Tips from Parents

Flexible Spending Accounts

Utilizing Flexible Spending

Consider utilizing flexible spending dollars. Although it is too late to elect how much put aside for this year, during open enrollment you can elect to increase to help cover the expenses.

If you do have funds available in your flexible spending accounts here is a description of the typically covered expenses.

Conference/Education

The cost of an educational class specific to a medical condition (such as learning to manage diabetes or learning Braille) is a qualified medical expense. Submit evidence of the medical condition, as well as a description of the class, conference or seminar, with the request for reimbursement.

Travel

For a trip that is primarily for and essential to receiving medical services, expenses incurred for transportation to another city are qualified medical expenses.

Note: While away from home receiving medical care, you may include lodging costs for the patient and a necessary traveling companion (for ex., parent with a sick child or travel to be with a sick spouse), up to $50 per person, per night for lodging (maximum $100 per night), subject to these rules:

• The lodging is primarily for and essential to medical care.
• The medical care is provided by a doctor in a licensed hospital or medical care facility related to, or the equivalent of, a licensed hospital.
• The lodging is not lavish or extravagant under the circumstances.
• There is no significant element of personal pleasure, recreation or vacation in the travel away from home.

The cost of transportation primarily for, and essential to, medical care is a qualified medical expense. Submit documentation of the corresponding medical service.

Eligible expenses include but are not limited to:

• Ambulance services
• Bus*
• Car rental*
• Parking fee
• Airfare*
• Taxi
• Toll
• Personal car mileage or gasoline:
• 2011 = $ .23.5/mile (effective 07/01/11 – 12/31/11)
• 2011 = $ .19/mile (effective 01/01/11 – 06/30/11)
• 2010 = $ .16.5/mile
• 2009 = $ .24/mile

* Long-distance travel cannot be undertaken for purely personal reasons (such as when equivalent treatment is available locally).

Submitting the Expenses

When submitting the expenses it recommended that you include:

1. Copy of genetic test results stating that your child is diagnosed with fragile X syndrome.
2. Copy of registration and paid receipt, including agenda.
3. Copy of hotel receipt.
4. Copy of airfare receipt. If you are within driving distance, use Google Maps/Bing Maps/MapQuest to figure out how many miles to the conference location and back and then submit your mileage.
5. If applicable, include receipts for parking at the airport and receipt for cab fare/transportation from airport to conference/hotel.
6. It is also recommend that you always include a letter with the required forms explaining what each item was and what category it is included under. Calling and talking with your FSA management group prior to submission to make certain that you are submitting all of the required documentation is also a good idea.

This may seem like a lot of work but takes about hour to organize and assemble all of the paperwork. Time well spent!

Health Insurance

It is also suggested that you call your health insurance providers. They can be frustrating, but they pay for other “education” for medical services (i.e. education for diabetic patients and their families) and perhaps with a physician note this could be something that your insurance covers, or allows the expense to be submitted and applied towards your out of pocket/deductible. Make certain to write down the person’s name and include the time and date you spoke with them and summarize what they said.

Local ARC – Consumer Stipends

Another tip is to check with your local ARC or disability organization. Some states or regions have a Consumer Stipend Project. It allows for reimbursement up to $400 per family per year, in increments of no more than $200 per person per event. You must submit a form and your paid registration documents. A survey upon completion of the event is also usually required.

Air Travel

Check into different flight times for cheaper flights. You may have to travel early in the morning or late at night but it could amount to quite a savings.