Maximizing Your FSA and HSA: A Guide to Vision and Eyewear
- BY Catherine Ong
- IN Glasses
Your employer has offered you a Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) or a Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and you’ve heard good things but you have some questions. In this blog, we’ll answer some questions including:
- What’s the difference between HSA and FSA?
- Can I use my HSA or FSA funds for vision care?
- Can I use HSA or FSA for glasses?
- How can I maximize my HSA or FSA on eyewear?
Understanding FSA and HSA
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA) are both types of tax-advantaged accounts that allow individuals to set aside pre-tax dollars for qualified medical expenses. While they share similarities, there are also key differences between the two:
FSA (Flexible Spending Account): “Use It, or Lose It”
- Funds must be used within the plan year or grace period, with some plans allowing a carryover of up to a certain amount.
- Individuals do not need to be enrolled in a high-deductible health plan (HDHP) to qualify.
- The account is owned by the employee and in most cases, the funds will be forfeited if you change employer.
HSA (Health Savings Account): “The Rollover”
- Unused funds can carry over into the next plan year.
- Individuals must have a high-deductible health plan (HDHP) to qualify.
- The account is owned by the employee and can follow you even if you change employer.
Maximizing Your FSA and HSA for Vision Care
Navigating the ins and the outs of FSA and HSA can be confusing, but understanding how to leverage these accounts for vision care expenses can lead to significant savings. By strategically utilizing your funds, you can cover a wide range of vision-related expenses, from prescription glasses to eye exams, ensuring that your eyesight remains healthy and clear while maximizing your benefits.
Prescription Glasses
Both FSA and HSA funds can be used to purchase prescription eyeglasses, including frames and lenses. Whether you need single vision, bifocal, or progressive lenses, you can use your FSA or HSA to cover the cost of your eyewear.
Eyewear Accessories
Don’t forget about the accessories! You can use your FSA or HSA funds to purchase items such as nose pads, lens cleaner, and repair kits to keep your eyewear in top condition.
Contact Lenses
If you prefer contact lenses, you’ll be pleased to know that FSA and HSA funds can be used to purchase them as well. Whether you wear daily disposables, bi-weekly, or monthly lenses, you can use your tax-advantaged funds to keep your eyes comfortable and your vision clear.
Photo from Pexels by Nataliya Vaitkevich
Prescription Lens Inserts for Meta Quest 3
A lesser known fact is that prescription lens inserts for the Meta Quest 3 can be purchased with FSA or HSA funds. These custom inserts ensure that users can enjoy immersive VR experiences without the hassle of wearing glasses underneath their headset. One important note is that this eligibility only applies to prescription lens inserts. Non-prescription lens inserts do not qualify.
Shop Meta Quest 3 Lens Inserts
Eye Exams
If you don’t have a current prescription, you can use your FSA or HSA funds to cover the cost of your next eye exam. Regular eye exams are essential for maintaining optimal eye health and detecting any potential issues early on.
Photo by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels
By leveraging your FSA or HSA funds for vision and eyewear expenses, you can make the most of your tax-advantaged dollars while ensuring that your eyes receive the care they deserve. Be sure to check the specific guidelines and rules of your plan to maximize your benefits effectively.
