FSA reimbursements

Hi. Does anyone have an FSA account through work? What kind of luck are you having getting expenses for vitamins, suppliments, gym re-imbursed? What hoops did you have to jump through to get it done?? I'm having a heck of a time getting stuff covered. I mean, Heck - they are taking all that money out of my checks, but it's taking an act of congress to get it back! humph. And I don't want a bunch of money sitting there unused at the end of the year since it's a use it or lose it thing. They should have said it's a get-them-to-cover-it or lose it thing.

I know exactly what you mean, the only reason I got the FSA this year was because of the surgery and I won't be getting it next year because I can not always get my reimbursement. Roz

I'm not going to do it again either. I think they should be obligated tell you everything up front about how they make their determinations for coverage, since you can't stop them from taking money out of your paychecks during the year. It's only ethical. And since you have to "estimate" how much you'll be spending so they can take the money off the top, knowledge sure makes the difference!

Hi Karen - I have FSA, but it doesn't cover any of the stuff you mentioned. Vitamins only if prescribed. My doc prescribed me prenatals, so they are reimbursed. Other than that, it only paid my deductible, co-pays, some OTC (not vitamins or supplements) and prescription meds. You should go ask your HR to go over the details of the plan. That's their job, I am sure they'd be happy to help.

I have FSA and it does not cover vitamins and supplements, or gym membership. It did cover the "program fee" for the surgeon, which I planned for this year. I'm sorry you are having troubles. Did you check with your HR department or see if the FSA has a website? Mine had everything outlined on the web page as to what you can cover and what you can't. Good luck!! Inky

Hi Inky =0) This thing was really agrevating me yesterday. I thought I had all the research done before signing on, when I was calculating how much to dedicate for the account last year... My website said that I only had to have a letter from the doctor advising of the diagnosis, the OTC med, and a statement that it is used to alleviate symptoms. I spoke to HR personally when I was signing up and even told her how I was making my calculations and what I was including... so, yeah... it was agrevating. I'm over it now - just a burr under my sadle thinking there is 2 grand in there that will not be "used" between now and the end of the year. ohhhmmm.... i'm meditating it away today.

two grand - i'd be pissed off too!! What about some long forgotten dental work you wanted to have? Tooth whitening? I bet there's something you can use it for, or at least I sure hope so. Inky

FSAs are dictated through the government, since the amount of money you put in there is pre-tax. Vitamins, supplements and gym memberships are not reimbursable. Your HR department or insurance carrier should have a standard document of eligible expenses. If I can remember to get ours tomorrow, I'll e-mail you and get the address where I can send the attachment. It really is a great benefit and it's a shame that HR doesn't do a better job of explaining it and all its uses. I'll try my hardest to remember tomorrow to get you the list of eligible items.

I have the government guidlines for my FSA in front of me and it says that Vitamins and over-the-counter medicines are covered. I've used my plan for Vitamins (unprescribed) and I even purchased Mederma and everything has been covered. No problems with FSA here!