As you may know, a Flexible Spending Account, or FSA, is an account for you to set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for eligible medical, dental, and vision expenses. But did you know there are different types of FSA plans? The first is a Dependent Care FSA, which is ideal to ensure dependent care costs are taken care for either a child under the age of 13 or if a spouse/dependent is unable to care of themselves.
This plan works as long as both spouses or custodial parents are employed. From there, you can contribute up to $5,000 pre-tax dollars per calendar year to pay for expenses such as: day care (child & adult), summer day camp (nursery school & preschool) plus before and after school programs.
The second plan to note is a Healthcare FSA, which is more straightforward. This plan allows you to contribute up to $2,850 annually to pay for eligible medical, dental, prescription, and vision expenses not covered by insurance. With the Healthcare FSA, the entire contribution election is available from day one. All payroll contributions throughout the year will go towards covering that individual’s election.
To familiarize yourself with the different types of FSA plans, check here.