Don't let your 2026 FSA funds go to waste
Your benefits could help you see life differently.
If you have money remaining in a Flexible Spending Account, now is the time to check your plan's year-end rules.
Could those funds help pay for LASIK or another vision correction procedure?
Start by understanding your benefits and exploring which vision correction option, if any, is appropriate for your eyes.
Don't let a year-end deadline make the decision for you.
FSA and HSA funds can generally be used for qualified vision care, including eligible eye surgery. The important part is understanding how your particular account works—and giving yourself enough time to explore your options.
FSA and HSA funds don't follow the same year-end rules.
Both accounts can provide tax advantages for qualified healthcare expenses, but there is an important distinction when December approaches.
FSA
Flexible Spending Account funds may be subject to a year-end deadline. Depending on your employer's plan, unused money may be forfeited, carried over in a limited amount, or available during a grace period.
HSA
Health Savings Account balances generally roll over from year to year. There is no requirement to spend your existing HSA balance simply because the calendar year is ending.
If you have an FSA, check your plan now. Your employer's deadline and carryover rules—not simply December 31—determine how much time you have.
Can FSA or HSA funds be used for LASIK?
Qualified vision care can generally be paid for with FSA or HSA funds. IRS guidance includes eye examinations and eye surgery to treat defective vision, including laser eye surgery, among qualifying medical expenses.
That can make tax-advantaged healthcare funds an important consideration when planning vision correction.
Check your current FSA or HSA balance.
Confirm your account's eligible-expense requirements with your plan administrator or HSA provider.
Keep your itemized receipt and any other documentation your account requires.
Know the 2026 contribution limits.
The IRS sets annual limits for contributions to health FSAs and HSAs. For 2026, these are some of the numbers worth knowing.
Contribution limits and spending deadlines are different things. HSA balances generally carry forward. FSA rules depend on the employer's specific plan.
For FSA funds, when you receive care matters.
If your FSA plan year ends December 31, planning ahead is especially important.
Generally, an FSA expense is considered incurred when the medical care is provided—not simply when you pay for it. Paying a deposit during 2026 for surgery performed in 2027 generally does not turn the surgery into a 2026 FSA expense.
If you're hoping to use 2026 FSA funds for vision correction, start with your evaluation early enough to understand your candidacy, procedure options and available surgery dates.
Don't choose a procedure based on your benefits balance.
Having FSA or HSA funds available doesn't determine which vision correction procedure is right for you.
Your prescription, eye health, corneal anatomy, age, lifestyle and diagnostic testing all matter. That's why the process at Brinton Vision begins by evaluating your individual eyes.
The goal isn't to fit your eyes to a procedure. It's to determine which vision correction option, if any, fits your eyes.
Thinking about using your 2026 FSA or HSA funds?
A little planning now can give you more time to make an informed decision before the end of your plan year.
Check your balance.
Review how much is currently available in your FSA or HSA.
Review your plan rules.
Confirm your FSA deadline, carryover or grace-period provisions, and documentation requirements.
Schedule your Brinton Vision Ocular Analysis.
Find out whether you're a candidate for vision correction and which procedure may be appropriate for your eyes.
Discuss timing and payment.
If you hope to use 2026 FSA funds, ask about available procedure dates and options for any remaining balance.
Your benefits have a deadline.
Your decision shouldn't feel rushed.
Start by finding out what's possible for your eyes. A comprehensive Brinton Vision Ocular Analysis can help determine whether you're a candidate for modern vision correction and which option may be appropriate for you.
