Taking care of your health can be tough when you’re busy with work, family and other commitments. But, you owe it to yourself to make time for checkups, diagnostic tests, screenings and immunizations, so that you can feel your best and be better prepared to handle whatever comes your way in life.
Here are five ways your WageWorks® Healthcare Flexible Spending Account (FSA) can help you and your family be proactive about staying healthy:
- Set your sights on better health. 11 million people over the age of 12 require vision correction, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But, eye doctors do much more than write prescriptions for new contact lenses. Eye examinations are an important part of general physical maintenance, as ophthalmologists also evaluate your eyes for early signs of eye disease, which can be an indicator of overall health. Eligible FSA expenses include: eye exams, new eye glasses, contact lenses, laser eye surgery and prescription sunglasses.
- Get screened. Recommended screening tests allow doctors to check for diseases before symptoms appear—and early diagnosis can make certain diseases easier to treat. Ask your doctor about what’s recommended for your age, gender and medical history.
- Flash those pearly whites. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to dental hygiene and treatments, but most dentists recommend twice a year dental cleanings. Regular dental visits can prevent problems that aren’t yet visible or causing pain, such as cavities and gum disease. Take a bite out of your pre-tax FSA dollars to make dental care a priority. Eligible FSA expenses include: teeth cleanings, dental X-rays, root canals and dentures.
- Heal those aches and pains. The bad news: An estimated 25 million people have chronic pain. The good news: You can use your FSA for treatment options to try to alleviate pain you may have. Physical therapy, acupuncture and chiropractic services are all FSA eligible expenses, as well as many pain relief products, such as hot/cold therapy packs, acupressure mats and arthritis gloves.
- Stop and hear the music. Hearing loss is a major public health issue—the third most common physical condition behind arthritis and heart disease. According to the Hearing Loss Association of America, 20 percent of Americans—64 million people—report some degree of hearing loss. If you’re concerned that your hearing has changed, you may want to be tested for hearing loss. Eligible FSA expenses include: hearing exams and hearing aid devices and batteries.
Remember, some expenses require a doctor's note or prescription to be eligible for reimbursement under your Healthcare FSA. View this searchable list of eligible expenses and make your health a priority. You deserve it.