What can I use my FSA money for?

All sorts of items can be claimed through your FSA, including a number of everyday products that you use all the time:
 
  • Doctor and dentist copays that are not covered by insurance
  • Prescription copays
  • Over-the-counter medication, including allergy and pain medicine
  • Eye glasses and contact lenses
  • Contact lens solution
  • Band-Aids
  • Diabetic supplies
  • Chiropractic care
  • Massage
  • Acupuncture
  • Childbirth classes
  • Dependent care
 
Check out the full list of FSA-eligible expenses. 

 
Sign up for a Flexible Spending Account and start saving
You think you can't afford to put money into an FSA - well, think again! 
When you put money into an FSA, it is taken out of your paycheck before taxes - and it will NEVER be taxed. That means less money to the government and more money in your pocket.
 
How do I end up with more money when contributing to my FSA reduces my paycheck? 
 

You're already paying for a variety of medical or dependent care expenses out of pocket, right? With an FSA, you're simply setting aside the money to pay for these already-existing expenses.

It's kind of like saving up for a trip or a new sofa that you know will cost a specific amount. The beauty of an FSA is that it allows you to save this money before it is taxed, which ultimately puts more money in your pocket.
 
You'll no longer pay for these medical or dependent care items out of your paycheck. Instead, you'll use the money in your FSA account.
 
Check out the math - you'll end up with more spending money from each paycheck.
 
Tax


How does it work?
 
First determine how much you'd like to set aside for your FSA. Use this handy online worksheet to estimate your current medical and dependent care expenses. If this is your first year participating in an FSA, be conservative - reduce your total by 20 percent. That way, you can use this year as a baseline to determine how much you'll put into your account next year.
 
Then, as you make eligible purchases or doctor's office visits, you can either submit your receipts to get a reimbursement check or, if your employer participates in the Benefits MasterCard (Benefits Card) program, you can  use a special debit card to access the money directly from your account.
 
Your Benefits Open Enrollment period is coming soon. You'll be given the opportunity to enroll in an FSA at that time. Watch for more information in your enrollment packet or at an open enrollment meeting. Simply complete the enrollment form and return it to your HR department as instructed.  
 
What will you do with your savings?
 
With your extra savings, you could join a gym, buy more supplies for your favorite hobby or get that new flat screen TV. They're your savings, spend 'em any way you want, just make sure you enjoy spending them.
 
To learn more about FSAs, visit the BenefitHelp Solutions website at
www.benefithelpsolutions.com or call BenefitHelp Solutions Customer Service at 888-398-8057.