It's Flexible Spending Account Time!

We hear it every year from our patients..."I have money in my FSA and if I don't use it by the end of the year, I'll lose it!"  Sound familiar?  

Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Cafeteria Plan, Section 125 -- are all terms used to describe an employer-sponsored benefit for employees to fund out-of-pocket medical, dental, vision and in some cases, child care expenses. Money deducted from an employee's paycheck into an FSA account is done so BEFORE taxes which at the end of the year saves you money by reducing the amount of income tax you pay!

The employee is given the opportunity, usually in the Fall, to elect the amount they would like to be placed in the account.  The amount elected is then deducted (before taxes) in equal payments from the employee's paycheck throughout the year and deposited into their FSA account.  The good news is that the entire amount elected by the employee is available immediately at the beginning of the year in case it is needed.....the bad news is that if the money is not spent by the end of the year, you lose it!

Though some of the rules for over-the-counter items changed back in 2011, many are still available to use FSA funds provided that you have a doctor’s prescription. 

To help you, we have compiled a list of vision care related items that may be eligible for FSA reimbursement.  If you are unsure, please check with your employer regarding your specific FSA eligibility for purchases outlined below.

10 Ways to Use Your Flexible Spending Account to Save!

1. Eye Exam Co-payments and deductible amounts not covered by your medical or vision plan
2. LASIK or other elective vision correction procedure such as Implantable Contact Lenses (ICL); Clear Lens Exchange or Multi-focal intraocular implants following cataract surgery.
3. Prescription eyewear – tired of wearing the same glasses every day?  Now’s the time to get that second or third pair and save!
4. Sunglasses, prescription or non-prescription - Sun wear is important even during the fall and winter months!  Non-prescription sunglasses may require a written note by your eye doctor.  Be sure to ask our staff if you qualify!
5. Upgrade to premium lens options such as anti-reflective no-glare coatings or Transition® lenses - clear lenses indoors that darken outdoors and provide 100% protection from UV rays.
6. Year’s supply of contact lenses; use manufacturers rebates when you purchase a year supply and take advantage of twice the savings!
7. Contact lens solutions, cleaners and supplies including contact lens re-wetting drops.
8. Reading glasses - We have a nice variety of readers, including sunglasses with bifocal reading power on the bottom half of the lens.
9. Prescription eye drops/ointments or over-the-counter drops or ointments with a prescription provided by your eye doctor.
10. Eye Vitamins/Supplements to treat dry eye or macular degeneration, such as Eye Promise™ Restore and Eye Promise™ EZ Tears, are available for purchase in our office or online through our website.

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