Where does the money go? Unused FSA money returns to your employer. The funds can be used towards offsetting administrative costs incurred during the plan year, employers can also reduce annual premiums in the next FSA year, or funds must be equally distributed to employees who enroll in an FSA for the next year.

Can I use my Health Care FSA to reimburse outstanding medical expenses from the prior year? No, expenses must be incurred during the current plan year. The only exception to this rule is orthodontics.

The IRS determines which expenses are eligible for reimbursement. Eligible expenses include health plan co-payments, dental work and orthodontia, eyeglasses and contact lenses, and prescriptions. This type of FSA is offered by most employers. It covers medical, dental, vision, and pharmacy expenses.

Only employees of eligible employers can be enrolled in an FSA. (If you are self-employed, check out a Medical Savings Account (MSA) instead.) You may be eligible for one or more FSAs, which probably have different amounts that you can contribute.

A Flexible Spending Account plan year does not have to be based on the calendar year. The FSA plan Administrator or employer decides when the FSA plan year begins, and often aligns the FSA to match their health plan or fiscal year. There is an “open enrollment” period once a year.

Regardless of which type of FSA you have, legislation signed into law late last year allows you to roll over any unused funds from 2021 to 2022 for use at any time next year, if your company opts in. This also applied to unused 2020 FSA money, which could be carried over into 2021.

Here’s a list of Health FSA-eligible items you can buy without a prescription:

• Acne light therapy.
• Athletic and orthopedic braces and supports.
• Breast pumps and accessories.
• Blood glucose monitors and testing strips.
• Blood pressure monitors.
• Condoms.
• Contact lenses and supplies.
• Denture cream and cleansers.

Toiletries can describe anything from oral care items like mouthwash, toothbrushes, toothpaste and floss to hair products like shampoo and conditioners; bathroom products like toilet paper; feminine care like tampons and pads; cotton swabs and fingernail clippers, and more.

Though there are exceptions, self-employed employees and shareholders who own 2% or more in an S-Corp, LLC, LLP, PC, sole proprietorship, or partnerships are generally ineligible for FSAs. Employees with HSAs should not enroll in an FSA.

$2,750
Health Care FSA Maximum Plan Limit The pre-tax salary reduction limit for Health Care FSAs will remain at $2,750 for plan years on or after January 1, 2021. The Health Care FSA pre-tax salary reduction limit is per employee, per employer, per plan year.

FSAFEDS allows you to save money for health care expenses with a Health Care or Limited Expense Health Care FSA. Think of it as a savings account that helps you pay for items that typically aren’t covered by your FEHB Plan, the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program, or other health insurance coverage.

A few fast facts about FSAs FSAs are limited to $2,750 per year per employer. If you’re married, your spouse can put up to $2,750 in an FSA with their employer too. You can use funds in your FSA to pay for certain medical and dental expenses for you, your spouse if you’re married, and your dependents.

However as a result of Health Care Reform beginning January 1, 2013 the maximum contribution amount for the health care FSA will be $2,500. For dependent care FSAs, the annual maximum you can contribute is $5,000, including any amount set aside by a spouse into their dependent care FSA.

A Your health care FSA can be used to pay for a variety of health care expenses incurred by you, your spouse and your dependents. Doctor visits, chiropractor fees, prescription drug copayments, dental care and vision care not otherwise covered by a health plan are all eligible health care expenses.