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All products are FSA-eligible. No prescription needed.
Goodies
All products are FSA-eligible. No prescription needed.
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All products are FSA-eligible. No prescription needed.
Personal Care
All products are FSA-eligible. No prescription needed.
Home Medical
All products are FSA-eligible. No prescription needed.
OTC Meds
Doctor's prescription required per IRS regulations
Baby & Mom
All products are FSA-eligible. No prescription needed.
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Asked and Answered: Why do FSAs cover acupuncture but not other alternative pain treatments?
When it comes to flexible spending accounts (FSAs), you've probably heard about the tax breaks and benefits (not to mention being able to pay for health emergencies when they arise). But, what most people really want to know is what the term "eligible expenses" actually means.
This is especially true if you're having issues with pain, and you want to explore therapies like acupuncture or other types of alternative pain management.
So let's take a quick look at how FSAs classify acupuncture, as well as other alternative types of treatment, like the often confused acupressure, which is often also FSA-eligible. (See the differences in this post.)
FSAs and acupuncture
Acupuncture has been used in Asia for centuries to treat pain, but it's still a pretty new type of treatment here in the U.S.
Acupuncture is an eligible expense with an FSA because it's considered an approved treatment for pain. Even the IRS lists acupuncture as a qualifying medical expense that you can deduct on your annual tax return.
While acupuncture is FSA-eligible, you still may be required to get a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) that describes how acupuncture would help in the management of a diagnosis, cure, treatment, mitigation or prevention of a medical condition or disease.
Are there any other FSA-eligible alternative pain treatments?
Potentially. Each situation is unique and will likely be handled on a case-by-case basis by your FSA plan administrator. Two common alternative treatments for pain include:
- Naturopathy – non-invasive treatments that promote self-healing
- Chiropractic – manipulation of the spine to alleviate pain and discomfort
It's at your doctor's discretion whether these alternative types of therapies would be useful in your treatment plan. If they are, and the service aids in diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment or prevention of disease, an LMN must be written, which may make the service eligible for reimbursement under your FSA. In short, any natural therapy could be eligible if it hits these marks.
The LMN must provide detailed information about how the alternative treatment would be used as part of your treatment plan and what the treatment would cover and how long treatment should last.
Regardless, your best option is to discuss alternative therapies with your physician to determine if there's an opportunity to integrate these treatments into your pain management plan.
Get started with acupressure
Kanjō Memory acuPressure Mat Set with Pillow
A simple yet effective at-home solution for neck and back pain.
Kanjō Memory Foam Acupressure Neck Pillow
Targets acupressure points to reduce pain throughout the neck and shoulders.
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From FSA basics to the most specific account details, in our weekly Asked and Answered column, our team gets to the bottom of your most-pressing flex spending questions. It appears every Wednesday, exclusively on the FSAstore.com Learning Center. And for the latest info about your health and financial wellness, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Asked and Answered: Can I use my FSA for my child's eye care?
It's back-to-school time, and as you scramble to get your kids ready for the new academic year, there may be more to think about than just picking up school supplies.
This is because August is Children's Eye Health and Safety Month, sponsored by the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO). Each year, the organization aims to provides information to the public that can help protect and preserve your child's eye health.
Luckily, whether you have a standard flexible spending account (FSA) or a limited care flexible spending account (LCFSA), your benefits can cover a significant portion of vision care expenses that can help your child see clearly throughout the coming school year. Here are just a few of the AAO's suggestions of what you should cover as the calendar flips to September and school gets underway.
Vision exams
According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), an eye exam is recommended for school-aged children every two years if there is no vision correction issue present, and those who need glasses or contact lenses should visit on an annual basis.
Before your kids get back in the classroom this fall, make an appointment with your optometrist to ensure your child's eyesight is healthy - and use your FSA to offset the costs.
Eyeglasses/contact lenses
Another good plan is to make sure your kids have up-to-date glasses and contact lenses that can stand up to the rigors of childhood. Your FSA covers reading glasses, prescription eyeglasses and prescription contact lenses.
If your child's eye wear is in need of an update, your FSA can cover the fresh new look they've been looking for. Visit our Optical Store to browse our selection of leading eye care brands.
Are all types of contacts covered?
If contacts are designed to correct vision problems, they're FSA-eligible. Though insurance companies might have their own policies regarding coverage of specific types or brands of lenses, they're usually reimbursable with your tax-free funds. Plus, unlike some insurance providers, which may not cover contact lenses in place of eyeglasses, if the contacts are prescribed to correct vision they are eligible, regardless of insurance plan coverage.
Vision correction accessories
Are you running low on contact lens solution? Has your child misplaced a carrying case? In addition to vision correction methods, your FSA covers a huge slate of products that can protect and prolong the lifespan of your kids' eyeglasses and contact lenses. Contact lens solution, eyeglass repair kits, cleaning cloths and much more are eligible for FSA reimbursement.
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From FSA basics to the most specific account details, in our weekly Asked and Answered column, our team gets to the bottom of your most-pressing flex spending questions. It appears every Wednesday, exclusively on the FSAstore.com Learning Center. And for the latest info about your health and financial wellness, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Real Money: Smart FSA spending for diabetes needs
No doubt that diabetes is expensive. Between appointments, getting equipment and purchasing healthier food that doesn't raise your blood sugar, it can be hard to squeeze all that out of your budget. But, paying for these necessities doesn't have to be such a burden. If you take advantage of your FSA and manage it right, you can offset costs.
Here are some smart (and eligible) ways to reduce the costs of your current diabetes routine.
Estimate how much you'll need each month
Estimating the amount you'll be spending will help to figure out how much to put into your FSA account. It'll help to lessen the chances of money being left over at the end of the year. If your employer makes contributions to your FSA and you don't use it all, that free money is sadly gone too (with some limited exceptions).
First, determine what kind of diabetes equipment you can purchase with an FSA. These can include test strips, blood glucose monitors, diabetic socks and lancets to name just a few. You can then try to estimate how much you'll need every month and set aside your pre-tax dollars that way. If you can and if applicable to your FSA, factor in exactly how much your employer contributes so you can add that in your budget.
Take advantage of discounts
You can essentially purchase FSA-eligible items or services anywhere, so why not stretch those dollars? You don't have to stick to your local area to scour for deals. Look online and you could find not only discounted prices, but also digital coupons. Some places even offer promotions for first time customers so try to take advantage of those. (We may know of one…)
Before going crazy and buying up everything in sight, check to see what the shipping costs are. While the supplies itself may be cheap, some places could charge you shipping which negates the discounts.
Upgrade equipment each year
Remember, your FSA money is technically use it or lose it. In other words, whatever you contribute can only be used in that plan year. Sure, you may have a rollover option, but you can only move up to $500 to next year's balance if you do.
If you have a chunk of money at the end of year, consider upgrading any equipment then. It's smart to want to hold out on purchasing any expensive items until necessary, but not spending FSA funds is a big waste. Of course, you can always buy supplies instead of getting new equipment.
Factor in your HSA
If you tend to spend more than $2,700 (the maximum amount you can contribute to an FSA in 2019) each year on diabetic supplies, consider taking advantage of an HSA-qualified plan at open enrollment. HSAs come with higher limits for contributions, but you are only eligible to also participate in an HSA in if you happen to have a limited-purpose FSA -- you typically can't have an FSA and HSA at the same time.
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Despite the restrictions of when you can spend your money, FSAs are a great way to save money by not paying taxes on diabetes supplies. But, buying diabetes supplies is just one example of how you can offset your expected healthcare costs with tax-free funds. If you know you're going to need health and wellness products, check our extensive Eligibility List to see if your needs are covered by your FSA.
Blood Glucose Monitor
Know your blood sugar level in seconds with simple and easy-to-use blood glucose monitors.
Diabetes Supplies
From lancets to test strips to glucose tablets, keep your blood sugar in your control with a wide range of diabetes supplies.
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Whether you budget week-to-week, or plan to use your FSA for bigger things, our weekly Real Money column will help you maximize your flex spending dollars. Look for it every Tuesday, exclusively on the FSAstore.com Learning Center. And for the latest info about your health and financial wellness, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Asked and Answered: Are summer day camps FSA-eligible?
Yes, it can. Under IRS guidelines, you can send a child to a day camp as a work-related expense with a dependent care FSA (DCFSA). We don't spend a lot of time covering dependent care FSAs on these pages, but summer is always a good time to see if this type of account is right for your family. Why? Because summer day camp is an eligible expense for dependent care FSA holders!
It seems strange to be thinking about cookouts and and camp songs on a site built around health and financial wellness, but the dependent care FSA is a great way for people to set aside tax-free money toward any relevant costs -- including day care and camp. And it looks like the warm weather has the media thinking about these things, too, based on the headlined below.
How can a DCFSA help pay for day camp?
To use a dependent care FSA for reimbursement on day camp, children have to be younger than 13 years old. They must also be claimed as dependents on the federal income tax return. You are allowed to contribute $5,000 a year to a DCFSA per household, or $2,500 for married couples who file separately. The activity the camp specializes in does not matter as far as eligibility is concerned (whether it is sports-oriented, for example).
Other eligible expenses include:
- Babysitting (work-related whether in your home or outside the home, can be done by a relative not listed as a tax dependent.)
- Before- or after-school programs
- Child care or sick-child care while you work
- Nursery school, nanny fees, or preschool.
- Expenses for a housekeeper who takes care of a child.
Non-eligible expenses:
- Overnight camps do not quality as a work-related expenses
- Day care for a child 13 or older
- Summer school
- Kindergarten or school tuition
- Meals
The importance of day camp for children
A recent study by the RAND Corporation, a nonprofit, global policy firm, shows that voluntary summer programs like day camp have a significant, positive impact on low-income students during a time when they fall behind their wealthier peers both academically and socially. Their research also shows that children benefit from learning social and behavioral skills in different settings with new peers.
The problem comes from accessibility and cost. Many parents looking for assistance during the summer may not realize there are programs available to them to offset these expenses. There may still be time to make this happen for the 2019 summer season. But if you miss out now, this is the perfect time to start planning for summer day camp expenses for 2020.
Plan now for next year's day camp expenses
While you might not be thinking about s'mores when open enrollment starts, there are some significant savings to be had by planning ahead for the following year. But if you're planning and saving for future expenses, chances are you needed to make that decision at open enrollment the previous year.
Camp and other summer child care costs can be a big line item for working parents. Though prices vary, summer day camp programs accredited by the American Camp Association average $314 per week. Using a dependent care FSA can help parents save an average of 30% on these services, while also reducing your overall tax burden.
Sunscreen for Kids
Protect children from harmful UVA/UVB rays with kids sunscreen.
Band-Aids
Protect minor cuts and scrapes with fun Band-Aids.
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From FSA basics to the most specific account details, in our weekly Asked and Answered column, our team gets to the bottom of your most-pressing flex spending questions. It appears every Wednesday, exclusively on the FSAstore.com Learning Center. And for the latest info about your health and financial wellness, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter.
That's Eligible?! Real answers to common FSA eligibility questions
With new deadline extensions in place, thousands of eligible products available for purchase, and the freedom to use an FSA card, flexible spending accounts are easier than ever to use. We've seen a little bit of everything since we founded our company in 2010, but year after year there are still common questions on the minds of FSA holders.
So, once and for all, we're tackling the three most common eligibility questions we receive from FSA users. Whether you're an HR professional or an account holder, you can be armed with the knowledge necessary to take full advantage of your tax-free funds.
"Why do I need to get a prescription for items like Advil or Tylenol that I can buy without one in a pharmacy?"
New visitors to our site may think that we're putting FSA users through the ringer to purchase over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, but in reality, we are simply complying with rules put into place through the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA).
The provision requires FSA users to submit prescriptions for any OTC products that have a medicated ingredient like Advil or Claritin to obtain reimbursement. Our team continues to support the repeal of this provision, but until that happens, we can help you navigate this requirement.
First, FSA users should be mindful of any upcoming OTC medicine purchases they may need to make in the coming months, and pick up prescriptions during routine doctor office visits. If you don't have an appointment on the horizon, we created the Prescription Process to help.
Simply provide your physician's name, phone number and address and we will obtain the documentation necessary for you to make your purchase.
"So, diapers aren't FSA-eligible, but toddler training pants are?"
This is a common point of confusion for FSA users as it would seem that these two products perform the same function. As is often the case, diapers are considered "general health" items by the IRS. In short, diapers are used after a healthy function of the body, therefore it has no medical purpose.
However, toddler and young child training pants are eligible because they protect against bed-wetting, an involuntary function of the body. Training pants are commonly used in treatment plans for bed-wetting to help kids develop nighttime bladder control.
"Why aren't tampons eligible?"
When it comes to FSA eligibility, there is no product or service that has been more confusing than tampons. Currently, tampons are not eligible for FSA reimbursement in accordance with IRS regulations. And we understand why there's so much frustration.
The answer lies in an IRS regulation that dictates which products and services are FSA-eligible -- regulation IRS 213(d), which states:
"The term 'medical care' means amounts paid for the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, or for the purpose of affecting any structure or function of the body."
Furthermore, the IRS claims, "...medical care expenses must be primarily to alleviate or prevent a physical or mental disability or illness. They don't include expenses that are merely beneficial to general health, such as vitamins or a vacation."
We think this means the IRS views them as a means of treating a healthy function of the body, as opposed to treatment of an illness or long-term condition.
Products like these, which are designed for "general health" purposes, are not FSA-eligible. But, we'd love for the IRS to make an FSA-eligibility exception, so women can cover more of their personal expenses with tax-free funds, and help FSAs do more for their families.
Claritin Non-Drowsy Allergy Relief
Non-drowsy indoor and outdoor allergy relief.
Motrin Ibuprofen Pain Reliever
Relieve headache pain and bring down fevers quickly with Motrin IB tablets
GoodNites Underwear
A better way to manage bedwetting, with complete nighttime protection.
Tranquility Adult Disposable Underwear
Ensure confidence and comfort during active daytime hours.
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Don't waste time hunting for ways to spend your tax-free funds. In That's Eligible?!, we'll bring you these updates every Monday, so you don't have to. And for all things flex spending, be sure to check out the rest of our Learning Center, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
What is the shelf life of my sunscreen?
Summer's here, and that means long days, plenty of sunshine and the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors with your loved ones. As you prep for the many adventures ahead, sun protection should be at the top of your list of priorities. But before you reach for that dusty bottle of sunscreen you stored last fall, it may be wise to check the expiration date first!
Is last year's sunscreen still effective?
First and foremost, the best indicator of the current state of your old sunscreen is to look at the expiration date. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, to test shelf life, manufacturers store a product at 40°C with 75 percent humidity; then at 40°C with 25 percent humidity; and then test it at 0, 1, 2 and 3 months.
Stability for three months in these laboratory conditions is comparable to three years in normal environments. In the vast majority of cases, you can reliably expect your sunscreen to last at least 3 years from the date you purchased it and the expiration date is a reliable indicator of its effectiveness.
In addition to the importance of the expiration date, you should also be mindful of the look and feel of the sunscreen to ensure that it hasn't broken down from one season to the next. The Mayo Clinic advises individuals and families to avoid previously-used sunscreens that may have obvious changes in color or consistency, as they may have lost their efficacy over time.
Where should I store my sunscreen?
At the end of each summer, most sunscreen is tucked away underneath the bathroom sink or stored in a closet, which may not be the best location for extending their shelf life. According to Drugs.com, sunscreen should be stored at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, it should be kept in a dark space to prevent light from causing the ingredients to separate.
So, in most cases, the fluctuating temperature and humidity levels of bathrooms are not the ideal spots for storing sunscreen, so stick with the dark, room temperature closet, instead.
Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen
Protect yourself from harmful UVA/UVB rays in the water and the sun with this sunscreen spray.
Coppertone Kids Sunscreen
This sunscreen has 80 minutes of water resistance, and stays on strong when kids play.
How to pick the perfect FSA-eligible baby sunscreen
As a new mom or dad, you have a laundry list of infant health issues to be concerned with, but now that we're in the dog days of summer, sun care is likely at the top of your list of priorities. Sunburn is especially dangerous for a child's skin, and the Skin Cancer Foundation reports that suffering one or more blistering sunburns in childhood or adolescence more than doubles a person's chances of developing potentially-deadly melanoma later in life.
This risk is especially acute in infants, as babies younger than 6 months old should never be in direct sunlight, while infants 6 months and older must be well-protected with sunscreen when outdoors, according to The Mayo Clinic. But how can you pick the ideal sunscreen for your little one? Here are a few key features to look for when shopping for FSA-eligible baby sunscreen.
- Broad spectrum protection
On each bottle of sunscreen there are two important pieces of information to look out for. First, the product is most effective if it offers broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays, which are the primary causes of sun damage. Additionally, the product's sun protection factor (SPF) is significant as well.
The Mayo Clinic suggests that baby sunscreen should be at least SPF 15 to provide an adequate level of protection against the sun's rays (and if using your FSA to purchase the sunscreen, only those that are SPF 15+ will qualify as eligible).
- Chemical-free sunscreens
Chemical-free sunscreens are the better choice for baby sunscreen for two very important reasons. First and foremost, if ingredients in a chemical sunscreen run due to sweat or another form of moisture, they could sting the baby's eyes or could even cause a skin reaction.
Chemical-free sunscreens typically contain active ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium oxide, and BabyCenter reports that these products have the added benefit of being active from the second they are rubbed onto the skin, as opposed to chemical sunscreens that may need 15-30 minutes to become active.
Now, refine your sun care routine!
When you've found the perfect baby sunscreen, it's important to remember that an infant's skin burns very easily, so you'll need to practice additional sun safety measures. These include:
- Seek the shade: Whenever possible, make an effort to keep your baby in the shade to ensure that he/she will not receive direct sunlight for the majority of your time outdoors.
- Avoid peak sun hours: According to The Skin Cancer Foundation, UV rays are at their most intense levels between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., so re-apply sunscreen generously during these hours or keep your outdoor time reserved for the early morning and evening when the sun is not its strongest.
- Invest in sun-protective clothing: In addition to using baby sunscreen, there are a number of great sun protective clothing items that can protect your infant's skin. Tightly-woven or knit clothing, hats and dark/brightly colored clothing offer the best possible protection from the sun.
For everything you need to keep your family healthy year-round, you can rely on FSAstore.com! We have the web's largest selection of FSA-eligible products to help you maximize the potential of your employee benefits.
Sunscreen
With powerful UVA/UVB protection, stay out of harm's way with a wide variety of FSA-eligible sunscreens.
Water-Resistant Sunscreen
Stay protected in and out of the water with water-resistant sunscreen spray.
Sources:
http://www.skincancer.org/media-and-press/press-release-2013/kids
http://www.skincancer.org/prevention/sun-protection/sunscreen/choosing
https://www.babycenter.com/404_what-kind-of-sunscreen-is-best-for-children_12504.bc
How to bounce back from a nasty sunburn
It's one of the hallmarks of summer, but not exactly a welcome one! Whether you forget to apply sunscreen or linger in the sun for too long, the pain and discomfort of a sunburn will let you know that your sun care regimen needs to change for the better.
But now that you have a sunburn, it's time to treat it! Sunburn will clear up on its own after time, but in severe cases, additional treatments may be necessary to combat pain, itching and discomfort. Alleviating sunburn is even easier if you are enrolled in a flexible spending account (FSA) to cover these treatment options! Here are a few ways to get started.
- Utilize cold compresses
Cold packs and other forms of cold therapy are FSA-eligible, and the Skin Cancer Foundation recommends these products to treat sunburns soon after you have come out of the sun. Cold packs can combat the itching and burning that is associated with sunburns, as well as reduce any skin inflammation present. While your skin is still damp, continue therapy with gentle moisturizing lotion (but not petroleum or oil-based ointments, which may trap the heat and make the burn worse).
- Non-Steroid Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
Inflammation is what makes a bad sunburn even worse, but you may be able to find relief in your own medicine cabinet. WebMD reports that non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like over-the-counter pain relievers including ibuprofen, naproxen and aspirin, can treat the pain of sunburns with the added benefit of controlling the body's immune response to become inflamed. Remember, OTC medicines require a prescription from a doctor for FSA reimbursement, so use our Prescription Process!
- Cortisone Cream
Another reliable means of treating sunburn with your FSA is hydrocortisone cream, a topical steroid that is ideal to treat skin conditions that result in inflammation, redness and swelling. This is the best option in the case of extreme sunburns, but the Mayo Clinic recommends sticking with the 1 percent hydrocortisone cream that is easy on the skin and will soothe scorched areas in moments of extreme itchiness and discomfort.
- Moisturize!
Depending on the severity of your sunburn, there's a good chance that your skin will crack and peel no matter what you do, but dermatologists recommend moisturizing burned areas with skin fortifying lotion in the days following your sunburn. Medicated moisturizers that are fortified with aloe vera and other skin enhancing ingredients are best for this purpose, and they're FSA-eligible with a prescription! Apply twice a day after your sunburn to keep these damaged areas from drying out and blistering.
Cold Packs
Ice up wherever, whenever with FSA-eligible cold packs.
Cortisone Cream
Don't let the sun completely dry out your skin. Apply cortisone cream to help itchy, peely skin.
That's Eligible?! Head outdoors this Memorial Day with FSA-eligible products
Technically, the beginning of summer is in June, but if you ask most Americans, the real start of summer is Memorial Day weekend! With a long weekend to look forward to, many will hit the road for their first beach excursion, host a barbecue and enjoy time with their friends and family.
No matter where you're headed this weekend, you and your loved ones' health should still be a top priority! Your flexible spending account (FSA) covers a surprising range of products that can help you prevent or tackle possible health issues with ease. When you're prepping for Memorial Day weekend, here's how to use FSA funds to welcome the warm weather season.
- Sun care bundle
Unless you've been working on your base tan all winter long, your skin is far more susceptible to sunburns during the early summer. In addition to being extremely uncomfortable, sunburns can increase your risk of skin cancer, so make sure you and your loved ones are protected with sunscreen with broad spectrum protection. Broad spectrum sunscreen blocks out UVA and UVB rays, the primary wavelengths of UV light that contribute to sunburns.
Check Out: MDSolarSciences Bundle "The Sun Never Sets"
- First-aid kit
Whether it's a minor scratch or an injury that may require more advanced medical attention, make sure you have a solution when a sudden emergency rears its head. First aid kits are a great investment in the early summer that you can keep handy around the house, in your car/RV/boat or wherever you're headed to respond confidently when an injury arises.
Check Out: Adventure Medical First Aid Kit Comprehensive
- Elastic bandages
Going to play a game of pickup football with your friends? Or are you heading on a hike in your favorite state park? Elastic bandages are a great item to have around the house in the case of a muscle or tendon injury, as they can immobilize injured areas so you can heal more quickly.
Check Out: ACE 2" Elastic Bandage with Hook Closure
- Anti-allergy nasal spray
If you're still contending with the worst of your seasonal allergies, be sure to pick up allergy medicine (Rx required when using an FSA) before spending extended time outdoors this Memorial Day weekend. Anti-allergy nasal spray can help you overcome seasonal triggers like tree/grass pollen, mold spores and even indoor irritants like mold and pet dander.(While you're at it, grab some Boogie Wipes for good measure!)
Check Out: Flonase Allergy Relief Nasal Spray, 120 Count
MDSolarSciences Bundle
Your need for sunscreen goes way beyond the beach.
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Don't waste time hunting for ways to spend your tax-free funds. In That's Eligible?!, we'll bring you these updates every Monday, so you don't have to. And for all things flex spending, be sure to check out the rest of our Learning Center, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter.
Asked and Answered: Why isn't insect repellent covered by my FSA?
Now that spring has sprung in much of the U.S., insects are starting to pop up everywhere. And it won't be long before many of you are counting down the days 'til summer's over, waiting for these pests to leave for another year.
Don't worry, you're hardly alone. Insects are annoying, and no matter how many candles you light around your property, they manage to find their way through your citronella and lemongrass force field. It seems like insect repellent spray is the only way to keep them from eating you alive.
But, even though insect repellent is probably the best way to keep mosquitoes and other insects at bay -- possibly preventing the spread of disease -- it's not currently eligible to buy with your flexible spending account (FSA).
In fact, in addition to not being FSA-eligible, it's also non-eligible for those using a limited care flexible spending account (LCFSA), dependent care flexible spending account (DCFSA), health savings account (HSA) or health reimbursement arrangement (HRA).
To a lot of FSA holders, this might be more annoying than the bugs. But before you start shopping for FSA-eligible mosquito netting, read on. There might be a really good alternative to consider.
But why? Just why?
Please allow us to get a little technical here. According to IRS regulations, qualified medical expenses for reimbursement through an FSA include those that diagnose, mitigate, prevent, cure, and/or treat an injury, illness, disease, or symptoms of a disease.
Although the IRS hasn't made any formal comments on insect repellent not being eligible, they also haven't publicly declared their support, either. While there may be a case that it could qualify under prevention, it's just not currently clear and therefore not eligible (although we're hoping that changes in the future!)
Don't shoo us away just yet
You didn't think we'd give you a problem without a potential solution, did you? There's one exception (and it's a good one). It turns out sunscreen with insect repellent is considered an FSA-eligible expense, since it's paired with a product where the primary purpose prevents a medical condition, and has a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher.
With one product, you get to protect your family from sunburn, and fight off insect bites? Not a bad deal. (It also has aloe in the mix, to help soothe tender summer skin … but that's a topic for another Wednesday.)
So, the good news is that even though standalone insect repellents are not FSA-eligible, you still have some options to consider with your tax-free funds. The better news is that the IRS sometimes provides comments that allow new FSA-eligible products, so there's always hope the stance on traditional bug sprays might change in the near future.
And when they do, we'll be back to break it down for you, so you can make the best possible tax-free spending decisions.
BullFrog Mosquito Coast Pump Spray
On the trail, the lake, or wherever your next adventure leads, you can hit it hard with 2-in-1 sun and insect protection.
Benadryl Itch Stopping Cream
This histamine blocker temporarily relieves pain and itching from pesky bug bites.
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From FSA basics to the most specific account details, in our Asked and Answered column, our team gets to the bottom of your most-pressing flex spending questions. It appears on Wednesdays, exclusively on the FSAstore.com Learning Center. And for the latest info about your health and financial wellness, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
