You have been contributing money all year to your Flexible Spending Account (FSA), and now you need to “use it or lose it” before the end of the year. But, how can you use that money? We want to help! Below is a partial list of expenses that may be incurred by you, your spouse, or your qualified dependents that are likely reimbursable through your Flexible Spending Account . Of course, it is always a good idea to check with your account administrator on what is covered by your company’s particular FSA and HSA policies to verify reimbursement eligibility.
(Please note: a Limited Purpose Healthcare FSA only allows dental and vision expenses.)
Medical Expenses
- Acupuncture
- Artificial limbs
- Bandages
- Birth control, contraceptive devices
- Birthing classes/Lamaze – only the mother’s portion(not the coach/spouse) and the class must be only for birthing instruction, not child rearing
- Blood pressure monitors
- Blood sugar test kits/test strips
- Chiropractic therapy/exams/adjustments
- Contact lenses and contact lens solutions
- Co-payments
- Crutches (purchased or rented)
- Deductible and co-insurance
- Diabetic supplies
- Eye exams
- Flu shots
- Hearing aids and hearing aid batteries (warranties are not reimbursable)
- Heating pads
- Incontinence supplies
- Infertility treatments
- Insulin
- Lactation expenses (breast pumps, etc.)
- Laser eye surgery; LASIK
- Legal sterilization
- Medical supplies to treat an injury or illness
- Mileage to and from doctor appointments
- Nasal strips
- Optometrist fees
- Ophthalmologist fees
- Orthopedic inserts
- Physicals
- Physical therapy (as medical treatment)
- Physician fees and hospital services
- Pregnancy tests
- Prescription drugs and medications
- Prescription eyeglasses, sunglasses, or safety glasses
- Psychotherapy, psychiatric and psychological service
- Reading glasses
- Sales tax on eligible expenses
- Services connected with donating an organ
- Sleep apnea services/products (as prescribed)
- Smoking cessation programs
- Treatment for alcoholism or drug dependency
- Vaccinations
- Wrist supports, elastic wraps
- X-ray fees
OTC Medicines and Drugs
Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines and drugs, except for insulin, require a prescription from your physician to be reimbursable. The prescription will need to be included with each request for reimbursement.
- Bengay, Flexall, and other pain relieving creams or gels
- Calamine lotion
- Canker/cold sore relievers
- Cold medicines
- Corn removal
- Diaper rash ointment
- GasX, baby gas drops
- Hemorrhoid creams and treatments
- Hydrogen Peroxide or rubbing alcohol
- Indigestion or anti-acid relievers
- Laxatives
- Nicotine patch
- Pain relievers (Tylenol, Advil, Aspirin, etc.)
- Sinus medicines
- Suppositories
- Teething gel
- Wart removal medication
Dental Expenses
- Braces and orthodontic services
- Cleanings
- Crowns
- Deductibles, co-insurance
- Dental implants
- Dentures, adhesives
- Fillings
Disability Expenses
- Automobile equipment and installation costs for a disabled person in excess of the cost of an ordinary automobile; device for lifting a mobility impaired person into an automobile
- Braille books/magazines in excess of cost of regular editions
- Note-taker for a hearing impaired child in school
- Seeing eye dog (buying, training, and maintaining)
- Special devices, such as a tape recorder or typewriter fora visually impaired person
- Visual alert system in the home or other items such as aspecial phone required for a hearing impaired person
- Wheelchair or autoette (cost of operating/maintaining)
Requiring Additional Documentation
The following expenses are eligible only when incurred to treat a diagnosed medical condition. Such expenses require a Letter of Medical Necessity from your physician, containing the medical necessity of the expense, diagnosed condition, onset of condition, and physician’s signature.
- Ear plugs
- Massage treatments
- Nursing services for care of a special medical ailment
- Orthopedic shoes (excess cost of ordinary shoes)
- Oxygen equipment and oxygen
- Support hose
- Varicose vein treatment
- Veneers
- Vitamins and supplements
- Wigs (for mental health condition of individual who loseshair because of a disease)
Dependent Care Expenses
• Fees for licensed day care or adult care facilities
• Before and after school care programs for dependents under age 13
• Amounts paid for services (including babysitters or nursery school) provided in or outside of your home
• Nanny expenses attributed to dependent care
• Nursery school (preschool) fees
• Summer Day Camp – primary purpose must be custodial care and not educational in nature
• Late pick-up fees
• Does not cover medical costs; use Healthcare FSA for medical expenses incurred by you or your dependents
Ineligible Medical Expenses
- Athletic mouth guards
- Chapstick/lip balm
- Contributions to state disability funds
- Cosmetic surgery, dentistry, or other cosmetic procedures
- Cosmetic supplies (makeup, cleansers, moisturizers, etc.)
- Deodorant
- Dental floss
- Diet (cost of special foods as substitute for regular diet)
- Dietary and fiber supplements
- Electrolysis/hair removal
- Exercise equipment and fees
- Eye drops for general comfort
- Eyeglass cases
- Hand sanitizer
- Health club or athletic club membership fees
- Herbal supplements
- Insurance premiums, all types
- Lotions or skin moisturizers
- Marriage counseling
- Maternity clothes
- Mattress
- Medicare premiums
- Medicated shampoos, conditioners, and soaps
- Physical treatment unrelated to specific health problems(massage for general well-being, stress, depression, orchiropractic wellness)
- Safety glasses (non-prescription)
- Sunglasses (non prescription) and sun clips
- Teeth whitening products
- Toiletries
- Toothbrush (includes prescribed electronic) and toothpaste
- Vitamins and supplements for well-being
- Warranties
- Weight loss drugs/programs for general well being