Can I Use HSA/FSA Benefits for Eye Care?

Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) can help to pay healthcare costs not covered by insurance. The contributions go into an individual’s account before taxes. The tax-exempt funds can pay for eligible medical expenses, including dental and vision care. They can cover out-of-pocket costs not covered by your health plan.
 

HSA/FSA Benefits for Eye Exams

You need to schedule regular eye exams to protect your vision and eye health. Failing to get regular exams can increase the risk of developing severe sight-threatening eye conditions. If you have been putting off your eye exam because of the financial implications, you do not have to wait. Your HSA/FSA benefits can pay for your appointment expenses. To qualify, ensure you visit a qualified optometrist or ophthalmologist for the exam.

HSA/FSA Benefits for Eyeglasses

If you need vision correction, your vision insurance can pay for all or part of the cost of your prescription eyeglasses. You can use your HSA/FSA benefits to cover additional costs not covered by your health plan.
 

The benefits can pay for various prescription eyeglasses, including single-vision glasses, progressive lenses, bifocal lenses, and blue-light glasses. You can also use the benefits to pay for prescription sunglasses, safety goggles, and sports eyewear.
 

Prescription Contact Lenses

According to the IRS, Prescription contact lenses qualify as a medical expense. You can pay for the vision correction devices using HSA/FSA benefits. The pretax funds can cover the cost of the lenses and items required for their maintenance.
 

Contact lens supplies, including eye drops, cleaning solutions, and lens cases, qualify for the funds. Cosmetic contact lenses are not an eligible expense. You can get specialized lenses for treating corneal irregularities and other conditions.

HSA/FSA Benefits for LASIK

If you decide to get laser vision correction surgery, you can use your HSA/FSA benefits to pay for expenses. LASIK is a popular option for the treatment of refractive errors. The surgery can replace your need for prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses. Most traditional health insurance plans do not cover the cost of laser eye surgery unless it is a medical necessity. You can use your HSA benefits to pay for your vision correction surgery.
 

Eligible Vision Care Items

Before using your HSA/FSA benefits to pay for eyecare, find out if the items or services are eligible expenses. Contact your plan administrator for a list of qualified medical expenses. You can also find the information online on the IRS website.
 

Eye care is not limited to your personal purchases. You can use the funds to pay expenses for your husband/wife and any eligible dependents. Find out the pros and cons of both funds to determine the best one for you. An HSA plan offers more flexibility than an FSA due to the rollover feature.
 

To qualify for HSA, you must have a high-deductible health plan. You can contribute to an HSA fund through your employer or open an account yourself. FSA plans have the use-it-or-lose-it clause, where you must use all the funds before the end of the plan year.
 

For more on whether you can use HSA/FSA benefits for eye care, visit Special Eye Care at our offices in Camp Springs or Largo, Maryland. Call (301) 298-3241 to book an appointment today.