Can I use a Flex Account or Health Savings Account for glasses, contacts, or sunglasses?

Q: Can I use a Flex Account or Health Savings Account for glasses, contacts, or sunglasses?

A: Yes, yes, and yes, provided the glasses, contacts, or sunglasses have a prescription in them. A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is a tax-free account offered with some employer-based health insurance programs in which an employee sets aside a portion of their income each year to be used for medical expenses. FSA's expire at the end of the year, meaning if the money isn't spent by December 31st it is lost. A Health Savings Account (HSA) is similar to an FSA, but it may be opened by an individual as well as an employer, it never expires, and when it is combined with a high deductible health insurance plan it is also tax-deductible. Because FSA's expire each year, the last week of December is often busy for eye care facilities because they offer medical goods and services that can be purchased quickly. Generally speaking FSA's and HSA's can be used for eye health and vision exams, contacts, glasses, prescription sunglasses, eyelid surgery, laser vision correction, and eye medications, sometimes even including over-the-counter dry eye and allergy drops. Depending on which type of account you have you should check with either your human resources (FSA) or your accountant (HSA) to be completely sure which medical expenses are eligible.


Sweet Visions,
Eric Stamper, O.D.
Visionary Eyecare Center, PLLC
http://www.visionary-eye.com/
100 Country Club Drive, Suite 106
Hendersonville, TN 37075