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A Note to the Medical Flex Powers that Be.

Dearest Medical Flex Karma:

I have come to realize, that my family's health is directly correlated with the amount of money I set aside for you.

When I set aside a small amount, you make sure to slam my family with every medical ailment from mysterious illnesses to more mysterious illnesses. I can rest assured, that if I set aside a small amount of Med Flex money, we will be hit. We will be ill. We will need stitches and crutches and casts and medicine.

On the flip side, oh *insert sarcasm here* lovely Med Flex Karma, if I set aside a large amount of money (certain that it will be used up based on the previous year's, obviously, too small amount) I can bet on health.

No runny noses, no broken skin, no trip after trip after stinkin' trip to the doctor for the same. dang. undiagnosable illness. Health. Which, don't get me wrong, is FABULOUS!

Only, dear Med Flex "use it or lose it" rules...I'VE GOTTA USE UP MY MONEY WITHIN TWO MONTHS!!!

Hello chiropractic services, eye exams for the Mr. right on down the babe, physicals...we'll be seein' you soon.

All my love,


Comments

  1. Go to the dermatologist too! Those visits can get really pricey so if you have money left over, take care of the warts, moles, or acne while you have the money to spend! I know if I meet my deductible (meaning every thing after that is free), I will be seeing mine. :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. my mom always stocked up on weird medical stuff at the end of every year; we'd have loads of advil, toothbrushes and bandaids just to get every last bit of that flex account dollar.

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  3. OK there is a trick to this...be AWARE THAT in 2011 FSA/HSA accounts will require documentation/ prescriptions for ALL OTC items PAID FOR WITH FSA/HSA accounts, even if an Rx is not required to obtain the OTC item. (Get ready for FSA changes: IRS issues regs for 2011 OTC drug reimbursements/OTC drugs are still FSA reimbursable expenses, but beginning in 2011 that applies only if the medications are prescribed by a doctor. I guess that sort of make them quasi-prescription meds.) Effective January 1, 2011, the list of items that will require a prescription includes, but is not limited to acne medicine; allergy
    medicine; cough, cold & flu medicine; eye drops; indigestion medicine; laxatives; nasal sprays, drops; ointment for cuts, burns,
    rashes; pain relievers.
    Items that will remain eligible without a prescription include, but are not limited to band aids, birth control, braces & supports,
    contact lens solutions & supplies, elastic bandages & wraps, and reading glasses.

    SEE IRS pub 2010-59...http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/n-10-59.pdf
    http://hr.vanderbilt.edu/benefits/documents/OTC.Changes.for.2011.pdf


    Second, if you don't know it LEARN it become very familiar with IRS publication 502
    http://www.irs.gov/publications/p502/ar01.html
    this outlines what is covered and what isn't covered and is still a good rule of thumb.

    There are loop holes: not covered gym membership...covered personal trainer if used to lose weight and weight loss is Dr prescribed and monitored. Not covered vitamins, VITAMINS are covered if dr prescribed and dr will write an RX with diagnoses codes. Massage NOT COVERED, medical Massage at Rehab center or Chiropractor COVERED....Special food for diets NOT COVERED, unless "it is a treatment for a specific disease diagnosed by a physician (such as obesity, hypertension, or heart disease). This includes fees you pay for membership in a weight reduction group as well as fees for attendance at periodic meetings. You cannot include membership dues in a gym, health club, or spa as medical expenses, but you can include separate fees charged there for weight loss activities."

    Learn IRS PUB 502 its your best friend.

    I had weight loss surgery in 2007, I also have had ear problems since birth. I put in the max amount into FSA each year and get it ALL out even years I don't have surgery or other major things...you have to learn how to "play the game".

    All copays are covered, all vistits and most dental work is covered...if in doubt call your FSA provider they will also help.

    LaDonna @ http://serendipitouslyfrog.blogspot.com

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  4. I hear you loud and clear ...FLEX plans are lame they should roll over

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  5. Ditto. Last year, I ran to the eye dr & got some expensive glasses 'cus we were shy $400. Seems crazy.

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  6. I know! Isn't it frustrating! I wish companies would go to the savings account type plans where either you cash it out or it rolls over if you don't use it.

    Good luck with figuring it out. We're going with the same amount as last year even though we went over. Just doesn't make sense.

    ReplyDelete
  7. This sounds like a nightmare! What in the heck kind of insurance is that? We have a deductable then only pay 20% after that. It's expensive and I hate it, but that sounds like more of a pain.

    ReplyDelete

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