Flex - Can You Use HSA/FSA to Pay for Glasses?

Updated: January 4, 2024

The health care conundrum: Can you use HSA/FSA to Pay for Glasses?

Since the rules for how to use your Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) might be a little fuzzy, let’s put on our reading specs to see how you can get new eyewear and save some money too.

What We’ll Cover About Using Your HSA/FSA for Glasses

In this article, we discuss vision insurance coverage, scenarios where your HSA or FSA can be used for glasses, some potential limitations, and eligibility criteria for various types of eyewear, among other topics:

What Does Vision Insurance Cover?

Vision insurance typically pays for routine eye exams, prescription glasses, and contact lenses. However, the breadth of coverage varies based on the specific plan. For example, additional services, such as lens coatings, frames, and elective procedures, may not be fully covered, which means you might be able to use your HSA or FSA for these out-of-pocket expenses.

How prescription glasses can enhance your quality of life

Prescription glasses can dramatically improve your well-being by alleviating the daily challenges associated with blurred vision, eye strain, and headaches, among many other conditions. With improved sight you can navigate your day-to-day with confidence and comfort, improve productivity, get around more safely, and generally feel better.

When Can You Use HSA/FSA for Glasses?

Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) allow individuals to set aside pre-tax dollars for qualified medical expenses. The general rule is that "[qualified] medical care expenses must be primarily to alleviate or prevent a physical or mental disability or illness," according to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

Fortunately, the cost of prescription eyeglasses and prescription sunglasses falls within the realm of eligible expenses. These accounts can be used to cover things like the purchase of prescription glasses, lenses, frames, and lens enhancements. However, HSA and FSA funds cannot be used for non-prescription sunglasses or purely cosmetic eyewear. Further, a prescription from a qualified eye care professional is a prerequisite to utilize these accounts for your glasses.

Is There an FSA or HSA Glasses Limit?

At the moment, the IRS doesn’t limit the number of pairs of prescription glasses you can buy with your HSA or FSA. That’s good news if you like to have different looks for different occasions, use specialized safety goggles while at work, or need specialty lenses for sport or recreation.

The Types of Glasses That Are Eligible for FSA/HSA Reimbursement

Can you only use an HSA/FSA to pay for prescription glasses?

Yes, your HSA or FSA can only be used on prescription eyewear, whether that is glasses, contacts, safety or sport goggles, or other specialty items. However, your account can also be used to pay for all sorts of vision-related medical expenses as well, such as eye exams or co-pays.

Are sunglasses FSA/HSA eligible?

Prescription sunglasses are eligible for reimbursement through HSA and FSA accounts. This is because they serve a medical purpose, such as correcting vision issues like myopia or astigmatism, aligning with the criteria set by the IRS for qualified medical expenses.

You might also wonder, are polarized sunglasses FSA or HSA eligible? Yes, sunglasses with polarized lenses that are necessary for a medical purpose are also covered.

Conversely, non-prescription sunglasses primarily intended for sun protection and lacking corrective lenses are generally not eligible for HSA or FSA reimbursement. Distinguishing between the two is important to ensure compliance with the IRS guidelines.

Can you use HSA/FSA for contacts?

Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts can be used to cover the costs associated with prescription contact lenses. This includes both soft and gas-permeable lenses, as long as they are prescribed by a qualified eye care professional.

However, similar to glasses, HSA funds cannot be used for non-prescription or cosmetic contact lenses.

Are reading glasses FSA/HSA eligible?

Reading glasses, commonly used to address presbyopia or other age-related vision issues, are eligible for reimbursement through HSA and FSA accounts. As with prescription eyeglasses, a valid prescription from an eye care professional is required for the purchase to be considered a qualified medical expense.

Are blue light glasses HSA or FSA eligible?

With the increased use of digital devices, blue light glasses have gained popularity for helping to improve sleep and reducing eye strain from prolonged screen exposure. However, non-prescription blue light glasses are not considered a qualified medical expense. You can obtain a Letter of Medical Necessity from your doctor, which will allow you to pay with your HSA or FSA.

Can I buy designer glasses with HSA/FSA?

If the designer glasses have a prescription and are deemed medically necessary by a qualified eye care professional, they may be eligible for reimbursement. However, if the purchase is purely for cosmetic reasons and lacks a corrective prescription, it is unlikely to meet the criteria for qualified medical expenses.

Can you use your HSA/FSA for specialty eyewear?

The term “specialty eyewear” refers to items designed for specific purposes beyond traditional vision correction. Here, we explore the eligibility criteria for HSAs and FSAs regarding safety goggles, sports masks, prescription anti-fatigue glasses, and progressive glasses.

Safety Goggles: Occupational hazards necessitate protective eyewear, and safety goggles may be eligible for reimbursement, subject to a prescription.
Sports Masks: When prescribed for vision correction during sports activities, sports masks may qualify as eligible expenses under HSA and FSA guidelines.
Prescription Anti-Fatigue Glasses: If prescribed to alleviate digital eye strain, they may be eligible expenses.
Progressive Glasses: HSAs and FSAs commonly cover progressive glasses when prescribed as they serve a medical purpose by addressing a specific vision impairment.

HSA/FSA Eligible Glasses

If you are looking for prescription glasses that you can pay for with your HSA or FSA, consider Pair Eyewear or Succulent Eyez Eyewear.

Pair Eyewear: Endless Styles, One Pair

If you ever find yourself bored with your frames, Pair Eyewear offers a collection of inter-changeable "top frames" that you can put over the base to spice things up.

Succulent Eyez Eyewear:

Succulent Eyez Eyewear offers frames for every occasion.

What Eyeglasses Accessories are HSA/FSA Eligible?

There are many accessories for glasses or contacts that you can pay for with your HSA or FSA:

Lens Coatings: Coatings such as anti-glare or scratch-resistant coatings are generally eligible for reimbursement.
Contact Solution: Typically eligible expense under HSA and FSA.
Transition Lenses: Typically eligible if prescribed.
Replacement Parts: Replacement parts may be considered eligible if needed for medical reasons.
Frames: New frames are generally covered.
Repair Kits: Repair of damaged glasses is generally considered a qualified expense.
Eye Strain Relief Accessories: Accessories designed to alleviate eye strain may be eligible if prescribed.
Glasses cases: May not be eligible unless designed for medical necessity.

How to Use HSA/FSA to Pay for Eyeglasses

Here is a quick guide:

Get a Prescription: Obtain a valid prescription.
Review the Guidelines: Check your plan details.
Buy with Purpose: Choose prescription eyeglasses.
Keep Records: Retain all documentation for reimbursement purposes.
Stay Timely: Be aware of reimbursement deadlines.
Submit Claims: Use your HSA or FSA debit card or submit a claim for eligible expenses.

Do I need a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) to use HSA/FSA to pay for eyeglasses?

A Letter of Medical Necessity is generally not necessary but can be a proactive step for documentation.

How Flex Makes it Easier to Buy Glasses with your HSA/FSA

For items not typically covered by your HSA or FSA, Flex simplifies the purchase process. Here’s how it works:

For pre-approved items: Pay with your HSA or FSA card, and Flex substantiates the purchase automatically, meaning you don't need to submit for reimbursement.

If the item falls outside standard guidelines, Flex will check your eligibility for a Letter of Medical Necessity.

Clear Vision, Clear Savings

Using your HSA or FSA for prescription glasses is beneficial financially due to the tax advantages, saving you 30 to 40% on purchases.