National Eye Exam Month: Schedule Your Eye Exam and Maximize Your Benefits

National Eye Exam Month: Schedule Your Eye Exam and Maximize Your Benefits

August is National Eye Exam Month, making it the ideal time to schedule your annual eye exam and check in on your overall eye health. While many people only think about visiting an eye doctor when their vision changes, routine eye exams do much more than update your prescription. They can help detect early signs of vision problems, eye diseases, and even certain health conditions before symptoms become noticeable.

If you’ve been putting off your appointment, consider this your friendly reminder: your eyes deserve attention, and you may already have benefits available to help cover the cost.

Why Annual Eye Exams Matter

Your eyes can reveal important clues about your overall health. Comprehensive eye exams can help identify:

  • Changes in vision and prescription needs
  • Glaucoma
  • Cataracts
  • Macular degeneration
  • Diabetic eye disease
  • High blood pressure-related eye issues

Many eye conditions develop slowly and without obvious symptoms. Regular exams can help catch concerns early, when treatment is often most effective.

Don’t Leave Your Benefits on the Table

Many employees have access to tax-advantaged healthcare accounts that can help pay for eligible vision expenses. If you participate in a:

Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

FSAs allow you to set aside pre-tax dollars for qualified healthcare expenses, including many vision-related services and products.

Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA)

HRAs are employer-funded accounts that may reimburse eligible medical and vision expenses based on your plan’s guidelines.

Health Savings Account (HSA)

HSAs help individuals with qualified high-deductible health plans save pre-tax money for eligible healthcare expenses, including many vision care costs.

Using these accounts can help reduce your out-of-pocket costs while maximizing the benefits you’re already enrolled in.

Vision Expenses That May Be Eligible

Depending on your plan and eligibility requirements, your FSA, HRA, or HSA may be used for:

✅ Routine eye exams
✅ Prescription eyeglasses
✅ Prescription sunglasses
✅ Contact lenses and contact lens solutions
✅ Lens upgrades and coatings
✅ Certain vision correction procedures

Always review your specific plan details or consult your benefits administrator for eligibility guidelines.

Five Reasons to Schedule Your Eye Exam This Month

1. Protect Your Long-Term Eye Health

Routine exams help identify potential concerns before they become bigger problems.

2. Update Your Prescription

If you’ve noticed headaches, eye strain, or blurred vision, an updated prescription could make a significant difference.

3. Improve Productivity

Clear vision can help reduce fatigue and improve focus, whether you’re working in the office or remotely.

4. Take Advantage of Available Benefits

You’ve earned these benefits. Using them wisely helps maximize their value.

5. Avoid Year-End Rushes

Scheduling early can help you avoid crowded appointment calendars later in the year, especially as benefit deadlines approach.

A Simple Benefits Checkup

As you’re thinking about your eye health, take a few minutes to:

  • Review your vision coverage
  • Check your FSA, HRA, or HSA balance
  • Confirm eligible vision expenses
  • Schedule an eye exam
  • Plan for any needed eyewear purchases

Small steps today can help you maintain healthy vision and make the most of your healthcare dollars.

See Clearly, Spend Smartly

National Eye Exam Month is more than a reminder to update your prescription, it’s an opportunity to invest in your overall health and take advantage of benefits that support your well-being. Schedule your eye exam, review your FSA, HRA, or HSA funds, and make your vision a priority this month.

Your future self will thank you for seeing the value in preventive care. 👓✨

Maximize Your Dependent Care FSA During Back-to-School Season

Maximize Your Dependent Care FSA During Back-to-School Season

As families settle into new school routines, many parents are focused on supply lists, sports schedules, and transportation logistics. But back-to-school season is also a great time to revisit your Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (DCFSA) and make sure you’re taking advantage of the tax savings it offers.

A Dependent Care FSA allows you to use pre-tax dollars to pay for eligible child care expenses, helping reduce your overall out-of-pocket costs throughout the school year.

Eligible Back-to-School Expenses

If the care allows you to work or look for work, your DCFSA may be used for expenses such as:

  • Before-school care
  • After-school programs
  • Babysitters or nannies
  • Preschool or nursery school
  • Day camps during school breaks

These everyday child care expenses can add up quickly, making your DCFSA a valuable budgeting tool.

Expenses That Typically Don’t Qualify

While a DCFSA can help with many child care costs, it generally cannot be used for:

  • School tuition (kindergarten and above)
  • School supplies
  • Tutoring
  • Sports or extracurricular fees
  • Overnight camps

Be sure to review your plan’s guidelines for specific eligibility requirements.

Tips to Maximize Your Savings

Estimate Your Child Care Costs

Review your upcoming school-year expenses and ensure your contributions align with your expected needs.

Keep Your Documentation

Save receipts and records from care providers to make reimbursements easy and hassle-free.

Submit Claims Regularly

Don’t wait until year-end. Submitting claims throughout the year helps you stay organized and avoid missing deadlines.

Know Your Plan Rules

Many plans have use-it-or-lose-it provisions, so understanding your deadlines is key to maximizing your benefits.

Make the Most of Back-to-School Season

While you’re preparing your child for a successful school year, take a few minutes to review your Dependent Care FSA. Using pre-tax dollars for eligible child care expenses can help lower your taxable income and provide meaningful savings throughout the year.

A little planning now can help your family get the most value from this important workplace benefit.

Top 5 HSA/FSA-Eligible Items to Buy for Back-to-School Season

Top 5 HSA/FSA-Eligible Items to Buy for Back-to-School Season

As families prepare for a new school year, most shopping lists focus on notebooks, backpacks, and lunch boxes. But your Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) can help you save on important health-related essentials that students use throughout the year.

Here are the top five HSA/FSA-eligible items to add to your back-to-school shopping list and maximize your healthcare dollars.

1. First Aid Kits and Supplies

Be Prepared for Everyday School-Year Bumps and Scrapes

From playground mishaps to sports practices, accidents happen. A well-stocked first aid kit can help you handle minor injuries quickly, and many first aid supplies are HSA/FSA eligible.

Eligible first aid essentials include:

  • Adhesive bandages
  • Antiseptic wipes
  • Antibiotic ointments
  • Gauze pads and tape
  • Digital thermometers

Why it’s a smart buy: Keep a kit at home, in the car, and in your student’s backpack to stay prepared wherever the day takes them.

👉 Shop HSA/FSA-Eligible First Aid Kits and Supplies

2. Over-the-Counter Medications

Stock Up Before Cold and Flu Season

The start of the school year often means increased exposure to germs. Thanks to the CARES Act, many over-the-counter medications can be purchased using HSA/FSA funds without a prescription.

Popular eligible products include:

  • Pain relievers
  • Cold and flu medications
  • Cough suppressants
  • Fever reducers
  • Digestive health remedies

Why it’s a smart buy: Having these essentials readily available can save time and reduce unnecessary trips to the pharmacy.

👉 Shop HSA/FSA-Eligible Over-the-Counter Medications

3. Contact Lenses and Contact Lens Solution

A Must-Have for Students Who Wear Contacts

Vision care costs can add up quickly during the school year. Fortunately, contact lenses and contact lens care products are typically HSA/FSA eligible.

Eligible vision expenses may include:

  • Contact lenses
  • Contact lens solution
  • Contact lens cases
  • Prescription eyeglasses
  • Eye exams

Why it’s a smart buy: Using pre-tax dollars for vision expenses can significantly reduce annual costs for families.

👉 Shop HSA/FSA-Eligible Contact Lenses and Contact Lens Solution

4. Sunscreen

Protect Students During Outdoor Activities

School may be back in session, but outdoor sports, recess, and after-school activities continue throughout the fall. Broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher is generally HSA/FSA eligible.

Look for:

  • Broad-spectrum protection
  • SPF 15 or higher
  • FDA-regulated sunscreen products

Why it’s a smart buy: Sunscreen helps protect against sunburn and long-term skin damage, making it an important year-round health essential.

👉 Shop HSA/FSA-Eligible Sunscreen

5. Allergy Relief Products

Help Students Stay Focused and Comfortable

Seasonal allergies can make it difficult for students to concentrate in class or participate in extracurricular activities. Many over-the-counter allergy medications qualify for HSA/FSA reimbursement.

Eligible allergy products may include:

  • Antihistamines
  • Allergy tablets
  • Nasal sprays
  • Allergy eye drops
  • Sinus relief medications

Why it’s a smart buy: Keeping allergy relief products on hand can help students manage symptoms and stay focused throughout the school year.

👉 Shop HSA/FSA-Eligible Allergy Relief Products

Back-to-school shopping isn’t just about supplies for the classroom. It’s also the perfect time to stock up on health essentials that can support your family’s wellness throughout the school year. By using your HSA or FSA funds on eligible items like first aid supplies, OTC medications, contact lens care products, sunscreen, and allergy relief products, you can make the most of your pre-tax healthcare dollars while keeping your students healthy, comfortable, and ready to learn.

👉 Click here to shop all HSA/FSA-eligible products and complete your back-to-school checklist.

Is a Health FSA Subject to COBRA? Understanding COBRA Requirements for Health Flexible Spending Accounts

Is a Health FSA Subject to COBRA? Understanding COBRA Requirements for Health Flexible Spending Accounts

If your company offers a Health Flexible Spending Account (Health FSA), you may be wondering whether employees who leave the company must be offered COBRA continuation coverage. The short answer is yes, in most cases. However, Health FSAs have special COBRA rules that can make compliance much easier than it is for medical plans.

What Is a Health FSA?

A Health FSA allows employees to set aside money from their paycheck on a pre-tax basis to pay for eligible healthcare expenses.

For example, an employee might elect to contribute $2,000 for the year and use those funds for medical expenses such as copays, prescriptions, or deductibles.

Does COBRA Apply to a Health FSA?

Generally, yes. A Health FSA is considered a group health plan, which means it is usually subject to COBRA requirements.

This means employers must:

  • Provide COBRA notices when required.
  • Offer continuation coverage after certain qualifying events, such as termination of employment.
  • Follow COBRA administration rules.

However, most Health FSAs qualify for special rules that limit an employer’s COBRA obligations.

When Can a Health FSA Use the Special COBRA Rules?

A Health FSA can receive special COBRA treatment if:

1. Employees Cannot Receive More Than They Elect

The maximum amount available under the Health FSA cannot be more than:

  • Twice the employee’s annual contribution, or
  • The employee’s contribution plus $500, if greater.

Most traditional Health FSAs meet this requirement.

2. Employees Have Access to Major Medical Coverage

Employees eligible for the Health FSA must also be eligible for your company’s major medical plan.

This requirement is usually easy to satisfy if both benefits are offered to the same employees.

3. COBRA Premiums Cover the Cost of the Benefit

The cost of COBRA coverage must generally be equal to or greater than the maximum benefit available under the Health FSA.

Most employee-funded Health FSAs meet this rule automatically.

What Are the Benefits of the Special COBRA Rules?

If your Health FSA meets these requirements, you may be able to:

End COBRA at the End of the Plan Year

Unlike medical coverage, which may continue for up to 18 months or longer, Health FSA COBRA coverage can typically end when the current plan year ends.

Skip COBRA for “Overspent” Accounts

You do not have to offer COBRA if the employee has already used most or all of their Health FSA funds.

For example:

  • Annual Health FSA election: $2,000
  • Claims already reimbursed: $1,900
  • Remaining balance: $100

If the employee would need to pay more than $100 in COBRA premiums for the rest of the year, the account is considered overspent, and COBRA generally does not have to be offered.

Key Takeaway

Most Health FSAs are subject to COBRA, but they usually qualify for special rules that reduce the employer’s responsibilities. In many cases, COBRA coverage only needs to be offered through the end of the plan year, and coverage may not be required at all for employees who have already spent most of their Health FSA funds.

By understanding these rules, employers can stay compliant while avoiding unnecessary COBRA administration.

Source: Thomson Reuters

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