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Posted September 16, 2014 14:25:01 CDT

Your Agreement Health FSA: What Expenses are Covered?

So, you have a health flexible spending account (FSA) but may not be quite sure when or even how to use it. This article should help clear things up and make it simpler to understand so you can make the most of your health FSA.

What expenses can be paid for with your health FSA?

Health FSA funds can be used to help pay for "qualified health FSA services or products." The IRS decides specifically which expenses are qualified and which are not. Below are some of the common eligible and ineligible items and services:

Common Eligible
Expenses
Common Ineligible
Expenses
  • Acupressure
  • Acupuncture
  • Ambulance services
  • Certain dental services
  • Fertility treatments
  • Hearing aids
  • Insulin
  • Laser eye surgery
  • Over-the-counter medicines (OTC) and drugs -
    if prescribed by a doctor
    (e.g., acid controllers, aids for indigestion, allergy or
    acne medicines, eye drops, aspirin, ibuprofen)
  • Physical therapy
  • Prescription drugs
  • Walkers, wheelchairs, crutches and canes
  • Aromatherapy
  • Baby bottles, cups, wipes
  • Breast enhancements
  • Cosmetics
  • Cotton swabs
  • Dental floss
  • Deodorants
  • Feminine care
  • Hair regrowth
  • Low-calorie foods
  • Mouthwash
  • Petroleum jelly or baby oil
  • Shampoo and conditioner Skin care
  • Spa salts
  • Sun-tanning products
  • Toothbrushes

These are not complete lists. See more FSA eligible and ineligible expenses here. The IRS and your employer may modify the list of eligible expenses from time to time so it's important to keep up to date. Please see your benefit plan documents for the expenses that are eligible for reimbursement under your FSA. If you are unsure if an expense is eligible, call the FSA Customer Care Center at 888-298-9754.

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