Can I use my HSA or FSA for

Eyeglasses or Sunglasses?

It’s closing in to year end for your company and your HSA or FSA account is about to expire, but what can you use it on?  It is important to utilize these accounts to the fullest to make sure you and your company reap all the benefits.  The healthier you are the more productive, longer living, happier, and efficient you will be not only in life but at work.  Many companies are spending countless dollars on new and innovative ways to motivate their employees to stay in tip top shape.  FSA & HSA are classic ways to keep you healthy and happy!  These are great benefits that your employer has given you to improve your life so be sure to use them.  But did you know that you can get your FSA or HSA to cover your next pair of prescription eyeglasses or sunglasses?

Your FSA or Flexible Spending Account can be used for prescription eyewear.  This includes both eyeglasses that were prescribed for you and also sunglasses.  Your eye exam, and any vision tests including retinal photography, visual field testing, contact lens fittings, contact lenses, and many other vision tests and eyewear materials.  Most FSA accounts will expire at the end of the year or at the company’s year end without allowing any of the unused money to rollover. 

An HSA or Health Spending Account is very similar to an FSA account.  Purchases for eyewear including prescription eyeglasses, sunglasses, contact lenses, vision tests and examinations are usually covered.  The main difference between HSA and FSA accounts is the rollover amounts and periods.  Some companies allow a portion, generally not all, to roll over to the following year. 

Always check with your HR to verify exactly what your benefits are for and what you are allowed to use the dollars for.  Some companies have strict lists on what can be purchased and have become stricter on these purchases by asking for itemized receipts.  This article is a guide to help you understand how and why FSA/HSA accounts can benefit you.  Many companies all their employees to use their accounts to buy both eyeglasses and sunglasses but this may not be true for all and are allowed to change their company policies at any time. 

On top of using your FSA/HSA account to cover glasses, they may also cover many accessories.  Vision accessories include things that are usually necessary to keep your new medical device in tip top shape.  This includes cases, cleaning materials, frame adjustments, and even updated the prescription lenses in your existing frames with new lenses!