What to spend FSA money on?

[monsterz]

I need to get to an eye doctor because I potentially need to get glasses - boo!  Aside from that I have money in an FSA and I don't know what to spend it on.   I am thinking it might be good to stock up on things we need for the kid(s) for once we get placed but don't even know where to start.    Any ideas on how to spend this money?

[livinitup]

There is a list on the IRS website for acceptable over the counter meds. That's a good start.

Eyeglasses are pretty expensive - how much do you need to burn? Don't you have until December? What if a health cost occurs (or is this in anticipation of December)?

[illgetthere]

I'd wait to closer to the end of the year before you just start using it up. You might need it for actual medical expenses.

If you don't need it, band-aids are always good. Not sure how much you have to spend

Over-the-Counter Eligible Expenses without a Prescription
Bandages
Eye Care (contact lens solution, patches)
Family planning (condoms, pregnancy tests, ovulation prediction kits, etc.)
Home diagnostic tests or kits (blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, colorectal cancer, HIV, urine test, thermometers, etc.)
Incontinence products (Depends, Serenity pads, etc.)
Joint-support bandages and hosiery (knee supports, elbow supports, etc.)
Vaporizers and humidifiers

[Deleted]

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

fsastore.com/

[tealblue]

Check to see if your company allows you to rollover any funds. I know historically funds were a use it or lose it. But our company was able to adopt and allow us to rollover $500 now.

Contact, eye glasses, forehead thermometer, are all good ones.

[monsterz]

Jul 25, 2014 10:28:28 GMT -5 livinitup said:

There is a list on the IRS website for acceptable over the counter meds. That's a good start.

Eyeglasses are pretty expensive - how much do you need to burn? Don't you have until December? What if a health cost occurs (or is this in anticipation of December)?

If I stay with my current company - yes.   I am anticipating leaving before the end of the year so I want to be prepared in case that happens.     

I have about $750 to burn and my insurance I believe covers a good portion of the eye glasses if I need them.  

[starburst]

I'm planning on getting prescription sunglasses if I have a lot of money left over in my FSA this year.

Do you need any dental work? Most of our FSA money goes toward our (very expensive) dentist.

[minzy]

Dermatologist for a baseline visit/mole check?

[mich1]

Jul 25, 2014 10:28:46 GMT -5 illgetthere said:

I'd wait to closer to the end of the year before you just start using it up. You might need it for actual medical expenses.

If you don't need it, band-aids are always good. Not sure how much you have to spend

Over-the-Counter Eligible Expenses without a Prescription
Bandages
Eye Care (contact lens solution, patches)
Family planning (condoms, pregnancy tests, ovulation prediction kits, etc.)
Home diagnostic tests or kits (blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, colorectal cancer, HIV, urine test, thermometers, etc.)
Incontinence products (Depends, Serenity pads, etc.)
Joint-support bandages and hosiery (knee supports, elbow supports, etc.)
Vaporizers and humidifiers

You might want to double check some of the things on this list.  Many of them are now no longer available to be used against your FSA.  For instance, OTC meds will require a prescription for them to become eligible.

If you have money left over, you might want to consider prescription sun glasses - especially if you are nearsighted - for driving.

[illgetthere]

Jul 25, 2014 11:16:29 GMT -5 mich1 said:

Jul 25, 2014 10:28:46 GMT -5 illgetthere said:

I'd wait to closer to the end of the year before you just start using it up. You might need it for actual medical expenses.

If you don't need it, band-aids are always good. Not sure how much you have to spend

Over-the-Counter Eligible Expenses without a Prescription
Bandages
Eye Care (contact lens solution, patches)
Family planning (condoms, pregnancy tests, ovulation prediction kits, etc.)
Home diagnostic tests or kits (blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, colorectal cancer, HIV, urine test, thermometers, etc.)
Incontinence products (Depends, Serenity pads, etc.)
Joint-support bandages and hosiery (knee supports, elbow supports, etc.)
Vaporizers and humidifiers

You might want to double check some of the things on this list.  Many of them are now no longer available to be used against your FSA.  For instance, OTC meds will require a prescription for them to become eligible.

If you have money left over, you might want to consider prescription sun glasses - especially if you are nearsighted - for driving.

The list doesn't say OTC meds....