My co-worker unfortunately put WAY too much money into her healthcare spending account. Now she's looking for an allowable way to spend about $3,000 before Jan. 1st. She's already bought new glasses, contacts, etc. Can anyone suggest a large, reimbursable expense for a healthy person?
Wow, I'm amazed at how many of you responded! A great big thanks to my fellow "Mama sorceresses" who came up with some great suggestions. I forgot to mention that she already told me she isn't a good candidate for eye surgery, but I think she should go for a consultation again as there have been some recent advances. Hmm... air purifiers and and chiropractic work- all good. I especially appreciate the response from Jaycee to at least buy crutches and wheelchairs to donate; my friend will like that one :) I guess this was a timely issue for all of us who still have money to spend in our HSAs.
Maybe an in office teeth whitening? I think that's close to $1000 - it's the light one that happens all at once as opposed to the gel one that is gradual.
I'm not positive, but she may be able be able to spend it on Jenny Craig. Even if she doesn't need to lose weight, I think you can still buy the pruducts for maintenance. Some of the frozen foods are pretty good (like Lean Cuisine).
See A IMT Integrative Manual Therpist. Who is a physical therapist that does this kind of work. I know on in Lake Forest only, It is a great way to settly down inflammation and we all have that. I went for back and lymph help and knee. ReTeaches the body to heal itself.
Wonderful anytime. Circle of Health inLF M.
Physical therapy - is there any part of her body that she would like to strengthen, like the back? The physical therapy can be overall body strengthening sessions and workouts at a physical therapy/wellness center. I don't know if she'd need a doctor to write a prescription for it, but that shouldn't be a problem.
Massage, eyeglasses, dermatologist, body scan, nutritionist?, orthotic inserts (foot support), home medical supplies (bandaids, etc), vitamins, supplements.
Naturopath! Live blood cell analysis, colonics, therapy (these are also fantastic means of proactive health care).
Gosh, I wish I had that money to spend!
chiropractic! nothing helps to keep the body healthy than keeping the spine aligned!
Hi K. get dental exams and teeth cleaning at the least, any dental work put off because of "a million excuses" also what about lasik surgery on eyes. I had it done about 6 years ago and it's amazing!!!!
Full physical for husband, (they hate to go) go to the dermatologist and get all the junk checked...bone scan, and the colonoscopy (if 50 years old, it's not that bad)
hmmm good luck!
Since she wears glasses/contacts... do laser eye surgery. That is what I was going to put away into my account for...
Definitely Chiropractic care! This can include adjustments to help your body and nervous system work optimally, massage, and more!
A good, through, physical exam with blood work, EKG, etc.
Dermatologist, acupuncture, designer prescription sunglasses. Colonic?
How about wellness/preventative care? Have her come see me! I am an acupuncturist specializing in stress reduction, relaxation treatments, and women's health. Although I specialize in mom and baby care I do treat everyone for a variety of things, including neck and back pain, stomach ailments, headaches, etc. I am a work at home mom of two and I practice out of my home office in Agoura Hills. If she wants to get wel or stay healthy during cold and flu season she can come see me- and help support a work-at-home mom at the same time! I realize this is a shameless plug, but you asked how she could spend money, so why not? ;) We could certainly use the extra help this holiday season. You can find out more about me at www.acufinder.com. In the "search" bar you can put my zip code which is 91301 and my profile while pop up. T. Rubio L.Ac. ###-###-####
Also, I have non-needle tachniques, and all is considered "medical" under the acupuncture license.
Thanks and Happy Holidays!
Full body scan! No better time or excuse to get herself checked inside and out, top to bottom.
After doing checkups for herself for everything immaginable if she still has money left she can stock up on supplies, for emergency first aid kits for the cars and house, etc. If she still has money left over I would check with a local school or shelter to see what she can purchase and donate. I am not sure how the law works about buying things like crutches, wheelchair, cane, etc if she herself does not need them, but it is worth looking into.
LASIK! I did it last year at TLC and am extremely happy! I bet she has spent the money though in drug store items. Good luck!
I'm not sure if dental is covered, but have everyone in the family go get a checkup!
Over the counter medicine (OTC), Co-Pays, cosmetic dental work like teeth whitening, Dermatologist (go to a dermatologist for facials, microdermabrasions, peels, etc), chiropractor, & if a massage therapist operates out of a doctor or chirpractor office these are expenses that can be reimbursed through Flex healthcare spending too. Anyways, hope this helps! Best of luck!
I know that laser eye surgery is covered by spending accounts-- if she doesnt need or want that, then she might be able to use it for chiropractic/massage thearapy which is covered (some places allow you to buy a "bundle" of visits which would allow her to pay now for visits in the future. Otherwise she might be stuck buying a bunch of OTC medicine (Motrin, Tylenol, cold medicine etc.)
Good luck!
K.,
Anything dental.
:- ) T.
Acupuncture and Chinese medicine are perfect for wellness. Acupuncture and herbal medicine can boost immunity and will promote greater balance and wellness. When you are healthy is the perfect time to go to prevent any imbalances. It will reduce stress and is perfect for your body if you are running around during the holiday season. What a blessing if your friend could spend two months focusing on herself with a practitioner of Chinese medicine!!
Dental work, chiropractic adjustments, massages at a health care facility, hearing tests for self and family members, speech therapy, Lasik surgery, physical-therapy type stuff, varicose vein surgery.
Don't know if she needs anything, but I also had VERY heavy eyelids (to the point where they inhibited my upward peripheral vision and I had to raise my eyebrows to look up), and that was covered, since it was medical rather than cosmetic. Lasik, if she's a candidate, would be a great way to use these funds. Lasik was the best gift I ever gave to myself!
Hope this helps!
A lot of over the counter medicines like clariton, children's cold medicines, etc. usually have an f for flexible spending account next to the description on the receipt & it can be turned in for reimbusement. She can stock up on stuff that she uses a lot, not 3 thousand dollars worth but every little bit helps.
What about laser eye surgery? My spending account covers that so I assume hers does too??? Maybe she should have gotten that done before spending money on the glasses and contacts! :)
have her check her plan, but some FSA's allow you up till April to spend it.
Dental care. We paid for fillings one time. Maybe a mouth guard for grinding teeth? Not sure what all is covered, but she should look into the dental aspect.
Sometimes, pending on your plan - you can buy vitamins, and some over the counter medications under your plan. Make sure she has had all her well-care exams, mammograms, dental work, etc................all her prescriptions should be covered. Doctors can write rx's for a 6 month or 3 month supple as well - so on Dec. 30th - she could get her whole family's rx's filled thru June, 2010.
Hope that helps.
She should go to a chiropractor or an accupuncturist. They can add up pretty quickly! A new chiro consultation is about $100 and each visit is at least $40 each. I see a chiro a couple times each week and the health benefits are SO amazing. I feel great! The entire family could go as well!
2 to 3 times a week massage or Chiropractor. Dermatologist treatments. Air purifiers, vitamins, any rx needed. Good luck!
As another person mentioned, I think these accounts are good until March 31st. At least the one through my husband's work is, but I'm pretty sure it's universal, because it's a tax accounting issue. Have her check with her accountant.
Also, have her check in her employee insurance handbook which expenses are allowable. It's pretty much anything goes as long as it's related to health, which is really great. But the handbook might give her some good ideas. Like all the acupuncture, massage, etc. that people have been recommending.
I have to say though, it was such a nightmare doing the paperwork for all this, that we stopped using an HSA, because the little bit of money we saved in taxes was not worth all the time and hassle we spent trying to get reimbursed.
Omg! That's a lot of money to have leftover in a health savings account. If it were me I'd probably get that Lasik surgery I've been wanting. Or teeth whitening, liposuction, or heck, a breast lift (nursing wrecks havoc on breasts!).
Good luck to your co-worker.
B. D.
she can buy small stuff like aspirins, band aids, alcohol, peroxide,etc.............. it will help spend some of the money
Laser Eye Surgery. Best money I've ever spent! Be careful though and research your doctor thoroughly. I went to Dr. Charles Manger in Laguna Beach (all the way from Woodland Hills). Have never, ever had a problem w/ anything I've heard others who have had the surgery complain about.
