What is a Flexible Spending Account (FSA)? A Flexible Spending Account is an employer-sponsored benefit that allows you to pay for eligible medical expenses on a pre-tax basis. If you expect to incur medical expenses that won't be reimbursed by your regular health insurance plan, you should consider taking advantage of your employer's FSA, if one is offered.
What are the benefits of an FSA? FSA saves you money by reducing your income taxes. The contributions you make to a Flexible Spending Account are deducted from your pay BEFORE your Federal, State, or Social Security Taxes are calculated and the contributions are never reported to the IRS. The end result is that you decrease your taxable income and increase your spendable income. You can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars a year.
Estimated Income Tax Savings
Your Annual
Contribution
15%
Tax Bracket
28%
Tax Bracket
31%
Tax Bracket
$100
$30
$43
$46
$250
$74
$107
$114
$500
$148
$213
$228
$1,000
$296
$426
$457
$3,000
$890
$1,280
$1,370
$5,000
$1,483
$2,133
$2,283
Note: This example takes into account federal income taxes, FICA (Social Security taxes) at 7.65%, and state taxes at 7% (state taxes will vary).
How does it work? At the beginning of the plan year (which usually starts January 1st), your employer asks you how much money you want to contribute for the year (there are limits). You have only one opportunity a year to enroll, unless you have a qualified "family status change," such as marriage, birth, divorce, or loss of a spouse's insurance coverage. The amount you designate for the year is taken out of your paycheck in equal installments each pay period and placed in a special account by your employer. As you incur medical expenses that are not fully covered by your insurance, you submit a copy of the Explanation of Benefits or the provider's invoice and proof of payment to the plan administrator, who will then issue you a reimbursement check.
What expenses are eligible? The IRS considers certain items eligible for reimbursement under health care flexible spending accounts. Laser vision correction is currently an eligible expense under the IRS guidelines. You can access this information through IRS Publication 502, available at www.irs.gov or by phone at (800) TAX-FORM. Keep in mind that the IRS and/or your employer may modify its list of eligible expenses. If you are unsure if an expense is eligible, refer to your employer's FSA documents.
What are the FSA Disadvantages? FSA accounts are "use-it-or-lose-it" plans. Generally, contributions not spent by the end of the plan year are forfeited. (Your plan may provide for a grace period of up to 2 ½ months after the end of the plan year. Check with your employer to see if this grace period is a part of your plan). Because of the "use it or lose it" provision, it is important to base your contribution on an estimate of the qualifying expenses you will have during the year.
Am I eligible for LASIK? Advanced Laser Vision & Surgical Institute recommends that you schedule a complimentary consultation to help you determine if you're a good candidate for laser eye surgery (LASIK). Our medical staff carefully screens prospective patients as to whether they are a good candidate for LASIK. Treating each patient with respect to their unique requirements and vision correction needs begins with a thorough eye exam.
