FSA planning fail

[aspentosh]

We set aside $3000 for our FSA this year. We've spent $1200 with maybe $300-$500 to be submitted. I am trying to figure out what we might need so I can spend the remainder of that $1000 or so. Maybe I'll get some killer glasses or something...

[calico]

Something similar happened to me once. I think I spent like $500 on Advil, first aid stuff, etc, but that was back when you could get reimbursed for that stuff. That was the last year that we did FSA b/c it was too much of a hassle.

[Deleted]

Prescription sunglasses? That would eat a big chunk of it.

[CloudBee]

drugstore.com filters out all of their FSA items. If you search "FSA" it brings you to their "FSA Store".

www.drugstore.com/fsa-store/qxg59875-0

[aspentosh]

Dec 20, 2012 9:15:17 GMT -5 @tracy1031 said:

Prescription sunglasses? That would eat a big chunk of it.

Oh, good idea.

Cloudbee- thank you for reminding me about that! I used to use that feature all the time. Off to shop for "free"!

[CloudBee]

You could buy a scooter: www.drugstore.com/fsa-store/qxg59875-0

Armchair that lifts so you can slide out: www.drugstore.com/pride-mobility-3-position-lift-chair-model-gl358-x-large-vinyl-chestnut/qxp379470?catid=110649

Home Defibrillator: www.drugstore.com/philips-heartstart-home-defibrillator-m5068a/qxp95108?catid=59987

Or a breast pump: www.drugstore.com/simplisse-double-electric-breastfeeding-companion-white/qxp333598?catid=274816

[simpsongal]

Don't you have until April to spend the money? Be sure to check...

Breast pumps are covered - do you need to buy a nice shower gift? Blood pressure monitors, etc.

[Deleted]

I'd get designer prescription sunglasses and daily contacts. Whee! Fun problem to have. We spent ours up this week, just in time.

[mmmomof2]

I'm pretty sure they don't have to be prescription as long as you get them at an optometrist. Or maybe they're supposed to, but it's easy to get away with. Guccis for everyone!

[mellymel]

Dec 20, 2012 9:21:37 GMT -5 simpsongal said:

Don't you have until April to spend the money? Be sure to check...

Breast pumps are covered - do you need to buy a nice shower gift? Blood pressure monitors, etc.

Nope, she has until the end of March to submit reimbursement claims, but the item has to be purchased by 12/31.

[panicked]

I'm not up on FSA, but I know people that have used theirs for exercise equipment. Could you use a new treadmill or elliptical?

[womet]

Dec 20, 2012 9:33:43 GMT -5 panicked said:

I'm not up on FSA, but I know people that have used theirs for exercise equipment. Could you use a new treadmill or elliptical?

She would need a letter from her doctor saying why it's medically necessary.

[aspentosh]

Dec 20, 2012 9:38:52 GMT -5 womet said:

Dec 20, 2012 9:33:43 GMT -5 panicked said:

I'm not up on FSA, but I know people that have used theirs for exercise equipment. Could you use a new treadmill or elliptical?

She would need a letter from her doctor saying why it's medically necessary.

Sadly womet is right. Neither of us would be able to claim it's necessary. I'll check with My Eye Dr and see what they say about prescription vs not sunglasses. My Oakleys are like 7 years old and I could really use a new pair.

[aspentosh]

Hm, I'll look into it. DH and I are both slightly above healthy BMI...

[ReenaP]

Dec 20, 2012 9:29:21 GMT -5 mellymel said:

Dec 20, 2012 9:21:37 GMT -5 simpsongal said:

Don't you have until April to spend the money? Be sure to check...

Breast pumps are covered - do you need to buy a nice shower gift? Blood pressure monitors, etc.

Nope, she has until the end of March to submit reimbursement claims, but the item has to be purchased by 12/31.

Doesn't that vary by your provider? We have until March of next year to make purchases for 2012.

[MamaMaui24]

I think you're still pumping... freezer bags? Any chance you have receipts to submit for freezer bags, breast pads, pump, pump rental, etc.?

some prenatal vitamins are covered - you could stock up.

[aspentosh]

Dec 20, 2012 11:37:20 GMT -5 MamaMaui24 said:

I think you're still pumping... freezer bags? Any chance you have receipts to submit for freezer bags, breast pads, pump, pump rental, etc.?

some prenatal vitamins are covered - you could stock up.

This is exactly what I was looking at. With freezer bags, breast pads, membranes, manual pump and prenatals I am coming up with another $400. Damn my prenatals are expensive.

[SJ]

If your husband is a Fed, you have until 3/30/2013 to incur charges for your healthcare FSA.

ETA to fix date and add link www.fsafeds.com/fsafeds/index.asp