Does an FSA Cover Blue Light Glasses?

A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) allows individuals to set aside pre-tax money for various qualified healthcare expenses. This arrangement can lead to tax savings by reducing an individual’s taxable income. Understanding which expenses are eligible for reimbursement through an FSA is important for maximizing these benefits, particularly concerning vision-related purchases like blue light glasses.

General FSA Eligible Vision Expenses

Flexible Spending Accounts cover vision-related expenses, provided they are for medical care. This definition encompasses costs for the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, or for affecting any structure or function of the body. Eligible items typically include prescription eyeglasses, which correct vision, and contact lenses. Routine eye examinations are also generally covered for diagnosing vision issues or eye diseases. Additionally, procedures like LASIK eye surgery qualify as eligible medical expenses.

FSA Coverage for Blue Light Glasses

The eligibility of blue light glasses for FSA reimbursement depends on whether they are prescription or non-prescription. Prescription blue light glasses, which provide vision correction in addition to filtering blue light, are generally eligible for FSA reimbursement. These are considered medical products because they address a diagnosed vision need. In contrast, non-prescription blue light glasses are not eligible for FSA reimbursement unless a medical professional prescribes them for a diagnosed condition. This could include severe digital eye strain, certain light sensitivities, or other medical issues where blue light filtering is deemed necessary for treatment. For non-prescription versions to qualify, a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) from a doctor or other licensed practitioner is required. This letter must state the diagnosed medical condition and how the blue light glasses are necessary to treat or mitigate that condition, not merely for general well-being or comfort. It is advisable to confirm eligibility with your FSA plan administrator, as coverage details can vary.

Submitting FSA Claims

Individuals submit claims for reimbursement after making an eligible purchase. Documentation is required to substantiate the expense. Itemized receipts are essential, showing the vendor name, date of purchase, a description of the item or service, and the total amount paid. For expenses requiring a Letter of Medical Necessity, such as non-prescription blue light glasses, this document must accompany the claim. The LMN should detail the medical condition being treated, the specific product or service recommended, and the duration for which it is needed. This ensures the expense is recognized as medically necessary. Claims can be submitted through online portals, mobile applications, fax, or mail, depending on the FSA administrator. Adhere to submission deadlines set by your FSA plan. These commonly include a date by which expenses must be incurred, often the end of the plan year, and a subsequent grace period for submitting claims. This “run-out” period usually extends for several months into the new calendar year. Funds remaining in an FSA after these deadlines may be forfeited, though some plans allow a limited amount to be carried over to the next plan year.