Year-End Benefits Check: Using HSA and FSA for Eye Care

(What’s Eligible and What’s Not)

As the year winds down, many people rush to use their health benefits before they reset. Eye care is one of the most overlooked areas where patients can take advantage of their Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA). At St. Paul Eye Clinic, we encourage patients to make the most of these benefits before they expire, especially for essential exams, new glasses, and other eligible treatments.

An HSA or FSA allows you to set aside pre-tax money for qualified medical expenses. The key difference is flexibility. An HSA is linked to high-deductible health plans and rolls over each year, while FSA funds often expire at the end of the calendar year. Both can be powerful tools for maintaining your eye health when used wisely.

Eligible Eye Care Expenses

Most routine and corrective eye care services qualify as eligible expenses. Common examples include:

• Comprehensive eye exams
• Prescription glasses and lenses
• Contact lenses and contact lens solution
• Prescription sunglasses
• Safety or sports related glasses with prescription lenses
• Co-pays and deductibles for covered eye services

Certain treatments and procedures may also qualify, including laser eye surgery such as LASIK or PRK when performed to correct vision rather than for cosmetic reasons. Always confirm eligibility with your HSA or FSA provider before scheduling.

Expenses That Are Not Typically Covered

While these accounts cover many vision-related costs, some items are not eligible under IRS rules. Cosmetic procedures, non-prescription sunglasses, blue-light blocking glasses without a prescription, and general over-the-counter eye drops for comfort are usually not covered. Expenses for elective or aesthetic treatments fall outside the scope of medical necessity, which determines eligibility.

Why Now Is the Time to Act

For patients with FSAs, unused funds usually expire on December 31, although some plans offer a short grace period or allow a small rollover. Scheduling your eye exam or ordering new glasses before that deadline ensures your contributions are not lost. Even if you have an HSA that rolls over, using it for proactive eye care helps you stay ahead of potential issues like changes in prescription or early signs of disease.

The end of the year is also a convenient time to schedule care before deductibles reset and appointments fill up. St. Paul Eye Clinic offers a full range of vision care, from annual eye exams to advanced procedures, making it easy to use your remaining benefits effectively.

Protecting Your Vision and Your Budget

Taking a few minutes to review your benefits can make a real difference in both your eye health and your finances. Whether you need an updated prescription, replacement lenses, or evaluation for surgery, these funds are designed to support preventive and corrective care.

Our team at St. Paul Eye Clinic is here to help you maximize your benefits and maintain clear, healthy vision into the new year. Schedule your appointment soon to ensure your remaining HSA or FSA funds are used wisely before they expire.