Is LASIK an FSA Eligible Expense?
The end of the year means the end of 2018 FSA funds. Use up those remaining dollars with LASIK surgery at Will Vision and Laser Centers. LASIK is an FSA or HSA eligible expense. Call us at 877-542-3937 to schedule your refractive surgery consultation with Dr. Will. The year’s almost over. Hurry in!
What Is an FSA or HSA?
An FSA, short for flexible spending account, is basically a bank account for health and medical expenses. Pre-tax dollars are taken from your paycheck and held until eligible medical expenses are made. These expenses are then reimbursed by the FSA. An HSA is similar, standing for Health Savings Account, but is typically only available to patients with high-deductible health insurance policies. Depending on your health plan and employer, you may be eligible for both an HSA and FSA account.
Saving Money on LASIK- How FSA and HSA Funds Can Help
Although LASIK saves many patients money in the long run, the initial investment can be a hurdle to treatment for some patients. FSA funds can help offset the cost of LASIK, and in some cases cover it entirely.
Since FSA funds come from pre-tax dollars, they offer patients a significant discount on the total price of LASIK surgery. These funds are withdrawn from your check automatically, making it much easier to put together a significant down payment toward surgery.
How to Use FSA Funds to Pay for LASIK
FSA and HSA funds can only be used for LASIK if you’re a good candidate for the procedure. You’ll need to come in for an examination and consultation with our award-winning refractive surgeon, Dr. Will. If you’re a candidate, we’ll give you additional information about LASIK costs and payment options. Our office staff can answer many questions about FSA policies and redemption. You can also talk with your plan provider or employer.
Typically, FSA funds are distributed through reimbursement. Patients pay for the procedure and submit proof of treatment to receive money back. We’ll provide you with the paperwork and receipts you need to verify your LASIK procedure.
Does Your Employer Offer an FSA Grace Period?
FSA funds typically expire at the end of the year. If you don’t use them, you lose them. Some employers offer a grace period for the previous year’s FSA expenses. This provides an extra month or two to schedule procedures and redeem FSA funds.
Some patients take advantage of this grace period to obtain extra funding for their LASIK procedure. Using the grace period allows some patients to combine FSA benefits for two years, the previous year and the current year, contributing twice as much toward the procedure.
I Don’t Have an FSA- Other Ways to Pay for LASIK
No FSA? No problem. Many of our patients finance their procedure through Care Credit. We find that the cost of LASIK is typically covered in just a few years of not purchasing glasses and contacts. Those little expenses add up! And who can put a value on clear vision? The benefits of LASIK surgery are priceless.
Don’t lose your remaining FSA funds. LASIK surgery is an eligible expense and a great way to use up extra FSA and HSA money. The year’s ending soon, so hurry in before your 2018 benefits expire.