Flexible spending accounts provide an opportunity to save hundreds of tax dollars per year. In a flexible spending account, employees set aside pre-tax dollars into an account and then use the funds during the calendar year for reimbursement of qualified expenses. The funds that are set aside in flexible spending accounts are exempt from income tax and social security tax. When eligible expenses are incurred, you file a claim to reimburse yourself with the funds that are tax free.
NEW!! for 2011
As a result of recent Health Care Reform laws, beginning in calendar year 2011, non-prescription, over-the-counter (OTC) medications will NOT be eligible for reimbursement under your health care flexible spending account unless prescribed by a physician. The change does not affect insulin, even if purchased without a prescription, or other health care expenses such as medical devices, eye glasses, contact lenses, co-pays and deductibles. The new standard applies to purchases made on or after January 1, 2011. For a list of eligible expenses, please click here.