Flexible Spending Account (FSA) dollars - Save $$$ on vials

Just found this out (too late for myself) and wanted to tip off others: you can use FSA dollars for sperm vials. This could save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

FSA is a program you may have through work. You put money aside out of your paycheck each month and it goes into a special account that can only be used for certain kinds of expenses (health expenses and child care). If you find out you can use this option, be sure to set up your FSA deduction so you have the extra money in there for your vials.

Sperm vials are apparently one of those expenses. The savings comes because you reduce your taxable income and thereby owe less in federal/state income tax. The account operates over plan year. Talk to your HR dept to confirm your plan year.

You can't pay your same-sex partner/spouse's "bills" with FSA dollars (says my HR dept) so be sure to inquire with CCB if you're going the FSA route and make sure the woman ordering the sperm is the one with the FSA account. Not sure if CCB allows a woman to order sperm even though her partner/spouse is the one being inseminated, but my guess would be no. Be sure to check with CCB.

If this option works out for you logistically, Uncle Same will subsidize your baby-making...what's better than that?

Comments

  • thank you so much...
  • Just increased my 2014 FSA. Thanks!
  • Thanks for the tip. Roughly about how much per vial do you save? We are about to set up a fsa this month and plan to purchase this summer and will be looking to buy at least 10 for a future sibling. We have a savings account for it now and not sure how much we will have vested in the fsa by the summer.
  • I believe after thinking it over I answered my own question. You save because the money is pre-tax, correct? I should have thought before I responded :) Looks like we just missed signing up for the FSA by 2 days at my work. I'm hoping we can figure something out!
  • Thanks for the info!
  • I spoke with customer service and he had no clue about the FSA and the documentation required to get reimbursed. I do believe they would need more details than what's on the standard receipt.
  • Hi T -

    I'm sorry to hear that you didn't receive the information you were looking for. I would recommend getting in touch with your FSA provider regarding expenses that can be reimbursed and what they consider a valid receipt.

    An invalid receipt is usually a credit card receipt that doesn't include your name or a description of the items or services purchased. Your email order confirmation includes our company name, order date, your name, an item description, and the item price. This should meet the requirements, but I would double-check with your FSA provider. We could also provide you with a copy of an invoice, if needed.

    Regards,

    Nicole
    CCB
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