Healthcare expenses are on the rise and having a benefit plan, like a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), that allows you to spend pre-taxed money on qualified medical expenses is key in reducing out-of-pocket medical expenditures.
FSAs are commonly used for basic medical expenses like copays for medical, dental, or vision visits; surgeries and medical procedures; prescription medications; chiropractic services; and mental health services. You may be surprised to learn about some of the lesser known FSA qualifying expenses:
- Service Animals: Including the costs of vet care, grooming, and food
- Braille Reading Material: FSAs will reimburse the difference between the higher cost of the braille edition of the book and the cost of the printed edition.
- Adaptation Expenses for Your Car: This includes costs required to install special equipment for disabled drivers and even the difference in cost between a standard car and a car designed to hold a wheelchair.
- Wigs: If you have lost some or all of your hair due to illness or medical treatments, you can purchase wigs.
- Smoking Cessation Programs: An FSA can cover the costs of a stop-smoking program.
- Healthcare Gadgets: This includes thermometers, TENS units, acne treatments, blood glucose monitoring systems, and more.
- First Aid Items: Including full kits, bandages, wound cleansers, nasal sprays, netipots, and knee/back/elbow/wrist braces.
- Baby Supplies: Including breast pumps, bottles, and colic relief supplies.
This is just a short list of some lesser known eligible medical expenses, there are thousands of items you can purchase with your FSA! Check out the IRS Guidelines to see a complete list of eligible expenses.
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