Hello and

welcome to Moneygirls quick and dirty tips for a richer life.

Today's topic, how to make the most of your Flex Spending Account.

Jody in Illinois emailed me with this question.

Is the Flexible Spending Account offered through work really worth using.

Are dental prescription and vision costs included or is that up to my employer?

Thanks for the question, Jody.

A flexible spending account is a benefit many U.S. employers offer.

The account allows you to pay for eligible medical, dental, and vision expenses with before tax money.

If you expect to have medical, dental, and vision expenses in the year ahead that won't be covered by your health insurance,

it's a smart idea to pay for them out of a flex spending account if your employer offers one. Medical,

Prescription, Dental, and Vision Costs are all eligible for a Flex

account. Anything that the IRS considers a deductible medical

expenses eligible if it's not reimbursed by your health insurance.

Some examples of eligible expenses include acupuncture treatments, crutches, braces, laser eye surgery, fertility treatments,

deductibles, co-pays, and fees that are more than the amount covered by your

insurance.

Even some everyday over-the-counter things such as Contact Lens solutions are eligible.

If you'd like to see the complete list of eligible expenses,

go to the end of the transcript for this episode at quick and dirty tips.

I've posted a link there to the IRS publication that gives the complete list.

Afflict spending account

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