Each year, you can use the funds you set aside in your FSA to pay for hundreds of eligible expenses for yourself and your eligible dependents. But before you pay, make sure you know the rules, who's covered — and what's covered. The IRS regulations are extensive, but the basic rules are clear:

Who's covered?
Yourself, your spouse, and any children or other individuals you can claim as dependents on your tax return.

Proof of expense
To validate an eligible expense for the IRS, you must be able to provide appropriate third-party proof that you incurred it - such as a provider receipt, invoice, payment contract, or an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) from your health plan. This document must show the name of the qualified individual who received the service or purchase for any expense other than over-the-counter items. (Although because of the new 2011 Health Care Reform Law, some OTC items require a doctor's prescription). A debit card receipt by itself is not sufficient.

What's eligible?
Expenses for health care: Generally, services and products that are medically necessary to treat a specific condition are considered eligible health care expenses. Cosmetic or non-medical expenses are not eligible.

Expenses for dependent care: These typically include care provided for your qualifying child (under age 13) or other qualifying dependent, while you work or to enable you to work. Your care provider must meet state and local laws and provide his/her Social Security or Tax ID number.

FSA Health Care Expenses List
FSA Dependent Care Expenses List