying for medical expenses with an FSA depends on your tax bracket. A person in the 10 percent tax bracket will save 10 percent on any payments they make from an FSA, while someone in the highest tax bracket will save 39.6 percent.

Thus, in theory, a person who is in the 10-percent tax bracket could save up to $260 annually if they took full advantage of the maximum allowed contribution. Someone in the 39.6-percent tax bracket could save $1,029.60 (these figures assume an annual contribution limit of $2,600).

What Happens to Money in an FSA When the Plan Year is Up?

What happens to any money that’s left in an FSA when the plan year ends depends on the FSA. In some cases, the funds are forfeited and no longer available. In other cases, plan holders can roll over up to $500 to next year’s plan.

How Can People Open an Flexible Spending Account?

The easiest way to open a flexible spending account is to talk with a financial advisor. They can explain all of the intricacies of these accounts, help you determine how much to deposit in one, and set it up for you.