Some Surprising Items Covered by FSA Dollars
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) are offered at most major employers as part of an employee benefit package. They allow covered persons to save pre-tax dollars for medical premium, medical and dependent care expenses. Most people see them as a way to save some money on medical deductible, prescription drugs, and non-covered services. However, the scope of what an FSA can cover is quite broad. Here are a few things that an FSA , by law, can cover, and some may surprise you.
Over the Counter Drugs: Everything from the antihistamine that you need, to Tylenol, to your child's acne treatment is an eligible FSA reimbursable expense, per a 2003 ruling by the federal government
Birth Control: Birth control pills and other contraceptives can be paid for via FSA accounts
Day Camp: Day camp for any individual under 13 who is "incapable of self-care" is eligible for FSA reimbursement. Overnight camps don't qualify. Go figure.
Gym Membership: IF prescribed by a physician and necessary for treatment of a condition
Hand Sanitizer: Purell and other products are covered by an FSA
Lead Paint Removal: The cost for removing lead paint from surfaces in your home which are in disrepair and within the reach of a child are covered. Repainting is not.
Massage: If prescribed by a physician for specific injury or condition
Sunscreen: Sunscreen products with an SPF of 30 or higher are eligible