A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is a benefit account that allows you to set aside money to cover eligible medical expenses on a pre-tax basis. The money is deducted from your paycheck before taxes are assessed. As a result, people save on medical costs covered by the flexible spending account.

Money in your FSA account can be used to cover healthcare costs for you, your spouse and any dependents that you claim on your federal tax return.

Flexible Spending Accounts are offered through employers for the benefit of their employees. If your employer offers an FSA, you can elect to have a set dollar amount withheld from your paycheck during each pay period. The total amount of money that you commit each year becomes available on the very first day of your plan year. As an example, if you choose to put $1,000 in your FSA during the year, and your plan year starts in January, you could use all $1,000 to cover medical expenses that are performed after January 1.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) places a limit on the amount of money that you can place in an FSA account every year. For 2021, the limit is $2,750 for single filers and $5,000 for married couples filing joint tax returns.

Depending upon your employer’s rules, you may also use your FSA from a previous year in the current. These options are known as the “grace” period or “carryover”. Please consult your employer’s benefit information as to which option may be available to you.

You can use funds in an FSA to cover the cost of medical, dental and vision copays, coinsurance, and deductibles for eligible medical services (office exams, procedures, hospitalizations, physical therapy, chiropractic care, acupuncture, and prescription drugs). In addition, many over-the-counter healthcare items like medications, bandages, home health monitors and activity trackers may be paid by a FSA account. Please see your employer or FSA administrator for a complete list of covered expenses.

Without a prescription, you can use funds in your FSA account to cover the costs of the following products:

• Athletic and orthopedic braces and supports
• Breast pumps and accessories
• Blood glucose monitors and testing strips
• Blood pressure monitors
• Condoms
• Contact lenses and supplies
• Denture cream and cleansers
• Eye drops
• First aid supplies and kits
• Glucosamine supplements
• Hot and cold packs
• Incontinence products
• Nasal spray
• Pregnancy and fertility tests
• Prenatal vitamins
• Reading glasses
• Shoe insoles and inserts
• Sunscreens with SPF ratings of 15 and above
• Thermometers
• Vaporizers and inhalers
• Walking aids and wheelchairs

Previously, only prescribed over-the-counter medicines and drugs were eligible for reimbursement with Flexible Spending Accounts. With the CARES Act, reimbursement of over-the-counter medicines and drugs with or without a prescription, which were incurred as of January 1, 2020 or later, are eligible for reimbursement through an FSA account. Please note the CARES Act is a temporary modification to the FSA rules regarding reimbursements.

There are also new categories that are eligible for reimbursement without a prescription:

• Allergy & Sinus
• Antacids
• Cough, Cold & Flu
• Feminine Care
• Laxatives
• Pain Relief
• Stop Smoking

Yes, FSA cards may be used at Schnucks locations.

No, right now, FSA cards cannot be used on SchnucksDelivers.com orders.

When shopping in store or online, you can use an FSA debit card to purchase eligible items. The total eligible amount will automatically be deducted from your FSA balance. You can also save, email, or print out and submit your purchase confirmation page or receipt to your FSA account administrator for reimbursement.

Please see your employer or FSA administrator regarding whether a grace period or carryover option is available to rollover FSA funds into the next year.

For additional information about Flexible Spending Accounts, please contact your employer or FSA plan administrator.