Comments on: FSA Accounts and Why I hate the IRS

By: Amy

Amy — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 17:59:16 +0000

This is specifically directed to those frustrated that some of their pregnancy and post-pregnancy stuff isn’t covered.
I went and bought tons of supplies-all baby medications, rubbing alcohol, vicks vapo rub, digital thermometer, vaporizer/humidifier. Go to Walgreen’s website and you’ll see the tons of stuff that is covered. We all need supplies for the baby so I bought all the stuff under my FSA. Plus when you get those nasty hemroids and dryness-vaseline and all hemroid medecine is covered. Also, once you are prego-your pre-natal vitamins are covered.

Hope that helps.

By: mkb

mkb — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 15:18:13 +0000

Benefitsdude, that’s called tax fraud.

By: ariana

ariana — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 14:46:38 +0000

Benefitsdude, pretty good idea ;)

By: benefitsdude

benefitsdude — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 21:11:28 +0000

I have been in the same boat, you can concievably purchase and return the items to avoid taking a loss.

By: ariana

ariana — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 15:49:49 +0000

Holly,
Wow, 100%? I found out our deductable will be $250, plus $70 a night for a private recovery room if there’s one available (which god, please let there be!)

I did end up getting back just this week about $650, most of it from rx copays, office visit copays, our birthing class, prenatal vitamins, iron suppliments etc. etc.

I found that for anything slightly out of the ordinary they do require that it be “medically necessary” which doesn’t mean a rx necessarily, it could just be a letter that your doc signs. For example Supplements aren’t normally covered (i.e. PNV, Iron & DHA) but I got them covered by typing up a letter that said that as I am anemic and pregnant that they are “medically necessary” and had my midwife sign it.

Same thing for my birthing class. Basically your best bet is to contact your FSA manager and ask them for the list of what is and is not covered, that will give you a much better idea.

Good luck!!

By: Holly

Holly — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 17:07:00 +0000

I totally understand your pain. I was misinformed by my husband’s HR about what our out of pocket expenses should be for the birth of our child, so I elected to save money in my FSA. I found out mid year that that we were covered at 100%, really 100%(!) for all labor and delivery costs. I am so pleased to have such rare awesome benefits, but now I am trying to come up with creative ways to spend all that money in my FSA since the IRS guidelines will not allow me to decrease or eliminate my contributions even with our family status change. Does anyone know if you need a “script” for massages for them to be covered? I really don’t want to buy 3 or so lifetime supplies of band aids to use up that money!!! Also, does anyone know if i just buy sunglasses at a eyeglasses store (ie Lenscrafters) will they be covered? I do not have a prescription for glasses…Any suggestions?

By: Natalee

Natalee — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 12:58:44 +0000

I would ask your midwives for a note for the breast pump for sure. I am due August 1 and have the same rules regarding breast pumps for my FSA as well. I was anticipating a possible battle, but I asked my Dr. for a note and they acted like it was no big deal at all. They actually already have a preprinted letter that they use and then just stamp the Dr’s name when they print it.

By: Tricia

Tricia — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 17:45:14 +0000

What about dental visits? That should use up some, since most insurance plans don’t cover restorative care fully, only preventive.

By: Melanie

Melanie — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 13:45:59 +0000

I use FSA. I was surprised how fast we’ve gone through it. After the birth I had some complications and went through about 8 different prescriptions for antibiotics, pain meds, etc. We used it for my deductible, we use it for doctor visit co-pays for the baby. She had jaundice and had extra testing done we were able to use it for… It really added up. Also now I am using it to pay for my birth control pills. You can use it for medical stuff for the baby even if she’s not on your plan. Ours is all under my husband’s payroll, but he uses it for all of my medical stuff!

By: Kara Brickel

Kara Brickel — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 05:05:50 +0000

You should really check our the IRS regulations as they are the governing authority on FSA’s. There are many things you can use your FSA money for, you will be surprised and reimbursed alot quicker than you think.

Co-pays for visits are approved as well, so I would hang on to every reciept possible.

Congrats, you have a lot to be happy and grateful for.