It's my first time signing up for one of these FSA cards which I didn't get to use, and ended the year with a bunch of money there so I'm wondering if it's even possible to spend it on "therapy".
Does anyone know?

Not unless the specific contract allows it.  Might be able to prepay a health club or atleast the sign up fee.

It can be often be used for eye glasses, dentist visits, some over the counter medical items like aspirins and bandaids, etc.

Check you documents.

Now that's quite an idea, paying for providers with pre-tax dollars.  

And you know what? Obamacare is such a clusterfuck you might just get away with it.

I seem to remember Barry saying "If you like your provider you can keep your provider, period!'.  

And his 2 liberal lackies, Harry and Nancy will preach the availability of subsidies.

Awesome!

I have not gone thru the contract yet, i do pay my Chiropractor with it and I was wondering if some LMT/RMT provider was bold enough to have a legal practice and take FSA dollars.  
Is that a stretch?

Wasnt Obamacare was based on Romneycare? I'm sure the pre tax benefits are plentiful there too, he really knows his way around the IRS

-- Modified on 12/9/2013 9:07:55 AM

It's possible but most FSA administrators will require either approval by a MD and/or a receipt for the therapy services. In the past you could buy OTC meds but that was eliminated by IRS. Your best bet is to get an eye exam and new eye glasses - reading or distance, stock up on any prescription meds including Viagra, and get your teeth cleaned or whitened.      

Jazzman speaks the truth. The last thing anyone wants is a paper trail. Not to mention your "therapist" potentially receiving a 1099.

Actually the right-wing Heritage Foundation came up with the basics of it and Romney picked it up. Strangely, they started hating the mandate once Obama picked it up.

First of all, chances are, you are required to save receipts and may be required to send them in, even if you pay with your flex debit card, for proof of correct use.

More importantly, whoever accepts that debit card will use a service for processing. Each business has a different sic code, and it is possible that your flex account only accept certain codes. Case in point:  I tried using my flex card years ago to pay for a dependent's braces at BU Dental. Even though it was a legit expense, the card was declined because the provider was classified as a school, and not a medical practice.

I suppose it is possible to find a provider that is properly licensed and able to take that card in payment, but my guess is that it will be a big stretch.

You can also use it for laser eye surgery, potentially hair transplant with Dr. Leonard, or some other medical use for something that may ail you.

States rights and federal rights.