Are Reading Glasses an FSA Eligible Expense?

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) allow individuals to manage healthcare costs by utilizing pre-tax dollars for eligible medical expenses. Understanding which items qualify, such as reading glasses, is important for maximizing FSA benefits. This article clarifies the eligibility of reading glasses for FSA reimbursement and outlines the claiming process.

Understanding Flexible Spending Accounts

Flexible Spending Accounts are employer-sponsored plans allowing employees to contribute pre-tax wages for qualified medical expenses. Funds are deducted from paychecks before taxes, leading to potential tax savings and helping manage healthcare costs.

FSAs are subject to Internal Revenue Service (IRS) rules. A key rule is the “use it or lose it” provision, requiring participants to spend allocated funds within the plan year or forfeit the balance. Some plans offer a grace period of up to two and a half months or allow a limited carryover amount, typically up to $640 for 2024.

Eligibility Requirements for Reading Glasses

The eligibility of reading glasses for Flexible Spending Account reimbursement depends on whether they are prescription or over-the-counter (OTC). Prescription reading glasses are generally considered an eligible medical expense, as they are medically necessary for correcting vision impairment, including presbyopia.

Over-the-counter reading glasses, available without a doctor’s prescription, are typically not eligible for FSA reimbursement. They are generally viewed as a personal convenience item rather than a medically necessary device. However, an exception exists if a licensed medical practitioner provides a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) for the OTC reading glasses. An LMN from a doctor confirms the non-prescription reading glasses are medically necessary to treat a specific medical condition. Without this documentation, OTC reading glasses remain ineligible. For FSA purposes, a “prescription” implies a written order from an eye care professional, such as an optometrist or ophthalmologist, following a comprehensive eye examination that determines the specific corrective power needed.

Claiming Reading Glasses Expenses with an FSA

Claiming reading glasses expenses through your Flexible Spending Account requires meticulous record-keeping and proper documentation. To prepare for reimbursement, you will need an itemized receipt from your eyewear provider. This receipt must clearly display the date of service, a detailed description of the items purchased (e.g., “prescription eyeglasses” or “prescription reading glasses”), the total amount paid, and the provider’s name.

For prescription reading glasses, you must also retain a copy of the actual prescription from your eye care professional. This prescription serves as proof of medical necessity and should include your name and the date of the eye exam that led to the prescription.

Once you have gathered the necessary documentation, there are several common methods for submitting your claim. Many FSA plans provide a debit card, which can be used directly at the point of sale, similar to a regular credit card. If a debit card cannot be used, or if additional documentation is required, you will typically submit a claim form.

This claim form, often available through your FSA administrator’s website or employer, requires you to input details about the expense. You will then attach the itemized receipt and, for prescription glasses, the copy of your prescription. Submitting these documents can often be done via an online portal, mail, or fax, depending on your administrator’s guidelines. After submission, claims are generally processed within a few business days to a couple of weeks, and funds are reimbursed to your bank account or via check.