This article provides a comprehensive guide to finding and purchasing FSA-eligible products at Walmart. Learn how to make the most of your Flexible Spending Account while shopping for health and wellness items at this popular retailer.
FSA helps you save some amount from your paycheck for healthcare costs without being taxed. The maximum you can keep in the account is $2750, and you can use it to pay for medical expenses and over-the-counter medicines.
Walmart has made it easy for customers to identify items they can buy with their FSA cover. When you open the Walmart page and search FSA, you will get FSA-eligible items grouped into different categories. Here is all the information you may need regarding how to find FSA-eligible items at Walmart.
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How Do You Use FSA Dollars?
You can use your FSA dollars in two different ways. The first method is using it when shopping in-store, and then you pay for the eligible items with your FSA card when checking out.
The second way of using your FSA dollars is when you buy qualified items and then claim for repayment. You will take the receipt to your insurance company to claim reimbursement for the amount you spent.
What Products Are FSA Eligible at Walmart?
There are numerous health and medical products that are FSA-eligible at Walmart. They are grouped into various categories for easy access. Here are some of the categories on the website.
- Medical
- Vitamins and supplements
- First aid
- Diabetes management
- Personal care
- Home Health
- Babycare
- Mobility aids
- Pain relievers
- Incontinence
- Eye and ear
How Do You Pay for FSA Items on Walmart's Website?
Unfortunately, Walmart online shopping is yet to recognize FSA cards as a legitimate mode of payment. The only option is to pay for your purchase using a credit card, debit, or gift card and then present your receipts to your plan administrator. The insurance company will manage all the reimbursement procedures. Ensure you keep all the receipts to claim payment.
How Do You Use FSA In-Store at Walmart?
You can use your FSA debit card the way you use any other debit card in-store.
- After shopping, scan all your shopping, including the FSA-eligible items, at the checkout.
- Swipe your FSA debit card.
- Next, the system will automatically deduct the value of all the FSA-eligible items based on their ID numbers.
- You will have to pay for other items not eligible for FSA with other means of payment such as cash, debit, or credit card.
The good thing about shopping with your card at Walmart is that you do not have to stress about what items could be eligible for. The system will automatically identify those in the FSA category.
How Do You Get Reimbursed After Buying FSA Items Online at Walmart?
Since you cannot pay with your FSA card when shopping at Walmart, You will have to apply for the repayment after using your credit or debit card. Submit the purchase receipt and a printed or online reimbursement form to get compensation for FSA-eligible items.
Adhere to all the email instructions to ease the refunding process. Once the funds are available, the insurance will inform you through an email. Submit the needed receipts and documents, and you will receive the repayment. FSA policies may restrict the days you can use your FSA dollars annually.
What Happens to Your Money if You Don't Use All Your FSA Dollars?
You don't have to lose hope when the year ends, and you still have FSA savings to use. Some policies allow you to carry forward up to $500 to the following year. Some also give you an additional two months and 15 days to use all the year's savings.
However, you automatically lose your balance if you have not used your funds within the grace period. Also, in a policy where the insurance carries forward a maximum of $500, you will lose the balance if the amount remaining in your savings is greater than the $500.
What Insurance Companies Offer FSA?
Numerous insurance companies offer FSA plans. Do not assume all insurance companies provide the service. Call your insurance administrator to confirm if they offer an FSA plan. Here are a few companies known to offer FSA.
- Cigna
- UnitedHealthcare
- Humana
- Aetna
Can I Use My FSA Card to Buy Groceries?
Unfortunately, you cannot use the FSA card to buy groceries or other food purchases. However, you can use it for some nutrition-related services and products. The products you buy should have a medical purpose.
IRS defines it as the cost of cure, diagnosis, prevention of disease, cure or mitigation, and the cost of treating any part of your body. Furthermore, the primary purpose of your purchase should be to prevent or relieve mental or physical illnesses or defects, not to feed you.
Are Tampons and Pads FSA Eligible?
Yes, tampons and pads are now reclassified as medical expenses, making them eligible for FSA funds.
What Other Payment Methods Does Walmart Accept?
Walmart accepts several other payment methods apart from FSA cars. Here is a list of payment methods you can use at Walmart.
Debit cards ( MasterCard, Visa.)
CapitalOne Walmart credit cards
- Credit cards (Discover, AmericanExpress, )
- EBT (excluding online shopping in Louisiana, Alaska, or Montana)
- Gift cards
- Affirm
- PayPal
Conclusion
Walmart has made it easy for its customers to find all FSA-eligible items in their stores. They have dedicated a page for all the FSA products and grouped them according to their categories. The items are also in the system. They will automatically charge your FSA card for eligible items when swiping it.