Did you know you can use your flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA) dollars to purchase prescription eyeglasses, prescription sunglasses, and prescription contact lenses? You can use these funds for prescription eyewear, whether or not you have vision insurance. And if you use your flex spending or health savings account debit card, you won't have to submit a reimbursement form to your insurance provider. For those who don't have an FSA or HSA debit card, getting reimbursed is easy. Below you'll find information on how to submit the reimbursement form to your provider.
FSA Facts:
HSA Facts:
HSA/FSA Facts:
Your flexible spending account or health savings account will typically cover expenses like prescription drugs, doctor visits, and prescription eyewear. See the list below to find out if your prescription eyewear is covered.
Generally, FSA & HSA allowances are available at the start of your "coverage period” and for most plans the "coverage period" is defined as one calendar year, beginning on January 1st.
Typically, FSA dollars must be used in the same "coverage period" (i.e., calendar year) that the money was put aside, and for most plans, the "coverage period" is defined as one calendar year ending on December 31. But some plans offer a grace period that allows you to use up to $500 of your remaining FSA dollars until March 15 of the following year, depending on your employer. You’ll lose any unused FSA funds once your coverage period expires.
HSA dollars never expire and will remain in your account until you use them. If you do not use all of your HSA funds in a given year, the unspent money will roll over into your account for next year.
The short answer is YES, as long as they are prescription sunglasses.
Any prescription glasses (from everyday eyeglasses to sports goggles, scuba masks, and safety goggles) is covered as long as the glasses are made in your prescription and their purpose is to improve your vision.
Apart from ‘over-the-counter’ sunglasses, mostly any eyecare expense that benefits your vision and eye health is covered. Eye exams, contact lenses, and contact lens solutions are all reimbursable.
Your FSA or HSA will also cover glasses and contact lens cases, and eyeglass repair kits. Vision surgery is reimbursable if you have proof from your doctor that the procedure is to promote or restore the correct function of the eye.
Eye and vision-related items ineligible as expenses under FSA and HSA guidelines include insurance premiums and warranties, and color contact lenses (that don't improve visual acuity.)
You could argue that non-prescription sunglasses DO improve your vision. While this is true, you would need a note from your doctor prescribing them in order for non-prescription sunglasses to be covered under your FSA or HSA.
If you have an FSA or HSA debit card, you can enter that card's information at checkout, just like you would a normal credit card. If you don’t have an FSA or HSA debit card, follow these three easy steps.
Consult our guidelines for additional information on submitting your reimbursement form with some of the most popular vision insurance providers.
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