Use it or Lose it!

Written by Lisa DiMauro | December 14th, 2015

FSA_Main

Depending on your employer’s coverage period, your remaining vision insurance benefits may be expiring on December 31st!

Remind me what a FSA is again…

FSA, or Flexible Spending Account, is an account created by your employer that allows you to set aside money, on a pre-tax basis, for certain healthcare and dependent care expenses. So, for instance, if you decide to put away $2,500 (the maximum allowable amount), that is $2,500 of your hard earned cash that is not subject to taxes. THIS IS HUGE!

FSA allowances are typically available at the start of your coverage period*, usually January 1st and ending one calendar year later on December 31st. Funds in your FSA can be used for certain medical, dental and vision expenses, including co-payments and deductibles. Your vision-related FSA eligible expense are:

  • Eye Exams
  • Contact Lenses
  • Reading Glasses
  • Prescription Eyeglasses – including prescription sunglasses and sports goggles

How do I go about redeeming these FSA $’s?

If you were given an FSA debit card by your employer, you can just use that card as you would any credit card upon checkout. If you do not have an FSA debit card, you will have to make the purchase using an existing credit card and request reimbursement from your employer.

Recommendations for what I can do to take advantage of my FSA?

Thank you for giving me the distinct pleasure of figuring out the best way to spend what is theoretically “free money.” I have to say, I am pretty good at it. Here are some ideas:

  • Re-stock on contacts
  • Re-stock OTC items that qualify (vitamins/supplements, allergy-related medications, etc)
  • Last minute medical needs for yourself
  • Schedule your child’s eye exam
  • And last, but certainly not least: Pick up prescription eyeglasses (Click on any of the the frames below for more info on my latest faves…)

RAYBAN_2MAXCOLE_MAXCOLE3nicole_miller1

Schedule an eye exam at your local JCPenney Optical location to put your benefits to use before they run out!


Stay glassy,

Annie

glasses2

Read through past posts from JCPenney Optical

*Be sure to check with your employer to understand the specific rules and coverage periods for your company.


[fbcomments width="100%" count="off" num="5" countmsg="wonderful comments!"]