How Can I Reimburse Purchases From My FSA?

If you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), you may feel restricted by the places where your FSA card is accepted. The good news is that you can still pay out of pocket and then reimburse yourself for eligible expenses, as long as you maintain proper documentation.

Below is a concise guide on how to navigate the FSA reimbursement process, along with links to reimbursement forms for several popular FSA providers.

1. Verify the Expense Is Eligible

The IRS outlines what qualifies as a medical expense for FSAs. Before seeking reimbursement, confirm your expense meets those requirements:

• IRS Publication 502: Medical and Dental Expenses

• IRS Publication 969: Health Savings Accounts and Other Tax-Favored Health Plans (includes information about FSAs)

These documents help you determine what's eligible (e.g., doctor visits, prescription drugs, certain over-the-counter products) and what isn't (e.g., purely cosmetic procedures).

Pro Tip: Shopping with Burst's partner merchants at getburst.com/shop can help automate the FSA reimbursement process. Our partners handle documentation requirements automatically, so you can focus on your health needs rather than paperwork.

2. Keep Proper Documentation

You'll need receipts or invoices that clearly show:

• Date of purchase or service

• Description of the product or service

• Amount paid

Keeping this information ensures you can prove the expense was qualified if your plan administrator or the IRS asks for more details.

3. Choose Your Reimbursement Method

There are two main ways to reimburse yourself:

• Online Reimbursement: Many FSA portals let you submit claims digitally for faster processing.

• Paper Forms: If your provider requires a paper trail or you prefer it, you can fill out a reimbursement form and submit it by mail or fax.

4. Download the Right Form

If your FSA provider doesn't offer a digital portal—or if you simply prefer paper—here are links to common FSA reimbursement forms. Always verify you have the latest version:

• Optum: Optum FSA Reimbursement Form

• Cigna: Cigna FSA Reimbursement Form

• HealthEquity: HealthEquity FSA Reimbursement Form

• Employee Benefits Corporation: EBC FSA Reimbursement Link

• Benepass: Benepass FSA Reimbursement Link

• Thrive Pass: Thrive Pass FSA Reimbursement Form

• Lively: Lively FSA Reimbursement Link

If any of these links become outdated, visit your provider's official website or contact customer service.

5. Submit Your Form and Wait

Once your form is complete and you've attached the necessary documentation:

• Online Submission: Quicker turnaround time.

• Mail or Fax: Traditional methods can be slower, but some prefer the paper trail.

Reimbursements may be deposited into your bank account or issued via paper check, depending on your provider's policy and your preferences.

6. Coming Soon: One-Click Reimbursement With Burst

If you're tired of juggling forms and receipts, you'll be excited to know a one-click reimbursement feature is coming soon to Burst. Burst already helps you determine if something is FSA-eligible during online shopping—and soon it will let you request reimbursement in just one click for out-of-pocket expenses.

In Summary

Reimbursing yourself from your FSA is straightforward when you:

1. Confirm that your purchase is eligible (using IRS guidelines or shopping with Burst partners).

2. Keep receipts or invoices for proof.

3. Use your provider's online portal or a reimbursement form to file a claim.

4. Wait for your reimbursement via direct deposit or check.

By following the IRS guidelines, saving your documentation, and shopping with Burst's partner merchants at getburst.com/shop, you can comfortably use your FSA—even in places where your card isn't accepted. If you have unique questions or concerns, consult your plan administrator or a tax professional for personalized advice.