Goggles: FSA Eligibility

What are goggles used for?

Goggles are among the most common forms of safety eyewear available, which are used in both home, outdoor and professional settings to protect wearers from impact, heat, chemical, dust or optical radiation hazards (AllAboutVision.com). In the vast majority of cases, goggles are worn for general health purposes to prevent the chances of a major injury when working or performing an activity, but in some cases when a medical condition puts an individual at an increased risk of eye injury, prescription goggles may be required and can be covered by a consumer-directed healthcare account with a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN).

Prescription goggles go one step further from traditional, one-size-fits-all safety goggles and create a tailored solution that can provide optimal protection for men and women who have medical conditions that necessitate additional eye protection. Prescription goggles can be made to correct an individual's vision problem, provide additional protection against ultraviolet rays, wrap-around protection to prevent particulates from entering the eyes and other features specific to the wearer's medical condition.

How do I obtain a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) for goggles?

If doctors recommend the wearing of goggles as a result of a legitimate medical condition, a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) must be obtained for reimbursement through an FSA, HSA or HRA. This letter must outline how an account holder's needs for help, related to their medical condition, necessitates the use of goggles, how the goggles will be used to alleviate the issue; and how the goggles will be used. If the treatment plan exceeds the current plan year, another LMN will have to be provided to the benefits administrator to cover the duration of the treatment.