Flexible Spending Dollars – Have You Checked Your Balance?

It’s that time of year again. Have you checked your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) balance? Flexible spending accounts give many of us the option to have money deposited through payroll deductions into an account to use for medical expenses. The money in a FSA is exempt from federal, state and payroll taxes, and allows us to pay for medical expenses with pre-tax dollars, which can lower our costs by as much as 30 percent. The way the plans are written, any money not spent by the end of the coverage period (typically the last date of the year) is forfeited back to the plan administrator. This is a classic “use it or lose it” program.

As the end of the year draws near, many of us still have dollars left in our flexible spending accounts (FSA). The plans cover vitamins and nutritional supplements with a doctor’s note. So, if you have cash left in your plan and are trying to figure out how to use it, consider contacting your doctor’s office for a note and then stocking up. Many people take Advanced Omega-3 to lower triglycerides and reduce inflammation, Vitamin D-3 to raise sub-optimal levels, or a multivitamin and mineral supplement for general overall health. As with any other prescription, the pharmacist will need to know how many of each tablet to dispense, so be sure to have your doctor specify how many of each tablet/pill you should take.

In Texas, the entire line of Cooper Complete® nutritional supplements is available in all Albertson’s stores, and can be found directly in front of the pharmacy. Cooper Complete has a relationship with the independent pharmacy Dougherty’s, to fill the prescription and ship the items to you. To make the process as easy as possible, once you have the prescription from your physician, please contact the Cooper Complete offices at 800-980-6311 or jsturner@cooperwellness.com to coordinate the details of getting the prescription filled. If you are a Cooper Clinic patient, you can also use the coupon you receive during your physical when for the purchase.

Reference
Dougherty’s Pharmacy

Albertson’s LLC

Jill Turner is VP Operations for Cooper Concepts, the company that markets Cooper Complete nutritional supplements. Email (jsturner@cooperwellness.com) or call 972-560-3262 with your questions and comments regarding supplements.