Potentially very stupid question about HSAs

[Irving Patrick Freleigh]

I have a health savings account through work. There's a decent amount of money in it, since I contribute to it in addition to what the company gives me every pay period.

Can this money be used to get an eye exam and new glasses? I looked it up and it said could be used for that "for medical reasons." I would assume "I need them to frickin' see" is a medical reason, but I just want to make sure. If the answer is yes, then I officially have no reason to be putting this off any longer.

Also, can that money be used for dental work like cleanings? I may have to have some other dental work done that I think would be covered.

[blas]

That's a good question, Irv.

We're starting HSAs next week. I will have to ask someone.

I know for sure I can pay for my Pills with the debit card, but I'm not sure if I can use it to pay for out of pocket expenses towards contacts or dental work.

All I do know is the deductible is twice the size of last year's.

[Mytical]

http://www.mfbhealth.com/value/hsa4.php

(From the above)
In general, you can spend tax-free from your Health Savings Account on all medical, prescription drugs, dental (including braces for your children) and vision expenses, chiropractic visits, and even acupuncture. To be a qualified medical expense, the expense has to be primarily for the prevention or alleviation of a physical or mental defect or illness. You can't use your HSA funds to pay your insurance premiums, unless you are unemployed and are collecting Federal unemployment benefits.

http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p502.pdf

[RecoveringKinkoid]

You probably can, but go down to HR and ask them to be sure.

[Seshat]

I can't see any sensible reason why not. That said, sometimes the rules for this like this aren't sensible.

[blas]

Do you get a debit card, Irv?

We're supposed to get debit cards, but we're all a little worried because the new insurance/HSA kicks in next week, and no one has gotten even their insurance cards yet

We were advised, ANYTHING that you use your HSA money for, keep receipts and in some sort of envelope just in case anything were to ever come back on you. I believe you need it for tax purposes as well.

Also, not sure if this is how yours works, but we cannot use our HSA funds to pay for anything that was done/processed BEFORE the new insurance year kicks in.

[BookstoreEscapee]

My company does a benefits seminar every year at open enrollment time and gives us all the info about the plans, HSAs, etc. The HSA stuff comes with a list of all the things you can (and can't) use it for. Ask your manager or HR if they can give you a list, or see if they have a website with all the information. They've gotta have some kind of documentation explaining it all for employees.