5 Ways to Use Your HSA
A Health Savings Account (HSA) is an awesome benefit that can help you save money and plan ahead for medical expenses. Money can be deducted from your paycheck before taxes are taken out, so your taxable income is less, and that money is tucked aside for health-related expenses that you can use anytime in your lifetime.
Wondering the best ways to use your HSA dollars? Here are a few good ways to spend your hard-earned money.
Copays and visit expenses
When you arrive at an appointment and are asked to make a copay, pull out your HSA card right away! These costs can add up over the year, so using your HSA is a great way to pay – HSAs are accepted for most telehealth visits, too.
Over the Counter Medications
Most of the over-the-counter medications you use throughout the year are HSA eligible. During your pharmacy trips for things like pain relievers, antacids, decongestants, and cough drops, use your HSA to save.
Don’t forget your allergy symptom-relievers, too, like antihistamines, allergy eye drops, skin creams, and other items you need to feel your best during your allergy season.
Eye Care
If you have a prescription for eyewear, you can use your HSA to cover the cost of glasses, prescription sunglasses, and contact lenses. Other items like eye drops, contact lens solution, and the cost of an eye exam are also acceptable purchases for your HSA.
First Aid
Be prepared for unexpected mishaps and stock up on first aid items for those “just in case” moments. You can buy a pre-made first aid kit or make your own with some commonly needed items like bandages, antiseptic, gauze and alcohol wipes. Grab these items, and more, with your HSA to be prepared for when unexpected injuries inevitably occur.
Allergy Drop Immunotherapy
One thing you may not know can be covered by your HSA is allergy drop immunotherapy. Like other therapies – think acupuncture and chiropractic care – your insurance may not cover the cost, so using your HSA is a great way to do it affordably.
Allergy drop immunotherapy following The La Crosse Method™ Protocol treats the cause of allergies by slowly introducing the body to the allergens that make you sick. An allergy skin or blood test will determine the specific level of sensitivity to allergens, and allergy drops are then made custom to each patient based on their test results.
Over time, the strength of allergens in the drops is safely increased, and the body becomes more tolerant of exposures to them. The goal is that within three to five years, the body will learn to no longer react to the allergens when exposed in the real world – reducing reactions and symptoms.
To start allergy drop treatment, find a clinician near you that offers treatment following The La Crosse Method.