Well, here we are…less than 24 hours before the new year starts. Are you ready for 2012? There are usually a lot things to do before the end of the year, and many loose ends to tie up. One thing you will want to do before the clock strikes midnight on New Year`s Eve, is to spend your flex money!
If you have a Heath Savings Account (HSA) or flex plan, make sure you use up any remaining dollars in there, pronto. If you don`t use, it, you lose it. Your hard earned dollars that you have set aside to help out with health expenses will go right out the window, if you don`t spend it by 12/31.
Here is a list of items that may be covered under your HSA plan:
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
- Acne Medicine
- Air Purifier/Humidifer
- Allergy Medicine
- Antacids
- Antibiotic Ointments
- Anti Fungal Medicine
- Antihistamine
- Anti Itch Lotions and Creams
- Aspirin
- Bandages/Gauze Pads
- Blood Pressure Monitor
- Blood Sugar Test Kit and Strips
- Carpal Tunnel Supports
- Chondriotin/Glucosamine
- Cold/Hot Packs (Medical Use Only)
- Contact Lens Solution/Saline
- Cough Suppressants
- Crutches
- Decongestants
- Defibrillators
- Dental Floss
- Denture Adhesives
- Denture Cleaners
- Diaper Rash Ointment
- Diarrhea Medicine
- Diet Foods
- Eye Drops
- Eye Glass Cleaners
- Face Creams
- Facial Tissues
- First Aid Kits
- First Aid Supplies
- Glucose Monitoring Equipment
- Hemorrhoid Medication
- Hydrogen Peroxide
- Ibuprofen (Advil)
- Incontinence Supplies
- Iodine
- Latex Disposable Gloves (For Medical Use)
- Laxatives
- Liniments (Ben Gay)
- Menstrual Pain Relievers
- Moisturizers
- Nasal Strips or Sprays
- Occlusal Guards (To Prevent Teeth Grinding)
- Orthopedic Inserts
- Pregnancy Tests
- Prenatal Vitamins
- Prescribed Fluoridation Devices
- Reading Glasses
- Sinus Medications
- Sleep Aids
- Smoking Cessation Aids
- Sunscreen
- Supplements
- Thermometers
- Toothache and Teething Pain Relievers
- Toothbrushes
- Toothpaste
- Vitamins
- Wart Removal Medicine
- Weight Loss Products
If you have questions, contact your employer or your HSA Administrator to find out specifically what your HSA (or flex plan) covers. The above list is just a generalized list of items that could be covered, however, you will need to check with your own plan to see which items you will be reimbursed for.
And here are things to keep in mind when submitting your flex receipts:
1. Make copies of your receipt(s) before you send them in.
In case the receipt gets lost in the mail, you will have a physical record on hand.
2. Tape your receipt(s) to a piece of paper, preferably an 8 x 11 sized sheet, before mailing.
Securing your receipt will ensure that the receipt is not floating around loosely inside the envelope, which could get lost when opened.
3. Submit your receipts in a timely manner.
Most plans require that you spend your flex dollars by 12/31 of each year. However, you may have several weeks or months to submit your receipts. Again, check with your own plan for the specific requirements.
