Health care flexible spending accounts (FSAs)
A health care FSA reimburses you for eligible health care expenses for you and your eligible dependents. Eligible expenses include medical, dental, vision, hearing and prescription drug expenses. You can also use FSA funds to pay for copays, coinsurance and certain over-the-counter (OTC) items.
Find out ways you can use your funds so you don't lose them.
Learn about eligible health care expenses for your health care FSA.
A health care FSA lets you cover eligible health expenses with before-tax dollars.
What is a health care FSA?
A health care FSA reimburses you for eligible health care expenses for you and your eligible dependents. Eligible expenses include medical, dental, vision, hearing and prescription drug expenses. You can also use FSA funds to pay for copays, coinsurance and certain over-the-counter (OTC) items.
Don't leave money behind
In most cases, your health care FSA funds are available as soon as they appear in your account. It’s important to understand that in most cases FSA have a “use it or lose it” rule. That means you may lose any money left in your account at the end of the plan year. Use your FSA card to shop local retailers and save up to 30%* since you're using pre-tax dollars. Learn more.
Tax savings
Your taxable income is reduced by the amounts you deposit into your FSA accounts, up to IRS limits.
2023 limits:
- Health care FSA max IRS election: $3,050
- Dependent care FSA max IRS election:
- Individual: $2,500
- Family: $5,000
Additional resources
Getting started with your FSA
Common FSA eligible/ineligible expenses
This document helps you determine which expenses may be eligible for reimbursement under your health care FSA.
Tips for spending your FSA
It’s important to understand the “use it or lose it” rule for FSAs. That means you may lose any money left in your account at the end of the plan year.
Paying with your FSA
FSA: How to upload a receipt
Learn how to upload a receipt for an Optum Bank debit Mastercard® purchase.
FSA: How to file a claim
Watch this video for step-by-step instructions on how to file a claim.
*Savings compares using pre-tax income in your FSA to using after tax income for purchases and assumes a 30% combined tax rate from all applicable federal, state, and FICA taxes. Results and amount will vary depending on your circumstances.