Flex Spending?

So DH was asking me how much we should take out for flex spending for 2010 since his paperwork due next month. Anywho I have no idea what kind of "medical expenses" to expect with the baby due in June. Anyone have any idea? I think you can take out $5K max for flex. Should we request the full amt. and are diapers, formula, etc acceptable items for flex spending?

Re: Flex Spending?

dh's company should have a list of ALL items that are flex spending eligible...

drugstore.com usually lists whatever is FSA as well!

Re: Flex Spending?

I think it is different for everyone. The admin at your DH's company should have a list of what is covered and then try to figure it out from there. For us we put aside way too much (which is bad b/c then you lose it). For us the stuff you listed didn't qualify - only things like co-payments (for OB visits, ped visits etc. ) vitamin copayments etc. Also some of our classes were covered and some of the Breast Feeding stuff. But, I think that's about it...

Re: Flex Spending?

I do think it's different for everyone but here is the list DH got today. We are considering it as well.

Eligible Health Care Expenses
Although your medical and dental plans pay for many of your health-related expenses, not all health care bills are covered in full. Eligible health care expenses are those that are not covered by the health care plan. The expenses can be incurred by you, your spouse or your qualified dependents and include:

Medical and Dental


Deductibles
Coinsurance amounts
Co-payments, including co-payments for prescription drugs
Expenses not covered by your other health care plans
Routine physical exams
Braces and other orthodontia
Medicine or other drugs prescribed by a doctor, including dietary supplements and birth control items
Ambulance services or similar transportation for medical care
Non-prescription drugs with appropriate proof of purchase (must include product name, date and price)
Most vision expenses, including:


Eye exams
Eyeglasses
Contact lenses
Corrective vision procedures, such as RK, lasik and laser surgery
Supplies, such as saline and cleaning solution
Seeing Eye dogs
Most hearing expenses, including:


Hearing exams
Hearing aids
Counseling services, including:


Psychoanalysis
Psychiatric therapy
Learning disability counseling
Inpatient care and treatment for a mental or physical handicap
Treatment for drug abuse or alcoholism, including meals and lodging if necessary for treatment
Other services, including:


In-home nursing services if recommended by a doctor
Special medical equipment, such as wheelchairs, crutches, and orthopedic shoes needed because of a medical problem

Expenses That Are Not Eligible
You cannot use your health care spending account for certain expenses, such as:

Medical and Dental


Health plan premiums for you or your spouse
Any expense covered by a health care plan
Cosmetic treatment and related prescription drugs
Insurance premiums
Vitamins or dietary supplements that are not prescribed by a physician
Counseling services


Marriage or family counseling
Maternity expenses


Charges by a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) who cares for your healthy newborn child
Maternity clothes, diaper services and related items
Miscellaneous expenses


Funeral and burial expenses
Household or domestic help, even if advised by your doctor
Custodial care in an institution
Any expenses incurred in connection with an illegal operation or treatment
Cosmetics, toiletries and toothpaste
Vitamins taken for general health purposes
Meals and lodging while away from home for medical treatment or for the relief of a specific health condition
Transportation expenses to and from work, even though a physical condition may require special transportation
Physical fitness expenses, such as health club, YMCA, or similar dues
Social activities, such as dance lessons or classes, even if advised by your doctor
Bottled water


I guess the most important thing to consider is what level of insurance you have and how much will not be covered. Will you have a copy for each of your ob visits and DC's well visits? Will you be responsible for any of your delivery expenses?


ETA - I tried to bold the subheadings but had difficulty. Make sure you notice half way through the list it changes to things not covered!

Message edited 10/20/2009 9:01:23 PM.

Re: Flex Spending?

You can increase the amount in June when the baby is born because it is a life event. I'd recommend not doing the max just yet and then gauging it in June and increasing then.

Diapers and formula were not covered under my FSA.