Latest news with #FlexibleSpendingAccount
USA Today
27-07-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Root Brands Leads the Way in Accepting HSA and FSA Funds for Natural Supplements
Franklin, TN – Root Brands, the rapidly expanding nutraceutical company, headquartered in Franklin, announced today that U.S. consumers can purchase eligible Root Brands products with Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) dollars. In a category where most supplements remain ineligible for tax-advantaged health funds, Root Brands' partnership with payments innovator Flex, positions the company at the forefront of affordability and accessibility in natural health. Under the new program, shoppers simply select 'Pay with HSA/FSA' at checkout, complete a brief telehealth screening to document medical necessity, and then pay with their existing HSA or FSA debit card. Within 24 hours, Flex issues both a Letter of Medical Necessity and an itemized receipt, ensuring end-to-end IRS compliance without extra paperwork for the customer. 'Tax-advantaged accounts hold more than $110 billion today, yet people tell us they still pay out-of-pocket for daily wellness essentials,' said Clayton Thomas, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Root Brands. 'Our goal has always been to democratize health, and accepting HSA and FSA dollars removes another barrier between families and the clean, science-driven solutions they deserve.' Dr. Christina Rahm, co-founder, Chief Science Officer, and lead product formulator, added: 'Root's formulas are created to meet clear clinical endpoints, from heavy-metal detoxification to cognitive support. As a result, they naturally fit the definition of medical necessity. By aligning with Flex, we can document those therapeutic benefits in minutes and let consumers use pre-tax funds to protect their health proactively.' The decision to pursue HSA/FSA acceptance originated from listening to Root's community of independent ambassadors, many of whom are healthcare professionals. 'Nurses kept telling us their patients wanted a tax-efficient way to afford detox protocols,' Thomas noted. 'We built the entire workflow around that real-world feedback.' A quiet pilot in the second quarter processed more than 3,000 qualified transactions in its first 30 days, demonstrating robust demand for nutraceuticals that meet clinical reimbursement standards. Founded in 2020 by Thomas and Rahm, Root Brands has leveraged an affiliate-led social-sharing model to serve more than 100,000 customers and 10,000 brand ambassadors worldwide. The company's product line (including flagship detox drops Clean Slate, neuro-nootropic Zero-In, turmeric-powered anti-inflammatory Restore, and microbiome support powder Relive Greens) is manufactured in FDA-registered, GMP-certified U.S. facilities and tested to be non-GMO, gluten-free, and predominantly vegan. Root's wellness ecosystem now extends beyond capsules and powders. Earlier this year Dr. Rahm debuted Rahm Roast, a 100 % Arabica coffee line that employs a patent-pending detoxification process to remove mold and other toxins from every bean, mirroring the rigorous purity standards applied to Root's supplements. The clean-coffee blend, available through and the Root online store, gives customers a daily ritual that aligns with the company's detox-first philosophy while satisfying coffee aficionados with rich dark-chocolate and almond notes. Today, the FDA allows over 1,000 unregulated food additives into the food supply. So long as the manufacturer self-certifies the ingredient under the Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS), these additives can be included as ingredients for human consumption. This increase in food additives has correlated with a flare of health problems in the American people. Many are now following the Root Brands' detox protocols as a first step in supporting their body's natural systems, with the goal of reducing their symptoms. Industry analysts view Root Brands' move to accept HSA funds as a milestone for the broader nutraceutical sector. While the IRS allows HSA/FSA reimbursement for vitamins deemed medically necessary, most brands lack an integrated workflow to validate eligibility at the point of sale. Root's embedded telehealth pathway streamlines that process, potentially opening a multi-billion-dollar channel for clinically substantiated supplement makers. The HSA/FSA launch follows a 12-month period of rapid expansion for Root Brands, highlighted by new market entries in Asia, the Middle East, and South America, recognition in Forbes India for global health leadership, and ongoing third-party certifications such as BSCG drug-free status. 'Every market we enter tells us the same thing: consumers want transparency, traceability, and real science behind their supplements,' Dr. Rahm said. 'Those standards apply equally to how people pay for wellness. Accepting HSA and FSA funds is part of that larger promise of accountability.' As a flagship product for 2025, Root now offers the DRCgx™ Genetic Test, an at-home DNA kit that analyzes hundreds of variants tied to micronutrient absorption, detox pathways, exercise recovery, and medication response. For a one-time $499 fee, customers gain lifetime access to dynamically updated reports, arming them and their healthcare providers with a personalized genomic roadmap that dovetails with Root's targeted protocols. This further strengthens the medical-necessity case for HSA/FSA reimbursement. How the Program Works: Choose 'Pay with HSA/FSA' at checkout on Complete a short telehealth consult—typically under five minutes—to confirm medical necessity. Pay with an HSA/FSA card (or any major card if a benefit card is unavailable). Receive required documentation (Letter of Medical Necessity and itemized receipt) by email within 24 hours—no additional forms to file. The company reports that plan administrators representing more than 2,000 corporate benefit programs have already whitelisted Root Brands SKUs, accelerating employer-level adoption. Availability: All eligible Root Brands products, including individual items and value packs, are now live for HSA/FSA purchases in the United States. International customers may continue to purchase through existing e-commerce channels; regional tax rules apply. Media Contact Marty McGinley Root Brands 393 Nichol Mill Ln, Unit 250B Franklin, TN 37067, USA 1-224-622-7110 For additional information, visit or follow @therootbrands on major social platforms.
USA Today
01-07-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Can an employee contribute to an FSA while on an unpaid leave of absence? Ask HR.
Johnny C. Taylor Jr. tackles your human resources questions as part of a series for USA TODAY. Taylor is president and CEO of the Society for Human Resource Management, the world's largest HR professional society and author of "Reset: A Leader's Guide to Work in an Age of Upheaval.' Question: I'm considering taking an unpaid leave via the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). During my hiatus, can I continue contributing to my FSA (Flexible Spending Account) even if my employer isn't paying me? – Nisha Answer: Taking unpaid leave via the Family and Medical Leave Act is a significant decision prioritizing your health and family needs. It's commendable that you're considering how this will impact your Flexible Spending Account, as it demonstrates foresight and prudence. Here's how you can manage and potentially continue contributing to your FSA during your leave. Under the provisions of the FMLA, you retain the right to maintain your contributions to your dependent care FSA while on leave. The IRS guidelines offer a few options to manage these contributions: Additionally, you have the flexibility to adjust your FSA election under a cafeteria plan if your circumstances change, similar to those taking non-FMLA leave. Should it become necessary to cease your contributions temporarily, you would be permitted to reenroll upon your return. This extensive list of options ensures your absence doesn't hinder your ability to accrue and use your FSA benefits, reflecting a broader understanding of how adaptable life situations and financial planning must be. It's crucial to consult with your HR department to understand specifically how these options are implemented within your organization. Each employer may have different procedures based on their plan guidelines. Remember, the FMLA and IRS guidelines were designed with your well-being in mind, supporting you during times when work needs to take a backseat to personal health and family responsibilities. Consider this a proactive step in maintaining your overall life balance and ensuring financial wellness during your leave. I work in our product development group, and our account management team has recently approached me about transitioning to an account executive role. Working as a design specialist for almost a decade, I have a deep understanding of our client's business. I also have expert knowledge of our deliverables and capabilities as a vendor. What should I consider when exploring a significant career shift like this? Should I be concerned that I'll lose expertise? ‒ Lori Embarking on a career shift is an exciting opportunity to broaden your horizons and add new dimensions to your professional portfolio. As someone with a solid background in product development and design, transitioning into an account executive role could be a natural progression that leverages your existing expertise while allowing you to develop new skills. First and foremost, it's important to recognize that your experience as a design specialist provides a strong foundation for your new role as an account executive. Your deep understanding of client businesses and thorough knowledge of deliverables and capabilities put you in a unique position to seamlessly bridge the gap between design and account management. Rather than seeing this transition as leaving your expertise behind, view it as expanding your toolkit. You'll be enhancing your ability to communicate the value of your company's products and services from a more strategic and business-oriented perspective. In considering this transition, evaluate how the skills you've acquired in product development can be applied to account management. As an account executive, you'll be responsible for building and maintaining strong client relationships, understanding their needs, and providing solutions that align with their business objectives. Your background equips you well for this, as you likely already possess strong communication skills, the ability to empathize with clients, and an in-depth understanding of how your products meet their needs. Further, consider how the account executive role can enrich your career. It can provide you with a broader perspective of the business landscape and offer insights into strategic decision-making, negotiation, and leadership. Developing these skills can position you for future roles requiring a mix of technical prowess and business acumen, thereby expanding your career trajectory and potential opportunities. While it's natural to worry about losing touch with your design expertise, keep in mind that skills are not just retained but can be adapted and applied in new ways. Stay engaged with your design passion through side projects, professional development, or cross-functional tasks, ensuring your skills remain sharp and relevant. This dual expertise not only enhances your current role but also increases your value to any organization. Moreover, as an account executive, you'll have a platform to influence the direction of product offerings based on client feedback, thereby indirectly shaping design and development processes. Your intimate knowledge of design nuances can be a critical asset in delivering tailored client solutions and driving innovation. Ultimately, approaching this career shift as a chance to diversify your skill set and explore new avenues of professional growth can be incredibly rewarding. Embrace the challenge and use your existing strengths while being open to learning and adapting. The account executive role can be a complementary addition to your career, enriching your professional life and opening doors to new opportunities while leveraging the skills and expertise you've cultivated over the years. The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author's and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY.
USA Today
05-06-2025
- Business
- USA Today
New Article from Kugler Vision Reveals the True Cost of LASIK in Omaha and Why It May Save Patients Thousands
For individuals in Omaha considering LASIK, the conversation often begins and ends with price. But according to a new article from Kugler Vision, a leading provider of advanced vision correction procedures in Nebraska, the upfront cost of LASIK is only part of the story. The real comparison lies in understanding how LASIK stacks up against the lifetime financial burden of glasses and contact lenses—a burden that, for many, quietly adds up to tens of thousands of dollars over the years. Published by Lance Kugler, MD, 'The True Cost of LASIK in Omaha' challenges the common assumption that laser eye surgery is financially out of reach. The article reveals that the cost of LASIK in Omaha is driven by technology, the surgeon's experience, and the clinic itself. Kugler Vision stands out by offering clear, upfront pricing with no hidden fees following a consultation—something that sets them apart in a market where price transparency is not always guaranteed. Each patient receives a personalized estimate following a comprehensive EyeAnalysis consultation, where the clinical team evaluates vision goals, eye health, and candidacy for modern LASIK or one of six other advanced vision correction procedures. While the initial sticker price may give some patients pause, the article emphasizes that the long-term savings of LASIK can be significant. A person who wears two-week disposable contact lenses typically spends around $1,345 per year on lenses, solution, and related supplies. Over 25 years, that cost balloons to more than $33,000—and that's before factoring in inflation. Eyeglasses aren't much better, with regular updates to frames and prescriptions adding to the financial load. In contrast, LASIK is a one-time procedure with a high satisfaction rate and the potential to eliminate dependency on corrective lenses altogether. Many patients find that the money they save after LASIK can be redirected toward other priorities—family vacations, home purchases, or savings for the future. The article also outlines how LASIK has become more financially accessible than ever before. Kugler Vision offers financing options through trusted healthcare payment partners, making it possible for patients to break the total cost into manageable monthly installments. Qualified applicants can take advantage of up to two years of interest-free financing or opt for longer-term plans with low monthly payments. This flexibility makes it easier for individuals to pursue vision correction without delaying care due to financial barriers. For those exploring ways to reduce the upfront cost further, the article suggests using funds from a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA). Additionally, patients who receive tax refunds are encouraged to consider investing that money in a procedure that can offer long-term savings and freedom from glasses or contacts. In some cases, LASIK may also qualify as a tax-deductible medical expense, depending on how an individual itemizes deductions. Kugler Vision advises patients to speak with a tax professional to explore this potential benefit. Kugler Vision's commitment to patient-centered care extends beyond cost transparency. The article emphasizes that value is not just about price—it's also about the quality of care, technology used, and overall patient experience. Led by Dr. Lance Kugler, the Omaha team utilizes advanced diagnostic and surgical equipment to provide customized LASIK treatment plans tailored to each patient's needs. Their approach includes thorough pre-operative assessments, top-tier surgical precision, and attentive post-operative care, which collectively contribute to high satisfaction rates and consistently excellent outcomes. In a field where some clinics advertise unusually low LASIK prices, Kugler Vision urges patients to proceed with caution. Lower price tags may sometimes reflect older technology, less experienced surgeons, or inadequate follow-up care—all of which can affect both safety and results. Kugler Vision's article reinforces that the true cost of LASIK should be evaluated in terms of value, not just price. Choosing a provider based solely on the lowest quote may carry unintended risks that compromise long-term satisfaction and visual outcomes. Patients interested in learning more about the financial side of LASIK or exploring their eligibility are encouraged to schedule a consultation at Kugler Vision. The article makes it clear that affordability is not a barrier when the right information, resources, and support systems are in place. In today's economy, where every dollar counts, understanding the long-term impact of vision correction costs has never been more important. To read 'The True Cost of LASIK in Omaha' or to access Kugler Vision's LASIK affordability calculator, visit For interview requests, additional information, or expert commentary on the economics of laser vision correction, members of the media are invited to contact the Kugler Vision team directly.
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
The March FSA deadline is almost here: 35 surprising things you can buy with your money
If you're one of the lucky people who has a grace period for using your Flexible Spending Account money, that date is quickly approaching: March 15 is the use-it-or-lose-it deadline. If you didn't spent all your FSA cash in 2024, you could now officially lose it. But if you don't have any medical bills left to pay and you're all stocked up on the usual suspects — glasses, contacts, prescriptions, over-the-counter meds — there are tons of other FSA-eligible items you may not be aware of. Plus, it gives you a reason to splurge on yourself. (Who wouldn't want that?) Surprisingly, FSA dollars can be spent on big ticket items like treadmills, massage guns and light therapy devices. You can even shop at Amazon or several other stores with your money — there are designated FSA shops on most major retailers' websites with a slew of eligible items. Not sure what to buy? Keep reading for some of our favorite FSA-eligible health-care product picks. During open enrollment, many employers give workers the option to sign up for a Flexible Spending Account, also known as a flexible spending arrangement. This account allows you to use tax-free dollars to pay for medical-related expenses and products. For 2024, you could contribute up to $3,200 (it's now up to $3,300 for 2025), per the IRS. Employers could also match up to $3,200, for a max of $6,400. Unlike a health savings account, funds from your FSA typically don't roll over into the next year, though some plans allowed up to $660 to be carried over into 2025, so it's worth checking. If you're one of the lucky few with rolled over money, your grace period is coming to an end on March 15. Otherwise, any amount you've saved needs to be spent before the end of the year on qualifying expenses so you don't lose it. Keep your FSA card handy, because there are a ton of stores where you can shop. They include: FSA store Amazon FSA store Walmart FSA shop Target FSA shop Walgreens FSA store These days, health-related products truly run the gamut, and you can even pay for some shiny new tech with your tax-free dollars. Even better, many of the products below have been vetted by Yahoo experts, including the Renpho massage gun, the NordicTrack Commercial 2450 Treadmill and the Oura Ring Gen3 Horizon. The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
Associated Press
06-03-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
ABC Fitness and Truemed partner to unlock healthcare funds for eligible fitness investments
Dallas, Texas, March 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ABC Fitness, a global leader in fitness technology solutions, has announced a new partnership with Truemed, a healthcare payment provider that enables eligible Americans to use their Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) funds for qualified medical expenses. This partnership is set to broaden access to root-cause health interventions, making fitness for eligible Americans more financially attainable through ABC Fitness' network of nearly 10,000 gyms and studios in the US. Through this collaboration, tens of millions of Americans could qualify to have their fitness expenses paid in new ways, leveraging pre-tax dollars from their HSA and FSA accounts. With many Americans having a legitimate medical need to have greater access to health and fitness services, this initiative allows for more of them to prioritize their health without some of the financial barriers. Khal Rai, President, ABC Fitness said: 'Partnering with Truemed allows us to make fitness more accessible to qualifying individuals by removing barriers and leveling the playing field. Now, more gyms and studios in the US can provide a more convenient process for members to qualify to use pre-tax funds for their gym memberships, training programs, and other qualified services—empowering them to take control of their health in a more affordable way.' ABC Fitness is the largest fitness tech company in the US, supporting fitness businesses across all 50 states, spanning metropolitan, urban, and suburban communities. With this partnership, access to fitness services will be unmatched, enabling more Americans than ever before to visit the gym and invest in their health. Truemed works by partnering with brands, merchants, and a network of healthcare practitioners to evaluate customers' eligibility for HSA/FSA use, potentially allowing them to use their pre-tax funds for qualifying gym memberships, fitness programs, and other qualified health-related expenses. 'At Truemed, we believe that being healthy should be accessible and affordable for everyone,' said Justin Mares, Founder, Truemed. 'By teaming up with ABC Fitness, we're making it easier than ever for qualified Americans to use the money they've already set aside for health expenses to invest in their fitness. The future of healthcare is proactive, and fitness is a key part of that equation.' This partnership reinforces ABC Fitness and Truemed's shared commitment to making healthy living more attainable for all. As the fitness and healthcare industries continue to evolve, this collaboration represents a major step toward integrating health investments into everyday life, ensuring that more Americans can take advantage of the benefits of exercise without financial strain. To learn more about how this partnership can benefit your gym or fitness business, visit About ABC Fitness ABC Fitness is the number one technology provider for fitness businesses everywhere. Simplifying club and member management for 40+ years via scalable solutions, ABC Fitness' innovations transform fitness visions into seamless reality. From personal trainers, boutique studios, and gyms, to international franchise health clubs, ABC Fitness provides the technology and industry insights needed to move your business forward. ABC Fitness currently supports more than 40 million members and 30K+ fitness businesses globally, processing over $12 billion in payments every year. Learn more at About Truemed
