Flexible Spending Account
Annual Max Contribution
$3,300
Use it or Lose it Policy / Grace Period
Up to $640 rollover from 2024 to 2025
A general-purpose Health FSA can be used to pay for qualified out-of-pocket health care costs. Because the money you contribute to an FSA isn’t taxed, you can reduce your overall healthcare expenses.
You need to incur all expenses prior to the end of the plan year. Requests for reimbursements need to be filed before the end of the claims filing deadline for your plan, typically 75 days after the end of the plan year. Check with your employer for the exact date.
An FSA is sponsored by your employer as one of your employee benefits. FSAs can be offered with any type of health plan (unlike Health Savings Accounts).
Note: You cannot contribute to an HSA and a general purpose FSA at the same time.
The list of reimbursable medical, dental, and vision costs is surprisingly broad, defined by the IRS in Publication 502. These are just some examples:
- Acupuncture
- Addiction Treatment
- Ambulance
- Bandages
- Birth Control Pills, Vasectomy
- Breast Pump
- Capital Expenses (like door ramps)
- Chiropractor
- Dental Treatment
- Disabled Dependent Care
- Eye Exam, Eyeglasses, Contact lenses, Eye Surgery
- Fertility Enhancement
- Hearing Aids
- Nursing Home/Services
- Prescriptions
- Psychiatric Care
- Special Education
- Transportation Costs for Medical Care
Ineligible Expenses
- Cosmetic or elective surgery
- Personal trainers
- Marriage or career counseling
The amount you contribute to a health FSA is not subject to federal income tax or social security (FICA) tax—effectively adjusting your annual taxable salary. The taxes you pay each paycheck and collectively each plan year can be reduced significantly.
- An FSA is an employer-owned account. If you leave your employer, you cannot take an FSA with you.
- An FSA can complement any health plan.
- Your employer takes money out of your paycheck, before the money is taxed (pre-tax), and puts it into your account. Your employer may also contribute to your FSA.
- FSA funds can be used to pay for qualified medical expenses during the plan year. Your entire annual FSA election amount is available on day one of your plan (even if you haven’t yet contributed the full amount to the account).
- Typically, you must use all money in an FSA within your employer’s plan year (known as “use it or lose it”).
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