Flexible Spending dollars???

I am curious if anyone has any thoughts.  I am trying to determine how much I should add to my Health care spending account for 2008.  I am hoping to have my surgery at the beginning of the year and I am a Kaiser member.  Just wondering if anyone has any ideas about out-of-pocket expenses from the Hospital stay, wondering if the Protein drinks are deductible, or the vitamins. Just wondering what others may have put in their flexible spending account related to WLS.  I'd appreciate any suggestions.

I only put in the amount of my hospital co-pay this year. I wish I had done more. I didn't think of my diagnostics copays. My CPAP alone has a $95 copay.

Did you get the CPAP as a result of the testing for WLS?  My girlfriend just got a CPAP.  I've never had a sleep study and wondering if I'll need one as well. I guess I'll need to make a few calls.  I think I will have to finalize my 2008 benefits this week so I want to make sure I put a little extra flex dollars away and I will check to see what is deductible. Thanks,

Yes, my sleep study was done as part of my preparation for WLS. I don't know if they require it for everyone, or just the patients that have symptoms of sleep apnea. The other patient at the sleep center when I went is a patient of my surgeons partner. The program office has brochures that list the symptoms of sleep apnea, and has a self evaluation that you take to see if you might have it. Even with a little cheating and lowballing my scores, I still had it, lol. So, I'm glad the doctor sent me for the study. I should have had a sleep study some time ago though. CPAP is covered by my insurance, but the machine that the doctor prescribed has some additional features, so I had to pay the difference, which was the $95. I debated asking them to prescribe the basic machine my insurance would cover 100%, but decided to just go with what they prescribed and invest in the machine. I don't like it, but I do think it is helping me sleep a little better. RIght now, I'm sleeping with it most of the way through the night. When I first got it, I was taking it off in my sleep.

My flexible spending is with WageWorks - they exclude vitamins unless they are prescription but I still am waiting to see if the Vitamin necessity letter my doc's office gave me will carry any weight with them. Good luck.

I don't think the protein drinks and vitamens can be claimed.  The best way to find out is to check the IRS website for medical deductions and exclusions.  The rules are the same.

Vitamins can be claimed... I had my Nut write me a letter of Medical Necessity once after surgery and now my claims go through no problems.  Haven't tried for protein though... I get most of my protein through meals so don't drink them as often.

Good morning!  I'm a federal government employee and I utilize my flexible spending account (FSA) alot.   Before surgery, I used it for Weigh****chers fees and gym memberships.  Now, I used it for vitamins, protein powders, gym membership, etc.  I had my PCP write a letter of medical necessity and I haven't ever had a problem.  I'm bulking up for 2008 and will probably double the amount that I deposit in my FSA.

OK, if I'm not getting too personal, I was thinking about putting in $1,000 or $1,500.  Is that around the amount you put in your account?  Of course, I'll have other appointment along with my son and husband so I don't think we'll have a problem using the money.

Not too personal at all.  In the 2 years before I ever considered surgery, I put in $900 per year.  This year, I had already alotted $1200 before considering surgery.  In hindsight, I should have alotted $2000.  For 2008, I am going to committ $1600.   If it gets late in the year and I haven't spent it all, I'll stock up on OTC cold meds.