CONEXIS Quarterly Banner

Q1 2012

Date of Publication: January 18, 2012

BUY THIS, NOT THAT

What's on your list of New Year's resolutions? If you want to save money, make your health FSA a priority and learn about the hundreds of eligible expenses you can spend your FSA dollars on. That way you'll maximize your FSA funds throughout the year.

Purchase Eligible Expenses

Avoid Ineligible Expenses

Co-pays, co-insurance, and deductibles

Insurance premiums

Qualified medical procedures and services

Cosmetic surgery and procedures

Dental exams, cleanings, X-rays, fillings, and crowns

Toothpaste, dental floss, teeth whitening strips, and cosmetic procedures

Vision exams, prescription eyeglasses, contact lenses, and solutions

Personal use items including lotion,   hand sanitizer, and deodorant

Prescription drugs

Prescriptions from another country

Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines prescribed by a doctor

Over-the-counter medicines not prescribed by a doctor

Band-Aids, gauze, and first aid kits

Feminine hygiene products

Breast pumps and breastfeeding supplies

Baby food, formula, and diapers


You can use your health FSA dollars toward eligible expenses that you pay for out of your pocket when you, your spouse, or eligible dependents get medical care. The IRS says that this includes "items and services that are meant to diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat, or prevent illness or disease."

However, items or services that are meant for cosmetic, personal, or general health purposes are ineligible expenses. You can't use your health FSA funds for those products or services - things like makeup, soap, perfume, and other ineligible products and services.

Details Required from Your Doctor

Some expenses are trickier than others, such as those that have a dual purpose and can be used to maintain general health as well as treat a health condition. Examples of dual-purpose expenses include vitamins, herbal supplements, massage therapy, and weight-loss programs. These potentially eligible expenses require your doctor to complete our Medical Determination Form, which can be downloaded from your online account.

Over-the-counter medicines are only eligible expenses if a doctor prescribes them. Either you'll need to give the written or electronic prescription to a pharmacist who will dispense the OTC medicine like a traditional prescription, or you can purchase the OTC medicine and submit the prescription along with your reimbursement request. This only applies to OTC medicines (except insulin). OTC health care-related products, such as thermometers and bandages, are eligible expenses without a prescription.

Log Your Mileage

Were you aware that mileage to and from your medical services is an eligible health FSA expense? In 2012, the mileage reimbursement rate is 23 cents per mile. Simply keep track of your miles and then submit a reimbursement request.

Helpful Information

Knowing about eligible FSA expenses will help you stretch your FSA savings. Learn more by reviewing our expenses guide.

FSA TIP

Make it a habit to routinely visit your CONEXIS online account. Log in and you'll have instant access to your account balance, status of your reimbursement requests, answers to frequently asked questions, and much more. It's easy to find forms and submit your claims online.

And say goodbye to waiting on reimbursement checks when you sign up for direct deposit through your online account. Not only will you get immediate reimbursement, but you will also help reduce paper waste that impacts our environment.

CONEXIS Quarterly Subheader

BENEFIT FROM LOSING

Losing weight has benefits - both to your health and your wallet. Weight loss can help reduce your cholesterol, lower the odds of developing type 2 diabetes, and decrease your risk of heart disease. And reducing your risk for chronic diseases may help you save on health care expenses. So start shedding a few pounds with these easy-to-do tips:

Get moving. Find 30 minutes throughout the day to do some sort of physical activity. Walk the dog around the block. Take the stairs at work. Park a few spaces farther away than you normally do. Just work in time for some exercise.
Strive for five. Add more fruit and vegetables to your diet and make five servings your daily goal. Try sliced bananas in your cereal or oatmeal. Add lettuce and tomatoes to your sandwich. Chop up more fresh veggies when you make a salad. Grab a piece of fruit for an afternoon snack.
Think small. Small steps can make a big difference. Eat smaller portions. Serve your meals on smaller plates. Even use smaller dessert forks instead of larger dinner forks.
Find a buddy. Losing weight can be easier when a friend or loved one has the same goal. Go on walks together. When dining out, share an entree. Encourage each other throughout your weight-loss journey.

Be sure to talk to your doctor about what your ideal weight should be. Weight-loss programs, gym memberships, and exercise equipment can potentially be eligible health FSA expenses if recommended by your doctor to treat or prevent a chronic condition like those mentioned above. If weight loss is recommended, ask your doctor to complete a Medical Determination Form - it's one of the forms in your online account.

Source: U.S. Department of Health & Human Services

CONEXIS Logo

877.CONEXIS   |  WWW.CONEXIS.COM

©2012 CONEXIS Benefits Administrators, LP. All Rights Reserved. CONEXIS is a Word & Brown Company.

This email was sent from an unmonitored email address. While we cannot receive replies at this email address, we're happy to help you with any questions or concerns you may have. Please log in to your account at mybenefits.conexis.com and visit the "Contact Us" page for more information.

CONEXIS does not offer medical, legal, accounting, or other professional advice. If you need additional guidance, please contact your doctor, attorney, or tax advisor.

CONEXIS uses reasonable efforts to ensure that the information provided in this document is accurate as of the date of publication.

No part of this publication may be reprinted without the written permission of CONEXIS.

View our Email Privacy Policy | Unsubscribe