LASIK is a very safe surgery with a high success rate. Often, the biggest hesitancy people have concerning LASIK is the financial cost.
There’s no denying that LASIK is an investment. Thanks to the advanced equipment and training, the price you pay for the procedure ensures you have the best visual outcome.
Over the long term, LASIK can end up saving you money. Glasses and contacts are not pricey upfront, but they are a constant drain on your income.
Payment plans through CareCredit and ALPHAEON Credit, which are both offered at Stahl Eyecare Experts in NYC, may help make help may the life-changing LASIK procedure more affordable for you. LASIK is rarely covered by insurance, but many people wonder if they can use their FSA money for LASIK.
Keep reading to learn if your FSA can pay for LASIK!
What is a Flexible Spending Account?
A flexible spending account, or FSA, is a special type of financial account. It allows you to set aside money that you can spend on certain medical expenses that are not covered by insurance.
If you withdraw from the account this way, you do not have to pay tax on that income. Effectively, you are saving a percentage of money equal to your tax bracket.
This account can be used for prescription costs, deductibles, copayments (although not for insurance premiums), and elective procedures like LASIK. Most people get their FSA through their employer as a benefit.
Are There Limits To My FSA?
FSAs are a helpful tool but come with some rules and restrictions.
Funds can only be used for specific healthcare costs.
In addition, FSAs are capped at $3,050 in 2023. This means you will probably not be able to pay for your entire LASIK procedure through an FSA.
Depending on your tax bracket, you are still saving hundreds of dollars in total. The funds in an FSA do not roll over, although employers often include a grace period.
Be sure to understand all of the rules of your FSA. If you don’t plan correctly, you could lose the money in the account after December 31st.
What If My Job Doesn’t Offer an FSA?
If you don’t have an FSA through an employer, check to see if you qualify for an HSA. A health savings account works similarly to a flexible spending account as it lets you set aside pre-tax money for healthcare.
Money is taken from your payroll and put directly into the account. However, there are a few significant changes.
First of all, an HSA is capped at $3,850 for an individual, giving you a little more buying power. Unlike an FSA, money in the account does roll over from year to year. This means there is no risk of losing the money.
Not everyone is eligible to get an HSA. They are only available to people with a high deductible insurance plan. Talk to your bank to see if you are interested in setting one up.
Performing LASIK in Long Island, Manhattan and surrounding areas, schedule a consultation at Stahl Eyecare Experts today!
