Workplace Benefits
A flexible spending account (FSA) can help you save money on healthcare expenses for you and your family. For 2024, employees can set aside up to $3,200 for healthcare FSAs, which they can then use on eligible medical expenses.1
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) determines what’s considered an eligible medical expense.2 Read on to see what items and expenses are FSA-eligible and where you can use your FSA dollars.
Note: This article discusses eligible medical expenses for healthcare FSAs. Two other common FSA types, limited purpose FSAs (LP-FSAs) and dependent care FSAs (DC-FSAs), Â follow different rules, which are explained in our limited purpose FSA and dependent care FSA articles.
The FSA Store® has a detailed list of eligible items and expenses you can review, which includes a search feature to make it easier to find what you’re looking for.3 While it’s a comprehensive list, not all items may be eligible with every FSA plan. Below is a quick list of some categories of FSA-eligible items and a few examples. Remember to check with your plan administrator to confirm the items are eligible with your FSA before you decide to purchase any products.3
Below is a list of some common expenses that are FSA-eligible.3 Remember to check with your plan administrator to confirm the expense is eligible with your specific FSA.
For even more services you may be able to use your FSA funds toward, check out the search feature of the FSA Store’s comprehensive list of eligible expenses.3
While healthcare FSA funds can be used toward many expenses, there are some limits. The comprehensive eligibility list also includes items that aren’t eligible.3 Here are a few examples:3
Typically, you can use your FSA dollars on eligible expenses at places like drug stores, grocery stores, doctor offices, vision centers, dentists, hospitals, and other medical offices.
You can also purchase FSA-approved items online — so you have options depending on what works best for you.6
Some FSA administrators and plans may issue FSA cards to use for purchases.7 This card acts as a debit card, pulling money from your FSA account. If you have an FSA card, make sure the store or medical office you’re at accepts the card. If you don’t have an FSA card, or the place doesn’t accept them, you can typically pay for the items out of pocket and then submit the required paperwork to your FSA administrator to get reimbursed.5
It’s important to know that no matter how you pay, whatever you’re planning to use your FSA dollars for must be considered an eligible expense.