FSA & HSA for prescription glasses: eligibility and how-to guide.

Introduction.

If you have an FSA or HSA, you may be wondering if these funds can be used for a new pair of prescription glasses. The direct answer is: Yes, they can. Utilizing these accounts is an effective way to use pre-tax dollars for essential medical expenses. An FSA (Flexible Spending Account) and an HSA (Health Savings Account) are designed to help cover qualified medical expenses, and FSA/HSA prescription glasses are included in this category. This also extends to innovative options; for instance, advanced eyewear like Even G1 smart glasses with prescription lenses can be an eligible use of these funds when they include your prescribed vision correction.

This guide provides information on how to use your funds for vision correction, what types of eyewear are eligible, and tips for managing these expenses. Obtaining clear vision should not be a financial burden, and your FSA or HSA can assist with these costs.

How to use your FSA or HSA for Even G1 prescription glasses: a step-by-step guide.

Even G1 is HSA/FSA eligible. Using your FSA or HSA for Even G1 involves a reimbursement process. The following steps outline how this works.

Step 1: get an up-to-date prescription.

Your first step is to ensure your prescription is current. This is necessary for eligibility and is essential for ordering Even G1 with the correct vision correction.

An outdated prescription means you might not receive the vision correction you truly need. Schedule an eye exam if your prescription is not current.

Step 2: pay now and seek reimbursement later.

After purchasing your Even G1, submit a claim to your FSA/HSA administrator for reimbursement from your account. This process typically involves filling out a form and providing an itemized receipt.

Step 3: contact us to get an itemized receipt.

Please contact us to obtain an itemized receipt for your Even G1 purchase. At the same time, prepare your Explanations of Benefits (EOBs) if you utilized vision insurance, as well as copies of your prescription. A Letter of Medical Necessity (LOMN) is not required for Even G1 prescriptions.

Maximizing your FSA/HSA benefits & avoiding pitfalls.

It is important to manage your funds effectively. For example, some individuals may lose FSA funds because they are unaware that prescription sunglasses are eligible until close to their FSA deadline. Careful planning can prevent this.

Plan ahead (especially for FSA deadlines).

This is particularly important for FSAs with a "use-it-or-lose-it" policy.

• Do not wait until the last minute. Optical shops can be busy at year-end, and reimbursement processes require time.
• Schedule eye exams earlier in the year if you anticipate needing new prescription glasses. This allows ample time to select frames and use your funds without rushing.

Understand "use-it-or-lose-it" (FSA).

If you have an FSA and funds are expiring:

• Consider obtaining a backup pair of prescription glasses.
• Invest in prescription sunglasses ‒ a useful item for driving or outdoor activities.
• If you wear contact lenses, stock up on an annual supply (if also covered and needed).

Coordinate with vision insurance.

If you have vision insurance, your FSA or HSA can work in conjunction with it.

Use your FSA/HSA to cover:

• Copays and deductibles for your eye exam or glasses.
• Costs exceeding your insurance allowance (e.g., if your insurance covers $150 for frames, but you choose a $200 pair, use FSA/HSA for the $50 difference).
• Lens upgrades that your insurance might not fully cover but are medically necessary.

Cover eligible family members.

Remember that your FSA/HSA can typically be used for qualified medical expenses for your spouse and eligible dependents. This includes their prescription glasses and eye exams.

Troubleshooting common issues.

• Card declined? (Note: For Even G1, payment is upfront, followed by reimbursement. This tip applies more generally to direct card payments). This could be due to insufficient funds, the item not being coded as eligible by the merchant, or an attempt to purchase a non-covered item. Check your balance first, then contact your plan administrator if needed.
• Splitting payments? Even Realities offers payment options such as Klarna. However, utilizing such installment plans for the initial purchase of Even G1 is generally not compatible with the FSA/HSA reimbursement process. FSA/HSA plans typically require the qualified medical expense to be paid in full by the individual directly to the merchant before reimbursement can be issued.

Understanding your FSA & HSA: the basics.

Before detailing what you can buy, it is helpful to understand what these accounts are. Knowing the fundamentals is key to using them effectively for your FSA/HSA prescription glasses.

What is a flexible spending account (FSA)?

An FSA is a special savings account for healthcare expenses.

• You contribute money to it directly from your paycheck before taxes are taken out. This is beneficial because it reduces your taxable income. Healthcare.gov provides a good overview of FSA.
• It's set up through your employer.
• A key feature is the "use-it-or-lose-it" rule. Generally, you need to spend the money in your FSA within the plan year. Some employers offer a grace period (a couple of extra months to spend it) or allow a small amount to roll over, but this is not guaranteed.

What is a health savings account (HSA)?

An HSA also allows you to set aside pre-tax money for health expenses, but with some distinct differences:

• You must be enrolled in a high-deductible health plan (HDHP) to be eligible for an HSA.
• The money rolls over year after year. There's no "use-it-or-lose-it" pressure, which is a significant advantage.
• You own the account. If you change jobs, the HSA money goes with you.
• HSAs can often be invested, allowing your savings to potentially grow tax-free.

Key differences at a glance.

Important note.

Always check the specific rules of your FSA or HSA plan with your employer or the plan administrator. While there are general IRS guidelines, some plan details can vary. For the most complete list of all eligible medical expenses, the IRS Publication 502, Medical and Dental Expenses is the definitive official source.

FSA/HSA eligible prescription glasses: what's covered?

A common question is what kind of prescription glasses can be obtained with FSA or HSA funds. A wide variety of options are typically eligible.

The golden rule: medical necessity.

This is the core principle. The eyewear must be primarily for correcting a vision problem or treating a specific eye condition. If it meets this criterion, it is likely eligible.

Prescription eyeglasses.

This is a primary category for FSA/HSA vision expenses.

• Standard single-vision lenses (for nearsightedness or farsightedness).
• Bifocal, trifocal, and progressive lenses (for those needing correction at multiple distances).
• Specialty lens materials, like high-index lenses if you have a strong prescription and want thinner, lighter lenses.
• Lens add-ons, if they are part of the prescription and deemed medically necessary. This can include:
  • Prescription blue-light filtering lenses
  • Photochromic/Transitions® lenses (that darken in sunlight)
  • Anti-reflective coatings
• Prescription lens replacements: If you need new lenses in your favorite frames, the cost of new prescription lenses is generally eligible.

Prescription sunglasses.

If you require sunglasses with prescription lenses to correct your vision while protecting your eyes from the sun, they are typically an eligible expense.

Reading glasses.

• Over-the-counter (OTC) reading glasses bought to help with presbyopia (age-related farsightedness) are generally eligible without needing a new prescription each time.
• Custom-made prescription reading glasses from your optometrist are also eligible.

Can I buy multiple pairs of glasses?

Yes. As long as you have the funds in your account and each pair is for vision correction, you can buy multiple pairs of FSA/HSA prescription glasses. This could include one pair for work, one for home, or simply different styles.

What about prescription smart glasses?

For those interested in technology, when smart glasses incorporate prescription lenses to correct your vision, they generally qualify as an eligible medical expense. This presents new possibilities. For example, advanced eyewear like Even G1 with your prescription would typically be considered an FSA/HSA eligible item because they address a medical need with corrective lenses. As mentioned in our guide, for Even G1, you would seek reimbursement from your FSA/HSA provider after purchase.

What's generally NOT covered by FSA/HSA for vision?

It is equally important to know what isn't typically covered to avoid surprises. The main theme here is items "not medically necessary for vision correction."

• Non-prescription eyeglasses or sunglasses: If they're solely for fashion or general sun protection without any vision correction, they usually do not qualify.
• Non-prescription colored contact lenses: Contacts bought purely for cosmetic reasons to change your eye color are not eligible.
• Eyewear insurance premiums or extended warranties: You cannot use FSA/HSA funds to pay for the insurance plan itself or for extra warranties on your glasses.
• Routine cosmetic procedures related to eyes.
• Note on blue light: Standard non-prescription blue-light-blocking glasses are generally not eligible unless a doctor provides a Letter of Medical Necessity (LOMN) for a specific medical condition that requires them. This can be a gray area, so always check with your plan. (Note: For Even G1 with prescription, this is less of a concern as the primary purpose is vision correction).
• Important clarification: Items for general health or wellness that do not directly treat a diagnosed vision condition (like gym memberships, general fitness trackers without a specific medical purpose, or cosmetic items like deodorant) are not eligible as vision expenses.

Beyond glasses: other FSA/HSA eligible vision expenses.

Your FSA or HSA is not just for prescription glasses. A range of other vision-related products and services are typically eligible.

Eye examinations.

A significant eligible expense.

• The cost of comprehensive eye exams with your optometrist or ophthalmologist.
• Any co-pays or deductibles associated with your vision care appointments.

Prescription contact lenses.

If you prefer contact lenses, they are generally covered.

• Daily disposables, weekly/monthly lenses, toric lenses for astigmatism, multifocal contacts – if they're prescribed by your eye doctor, they're generally covered.

Contact lens care.

The essentials for keeping your contacts clean and safe:

• Saline solution
• Cleaning and disinfecting solutions
• Contact lens cases

Eyeglass accessories & maintenance for prescription eyewear.

Taking care of your prescription glasses is important, and some accessories are eligible:

• Glasses cases to protect your investment
• Eyeglass cleaning cloths and pre-moistened wipes designed for lenses
• Solutions specifically for cleaning eyeglass lenses
• Eyeglass repair kits (for small screws)

Corrective eye surgeries (e.g., LASIK).

Procedures like LASIK, PRK, or other surgeries to correct vision problems are often considered qualified medical expenses. Given the cost, using HSA funds (which can accumulate over time) can be particularly helpful here. Always check your plan details for any specific requirements or pre-authorizations.

Conclusion.

Using your FSA or HSA for prescription glasses and other vision care is a practical financial strategy. You are using pre-tax dollars to pay for an essential need ‒ clear vision. Remember the key takeaways: obtain a current prescription, understand your specific plan's rules, keep good records, and know what is generally eligible. For products like Even G1, this means following the reimbursement process outlined.

By being informed, you can confidently use these accounts to manage your eye health expenses. Do not let these benefits go unused, especially if you have an FSA nearing its expiration. If you are looking for more information on using these accounts for all types of eyewear, our guide on Using FSA & HSA for eyewear offers a broader perspective.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs).

Legal Disclaimer: The content of this blog post is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, financial, or medical advice. While we strive to provide accurate information, the rules and regulations governing Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), including IRS Publication 502, are subject to change and individual plan details can vary. We recommend consulting with your plan administrator, a qualified tax advisor, or legal counsel to understand how these rules apply to your specific circumstances before making any financial decisions.