Common questions about Flexible Spending Accounts:

A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is an optional benefit plan offered by many U.S. employers that allows you to set aside part of your pre-tax earnings to pay for qualifying healthcare expenses. You might already be saving on eligible expenses like prescriptions, eyewear and other over-the-counter products.

The money you contribute to your Flexible Spending Account is taken out of your paycheck before taxes are taken out. In effect, you lower your taxable income for tax savings. The “pretax funds” in your FSA allow you to pay for qualifying healthcare expenses that are not covered by your health plan, such as doctor visit co-pays, prescriptions, dental expenses, and more.

Yes. In addition to standard healthcare expenses, you can buy aspirin, cough medicine and many other over-the-counter items with FSA funds. The list of FSA-qualified products now includes Depend^® products. Please verify eligibility by reading your specific FSA/HSA plan.

FSAs are offered through employee benefit programs. Check with your employer’s benefits department for more details.

If your plan provides a debit card, that’s the easiest way to access your FSA funds. Some plans require that you submit a claim to receive reimbursement from your FSA account. Check with your plan administrator for details on your FSA account.

A Health Savings Account (HSA) is a tax-advantaged account that can be used to pay for qualified expenses. Money goes in tax-free, and interest is not taxed when withdraws are made for qualified expenses. Your employer and the IRS can provide additional information.

You can use your HSA to pay for most qualified medical expenses, which often include incontinence products. See IRS Code 213(d) for details. Please verify eligibility by reading your specific FSA/HSA plan