I was just browsing around on drugstore.com and I noticed that they had a fat caliper / myotape combination that was advertised to be claimable on a flexible spending account. I got to looking and they advertise other things like the Polar A5 heart rate monitor to be as well.

I know many things can be claimed like prescriptions, OTC drugs, copayments on doctors visits, dental work, etc, but I didn't realize health devices like this could be. Of course I will check with my HR department tommorow, but this is awesome if they will allow it.

Just wanted to bring this to people's attention if they participate in an FSA program with their work, but also I was wondering if anyone had taken advantage of this with their own programs already.

Thanks. I don't have an FSA, but will get one for next year, adn it would be nice to buy things like this with it ;)

yeah, I saw that there the other day when I ordered nicotine patches*. how does it work? does it debit your FSA directly or is there some b-essy paperwork you have to send in? I've never set up a FSA but if it can be used for non-Rx stuff I might.

*been quit off the nasty things for a month as of today! :claplow: I mean, off cigarettes, not the patches.

Depends on how your plan is set up. Last year my plan was very conservative and you couldn't use the plan for over the counter drugs, cold medicines and things and you had to send in all your paperwork. This year you can buy any OTC stuff except for supplements :mad: , but they also give you a debit card which you can use at 99% of any drug store. So it's mega conveniant.

The nice thing is (at least with my account) that from day one, your account has the money for the whole year that you elected to deduct. So if you are only having $50 a pay check deducted you can still spend $500 on the first day. It's almost like a pre-tax credit card that you just do paycheck deduction to pay back.

I checked with my HR department and they said that our FSA did not cover things like fat calipers, but they would cover a heart rate monitor with a doctor's note. I am thinking that they think the heart rate monitor is for people with heart problems ... wonder how I can twist my doctor's arm hehe.

BTW, I think most smoking cessation products are also covered with FSA if they are not already covered by your insurance. My insurance covers up to $100 or something like that.