Those of you with Health Flexible Spending, how much?

ElinJ · October 2011

The most I've ever elected for my FSA has been $200, which covered my minimal doctor's & dentist appointments, and a few prescriptions. But considering this coming year I'll be going to to dr a LOT more, deliver in a hospital, and of course have all of LO's appointments, etc, I have NO CLUE how much I should elect for 2012. What are you considering, and if you're already a mom, what amount has worked for your family?

ECUGirl2004 · October 2011

I haven't done my "official" calculation yet, as we don't have open enrollment until next month, I think. I usually use a spreadsheet to help me track it all.

For 2012, I will calculate for my deductible, plus my 20% of the birth costs for my out of pocket expenses. I'll include $100 for a lactation consultant, the cost of a breast pump, and then the copays for pediatrician appointments (assuming we'll have something like a 1 week, 2 week, 1 month, 3 month 6 month, 9 month schedule, plus a couple of extra copays just in case). I usually also add in some $$ for dentist appointments, prescriptions and some contact lenses. I might also add in some extra for chiropractic care too. I imagine that will all add up to somewhere between $1500 and $2500, but I'm not sure.. maybe it'll be less. If I over-budget, I can usually find easy ways to spend the rest at the end of the year, even if it's just buying contacts or new glasses.

Katelobster · October 2011

A lot.

If I remember correctly, at some point since I've been at my job, we were told that we could use Flex Spending for childcare. That may have changed, but if that's still true, half of my paycheck will probably end up in flex spending - lol.

bobbs420 · October 2011

Everyone at my job gets $2500 every year to spend if they need to. None of it comes out of anyones check though, it just goes back into the pot if we don't use it. It's awesome.

ELF4321 · October 2011

Our insurance covers only 90% of in-network charges and only 70% of out-of-network charges, so I'm expecting a hefty bill from the delivery. Assuming total costs of $10k-$12k for an uncomplicated vaginal delivery (this can vary by geographic region), our 10% will be at least $1000. More if I need a c-section.

We already put $700 in each year and hit that easily b/c DH has a lot of follow-up dr. appts from his cancer diagnosis 2 years ago and one of his docs is out-of-network. So, basically, I think we'll do at least $1700 and possibly go to the full $2000, which is our out-of-pocket maximum on our insurance policy.

ECUGirl2004 · October 2011

Katelobster:

A lot.

If I remember correctly, at some point since I've been at my job, we were told that we could use Flex Spending for childcare. That may have changed, but if that's still true, half of my paycheck will probably end up in flex spending - lol.

There are 2 different types of accounts - Health Care spending accounts and Dependent Care spending accounts. I think the max you can put into either account is $5k (totalling $10k) but I'm not 100% sure about the dependent care account b/c I've never used it.

UOduckBride2be · October 2011

I do the max every year and generally have no trouble figuring out how to spend it if we have an easy year health-wise. While things have changed and you cannot spend the money on costco sized aspirin etc, as you used to be able to to make sure you used all the $ you set aside, (unless you get a script for it), you can still use the $ on a number of things for baby care. I may also end up spending some of my excess on a doula. My max is $2500 and that is what I will sign up for again this year.

GerberDaisies3 · October 2011

At my doctor's office, they have an insurance consultant that will sit down with you and talk about a good estimate about how much you will have to pay out of pocket. They will figure about how much the doctor's visits will be and the price of the doctor to deliver and run your it through your insurance to see how much discount and % your insurance will pay. You may check to see if your doctor's office or hospital has a consultant that can help you with a good estimate of what you will need. They are going to be willing to help if it means a better chance of them getting paid.

ElinJ · October 2011

Wow, SO MUCH helpful information! And so many variables! Thank you also much for all the info, I have more research to do, and you all helped point me in the right direction. Thanks!!!

alexwu · October 2011

I've elected to put in $2400. That was just based on what I figured I could spare out of my paycheck after paying my insurance premium. I do billing for an OB office and people always ask. We just always say at least your deductible and a good part of your out of pocket, you'll find a way to spend it!

PurpleSnapDragons · October 2011

My BCBS has a $1500 delivery deductible. $30 copay for first office visit, $30 for each ultra sound, $30 for labs, 100% covered after that. It pays 80% in network for delivery and I have a $3000 max out of pocket. My insurance estimated my total cost (prenatal, delivery and post-partum) will be about $1150 and they already have it split in payments for me.

Hope this info helps.

KimberlyE715 · October 2011

Delivery at my hospital is $15,000 for an uncomplicated vaginal delivery. My insurance covers 80% with an annual maximum of $8K. Since I'm delivering twins, I'm not sure how different billing is, but I'm planning on maxing my FSA at $5K. This will help me cover other costs throughout the year like peditrician visits, contacts, glasses, husband's care, etc. I put aside $1K this year and had it spent in January--of course we spent a ton of money out of pocket on fertility treatments this year.

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