Wanted. Psychic with Experience in Flexible Spending Accounts

How much will you spend on health care next year? If only you had a psychic to help you figure that one out.

I went through the usual what-if scenarios this November when allocating my flexible spending account withholding. It is a useful tax reduction strategy but it can drive you crazy! The frustration of the process had mostly faded in my mind until today when I ran across an FSA article by Mighty Bargain Hunter.

As I attempted to calculate how much I’d spend next year for healthcare, I ran across a FSA Calculator on the United Health Care website. The helpful thing about the calculator is that it reminds you of all the different health categories. I’ve listed the potential expenses from the calculator below. Included are the questions I’ll ask the psychic once they respond to this add:

Deductible – Will my deductible go up next year? Wait, I guess I already know that one.

Copayment - How many times will I be sick enough to go to the doctor?

Eye Exams - Will my eyes go bad reading the fine print on the FSA forms?

Eyeglasses/Contacts - Will I throw my glasses across the room when my claim is denied?

Chiropractic Treatment - Will I throw out my back wrestling with my HR department?

Prescribed Medicines - What medicine might I need for the sicknesses I might have?

Orthodontia Services – How many hours will I grind my teeth while on hold with the FSA administrator?

Psychiatric Treatment - Will I go crazy worrying about not using up my FSA balance?

Maternity Expenses - Will we get pregnant next year? Oh yea, boy or girl?

Other Eligible Expenses – Is the cost of a psychic an eligible expense?