How to Use FSA or HSA Funds for Eye Exams and Glasses

01 Oct How to Use FSA or HSA Funds for Eye Exams and Glasses

Use It Before You Lose It: Your Final Chance to Maximize FSA/HSA Funds in Billings, MT

If you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or a Health Savings Account (HSA), you are sitting on tax-free money set aside just for your health—and for FSA users, that money usually has an expiration date: December 31st. Don’t let your hard-earned funds disappear! This guide explains exactly what an FSA/HSA is and the easy steps you can take right here at Total Eye Care in Billings, Montana, to maximize your benefits before the deadline. Whether you need a comprehensive eye exam or want a new pair of prescription sunglasses, we’ll show you how to spend your funds locally and wisely, ensuring every dollar is used to protect and improve your vision.

Understanding Your Tax-Free Health Money

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are valuable programs that let you use money you’ve already earned to pay for qualified healthcare expenses without paying federal taxes on it. This means you save money on everything you buy!

The main difference between the two programs is the deadline:

1. FSA (Flexible Spending Account): This is the program that requires urgent attention. The money in your FSA usually needs to be spent by December 31st, or you will lose it (the “use-it-or-lose-it” rule). Some employers offer a small grace period until March 15th of the following year, or allow you to carry over a small amount (up to $640), but you must check your specific plan now to avoid losing funds.
2. HSA (Health Savings Account): This is more flexible. The money in your HSA rolls over year after year. While there is no deadline pressure, using your funds now for necessary eye care is always a smart way to invest in your health.

Two Easy Ways to Maximize Your Funds at Total Eye Care

When you visit Total Eye Care in Billings, MT, you can easily use your FSA/HSA dollars to cover essential services and high-value products. You can pay with your FSA/HSA card just like any other credit card.

Here is what you can buy or pay for:

1. The Essential Comprehensive Eye Exam

The most important way to use your funds is for your required health maintenance. Your annual comprehensive eye exam is almost always FSA/HSA eligible, and it should be at the top of your list!

An exam is more than just a quick vision check; it is a full assessment of your eye health. Doctors check your eyes for serious, silent diseases like glaucoma, assess your risk for conditions like diabetic retinopathy, and make sure your entire visual system is working correctly. If you need an exam, schedule your appointment now to ensure you are seen before the end of December.

Key Eligibility: The cost of the professional, comprehensive eye exam is eligible for FSA/HSA funds.

2. High-Value Prescription Eyewear and Retail

Once your exam is complete and your prescription is updated, you can use any remaining funds to purchase products that are critical to your daily life. The great news is that there are typically no limits on how many pairs of eligible prescription glasses or sunglasses you can purchase, as long as you have the money in your account.

1. Prescription Eyeglasses: From daily wear to specialty computer glasses (with blue light protection), all prescription eyeglasses are eligible. This is a perfect time to purchase a backup pair or upgrade to new frames and advanced lenses that reduce glare or eye strain.
2. Prescription Sunglasses: If you drive frequently in Montana or enjoy winter sports, prescription sunglasses are essential for protecting your eyes from damaging UV rays and blinding glare off the snow. Because they are prescription items, they are fully eligible for FSA/HSA payment.
3. Contact Lenses: If you wear contacts, you can stock up on a supply of lenses to last you well into the next year. You can also use funds for contact lens solution and cleaning supplies.

Don’t Wait for the December Rush!

The final weeks of November and all of December can bring a rush of people trying to spend their expiring FSA funds. If you wait until the very last week of the year, especially with the holidays, it may be challenging to secure an appointment on or before the December 31st cutoff.

Here is your Call to Action for maximizing your funds right now:

1. Check Your Balance: Contact your employer or FSA administrator today to determine the exact amount remaining and your final deadline (is it December 31st or March 15th?).
2. Book Your Exam: Immediately schedule your comprehensive eye exam at Total Eye Care to secure a spot. Your health is the number one priority.
3. Plan Your Purchase: If you have a large balance remaining, consider purchasing multiple pairs of prescription eyewear, such as a primary pair, a dedicated computer pair, and prescription sunglasses.
4. Shop Local: By using your funds at Total Eye Care in Billings, you support a local business and receive personalized frame fitting and lens guidance from experts who live and work in the community.

Don’t let your tax-free money go to waste! Contact Total Eye Care today to schedule your exam and ensure you utilize every last FSA dollar toward clearer, healthier vision before the end of the year.