How to use your FSA or HSA for LASIK surgery in 2023

Laser eye surgery, also known as LASIK, is a popular procedure that corrects vision problems. However, the cost of the surgery can be a concern for many people. The good news is that LASIK is an eligible expense under both Flexible Spending Arrangements (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA) for the tax year 2023.

In this article, we will discuss how you can use your FSA or HSA to pay for LASIK surgery and the contribution limits for 2023.

Flexible Spending Arrangement – FSA

An FSA is a flexible spending arrangement which some employers also contribute towards on behalf of their employees. This allows you to set aside pre-tax dollars from your paycheck to pay for eligible out-of-pocket expenses. In 2023, the most you would need to contribute to the program is $3,050.

The main benefit is that you can access the full amount of your annual contribution election. That’s the case even if you haven’t made all the pre-tax deductions for the year.

Having said that, you must use the full contribution amount within 12 months. Or, you risk losing the balance, although some plans differ. An FSA covers LASIK.

Health Savings Account – HSA

An HSA is a tax-advantaged bank account that allows you to save pre-tax dollars through payroll deductions. You can use these funds to pay for out-of-pocket healthcare costs, including LASIK surgery.

The contribution limits for an HSA in 2023 are $3,850 for an individual and $7,750 for a family.

You must deposit any contributions in the HSA before you can use the money to pay for your LASIK eye surgery. It is permissible to allow the funds to accumulate until you are ready to use them. An HSA covers LASIK.

How does an FSA and HSA work?

You can use FSA dollars to pay for your LASIK surgery. Depending on the procedure, it may not cost the entirety of the cost. But, you could combine remaining funds from previous years with funds of the current year.

Financing options in an HSA are available without a time limit and you could use these funds when you have acquired enough money to cover the procedure.
Another option is using your FSA in conjunction with your HSA to fund the procedure.

Plan ahead

To avoid delays, you must plan ahead before using your FSA or HSA to pay for LASIK surgery. You need to be aware of the contribution limits and the limits of your own healthcare policy. Check with your employer to see if they offer an FSA program.

Coordinating and scheduling with your doctor is also essential to avoid any issues with payment. If you have any questions or concerns about payment options for LASIK surgery, contact your healthcare provider.

LASIK surgery is an eligible expense under both FSA and HSA for the tax year 2023. Knowing the contribution limits and the rules for using your FSA or HSA can help you plan ahead and make the most of your healthcare benefits. With proper planning, you can use your FSA or HSA to pay for LASIK surgery and enjoy the benefits of better vision.

For more information and to discuss payment options, contact us today

This article uses sourced content from this blog post about FSA and HSA accounts and LASIK from the American Refractive Surgery Council.