Can You Buy Sunglasses With Your FSA?
Navigate FSA eligibility for vision expenses. Understand which sunglasses qualify and how to properly utilize your Flexible Spending Account for eye care needs.
A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is a tax-advantaged financial tool allowing individuals to set aside pre-tax money for eligible healthcare expenses. This reduces taxable income, lowering medical costs. Funds can be used throughout the plan year for qualified medical, dental, and vision services or products. This article clarifies the eligibility of sunglasses for FSA reimbursement, guiding individuals on how to navigate these benefits for their vision care needs.
Eligibility Criteria for Sunglasses
The eligibility of sunglasses for FSA reimbursement depends on their medical necessity, as defined by Internal Revenue Service (IRS) guidelines. Prescription sunglasses, which incorporate corrective lenses and provide protection from ultraviolet (UV) radiation, are eligible. These items are considered medically necessary because they correct vision and prevent eye conditions exacerbated by sun exposure, such as cataracts or macular degeneration.
Conversely, non-prescription or over-the-counter sunglasses do not qualify for FSA reimbursement. The IRS defines “medical care” as amounts paid for the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, or for the purpose of affecting any structure or function of the body. Since non-prescription sunglasses are considered general health items or cosmetic accessories, they do not meet this definition unless a specific medical condition necessitates their use. If an eye care professional determines that non-corrective sunglasses are medically required due to a condition like severe light sensitivity or post-surgical recovery, a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) from the doctor may render them eligible.
Using Your FSA for Vision Expenses
Accessing FSA funds for eligible vision expenses, including prescription sunglasses, involves two primary methods. Many FSA plans provide a dedicated debit card, which functions similarly to a regular credit or debit card, allowing for direct payment at the point of sale. This method offers immediate use of funds without the need for upfront personal payment. Even with a debit card, retaining detailed records is essential.
Alternatively, individuals can pay for eligible expenses out-of-pocket and then submit a claim for reimbursement from their FSA. This process requires submitting specific documentation to the plan administrator. Required documents typically include an itemized receipt that clearly shows the purchase date, a detailed description of the item or service, and the total cost. For prescription items like sunglasses, a copy of the prescription from an eye care professional is also necessary to substantiate the medical necessity of the purchase. Maintaining these records is crucial for reimbursement and potential audits by the IRS, as individuals are accountable for proving the eligibility of their expenses.
Other Vision-Related Expenses Covered by FSA
Beyond prescription sunglasses, Flexible Spending Accounts cover a broad spectrum of vision-related expenses deemed medically necessary for eye health and vision correction. Prescription eyeglasses, including frames and lenses, are common eligible items, as they directly correct vision impairments. Similarly, contact lenses and the associated care products, such as cleaning solutions and cases, are also eligible for reimbursement.
Routine eye exams, which are essential for monitoring eye health and detecting vision problems, also qualify as eligible expenses. Furthermore, vision correction surgeries, such as LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) or PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy), are covered by FSA funds because they permanently correct refractive errors. These diverse eligible expenses highlight the utility of an FSA in managing comprehensive eye care costs.