Can You Use FSA for Non Prescription Sunglasses?

A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is a valuable employer-sponsored benefit that allows individuals to set aside pre-tax money for various qualified medical expenses. This arrangement can lead to tax savings, as contributions are deducted from your gross income before taxes are calculated. FSAs help manage out-of-pocket healthcare costs. Funds must be used by the end of the plan year or within a short grace period, or they may be forfeited.

FSA Eligibility for Non-Prescription Sunglasses

Non-prescription sunglasses are not considered an eligible expense for reimbursement through a Flexible Spending Account. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) defines qualified medical expenses as costs paid for the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, or for the purpose of affecting any structure or function of the body. Standard non-prescription sunglasses, while offering sun protection, do not correct a medical condition or treat a vision impairment. They are considered a general health item, not a medical necessity.

Ordinary sunglasses without a corrective prescription do not meet IRS criteria for medical care expenses. While some over-the-counter reading glasses might be eligible if they correct vision, non-prescription sunglasses do not fall into this category. In extremely rare instances, if a medical doctor specifically prescribes non-prescription sunglasses for a severe medical condition like extreme light sensitivity (photophobia) due to a specific illness or post-surgical recovery, they might be eligible with a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN).

Eligible Vision Care Expenses

Vision care products and services are eligible for FSA reimbursement when they directly relate to medical care or vision correction. Prescription eyeglasses, including frames and lenses, are eligible as they correct vision impairment. This also extends to prescription sunglasses, since they provide vision correction in addition to sun protection. Contact lenses and solutions, such as saline or cleaning fluids, are also eligible.

Eye exams, including refractions and medical eye exams to check for eye diseases, are eligible for FSA coverage. Medically necessary eye surgeries, such as LASIK or cataract surgery, can be paid for with FSA funds. These items and services are considered eligible because they are prescribed to treat or correct a medical condition, namely vision impairment, or are necessary for diagnostic purposes related to eye health.

Using Your FSA for Vision Care

Many FSA plans provide a debit card for qualified purchases. If a debit card is not available, or you prefer to pay out-of-pocket, you can submit a claim for reimbursement after making the purchase. This involves submitting documentation to your FSA administrator.

Receipts are required for all FSA transactions, whether using a debit card or seeking reimbursement. A valid receipt should show the date of service or purchase, the name of the provider or merchant, a specific description of the item or service rendered, the amount paid, and the patient’s name. When submitting a claim for reimbursement, you will typically complete a claim form provided by your FSA administrator, often accessible through an online portal or via mail. Reimbursement processing times can vary, but generally range from a few business days to a couple of weeks. For standard eligible items like prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses, a separate Letter of Medical Necessity is usually not required, as the valid prescription from an eye care professional serves as sufficient proof of medical necessity.