FSA and payment for proteins/vitamin supplements?

HELP!

I have been using my benefit card to purchase my vitamins and protein from Bariatric Advantage, and NOW I get a statement requesting I validate all these purchases.

I (unknowingly) assumed that if my card works, it is eligible.

Do you use your FSA to pay for protein/vitamins?  If so, help! 

Thanks in advance for any info!

~Chris

I'd get a letter from your surgeon saying they're "medically necessary" as typically vitamins and supplements (non-prescription) are not covered.

I have a letter from my surgeon that I sent to my FSA people, and they cover it.  (I have to submit all my receipts, I don't get one of those cool cards).

Yeah, get a letter saying they are medically necessary and they'll be covered.

i don't have a card either and have to submit receipts to get reimbursed. it is my understanding that they are covered, but i've been hearing that FSA eligible items may change January 1st? anyone know anything about that?

What is FSA?

 
Flexible Spending Account.  Employers usually offer this as a benefit.  The government will allow you to take out tax-free dollars (up to $5k) to use for medical costs and cover items that insurance won't cover.  The condition is that you cannot carry money over from year to year.  So if you take $5k out and don't spend it, you're required to use it by the end of the year.

Thanks to the new HCR act though, that limit is cutting to 2500 in 2011 along with further limits on what FSA can be used for.  A lot of the OTC stuff that is currently covered will no longer be.  Not fully sure on vitamins and other things that state "medical necessity".  

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flexible_spending_account

Flexible Spending Account (a plan employers offer so that you can put away some of your money before taxes are withdrawn in an account to use for either health care or childcare costs)

I had to request a letter from my surgeon.  I have to fax in all receipts (man I wish I could have that snazzy card, like my last employer offered).  They approved the protein and supplements once I got the letter.

My plan is specific that vitamins are not allowed. 

I never thought to try to get protein or vitamins approved by a Dr.  Since it's federal though,  I would think it would be the same for everyone.I'm going to have to look into that. 

We don't have the card.

If I can do this I am going to definitely up my amount for next year.

 
The letter need to state medically necessity and the condition you are being treated for.  I do believe some FSA plans can exempt certain purchases, but personally haven't seen that.  You can always ask in advance.

Sadly, like I said, the new health care bill slashed max FSA contributions in half starting next year.