Does FSA Cover Prescription Sunglasses?
Navigate FSA rules for prescription sunglasses. Understand eligibility requirements and the documentation needed for coverage.
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) offer a valuable way to save money on healthcare costs by allowing individuals to set aside pre-tax dollars for eligible medical expenses. This article clarifies how prescription sunglasses can be covered by an FSA, helping individuals make informed decisions about their vision care spending.
Understanding FSA Coverage for Vision
Flexible Spending Accounts cover a wide array of medically necessary expenses, including those related to vision care. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) establishes guidelines for eligible medical expenses, which often include items that correct or treat a medical condition.
Commonly eligible vision expenses include comprehensive eye exams, prescription eyeglasses, and contact lenses, along with their associated cleaning solutions and cases. Vision correction surgeries like LASIK are also generally covered, as they permanently correct refractive errors. The guiding principle for FSA eligibility is that the item or service must be primarily for the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, or for the purpose of affecting any structure or function of the body.
Qualifying Prescription Sunglasses
Prescription sunglasses are generally considered an eligible expense for Flexible Spending Accounts because they serve a dual purpose: correcting vision and protecting eyes from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This positions them as a medical device, not a fashion accessory. To qualify, they must contain corrective lenses prescribed by an eye care professional for a specific vision problem.
The UV protection offered by prescription sunglasses is an added health benefit, safeguarding eyes against conditions like cataracts and sun-related damage. However, UV protection alone does not make non-prescription sunglasses eligible for FSA funds. Non-prescription sunglasses, even those with high UV protection, are typically not covered unless a medical professional deems them medically necessary for a diagnosed condition, such as extreme light sensitivity following surgery.
Reading sunglasses, which incorporate corrective power for near vision, can also be eligible without a traditional prescription. They improve vision for a specific medical need like presbyopia. The primary purpose of vision correction or treatment differentiates eligible prescription eyewear from general use or cosmetic items.
The Purchase Process and Documentation
Using your FSA to purchase prescription sunglasses typically involves two methods: direct payment with an FSA debit card or seeking reimbursement after an out-of-pocket payment. Many optical providers and retailers accept FSA debit cards directly at the point of sale. This method is convenient as it avoids reimbursement claims.
If a retailer does not accept the FSA debit card, or if you prefer to pay out-of-pocket, you can submit a claim for reimbursement to your FSA plan administrator. For either method, maintaining documentation is crucial. Required documentation includes an itemized receipt that states the date of purchase, a description of the item (e.g., “prescription sunglasses”), and the total amount paid.
Retain a copy of the valid prescription from your eye doctor, as this serves as proof of medical necessity for the corrective lenses. While some FSA plans may not always require immediate submission, keep it on hand in case your plan administrator or the IRS requests further verification. Your employer or FSA administrator can provide specific guidance on their documentation requirements and any deadlines for submitting claims.