Brokers often ask OptumHealth how they can help their small- and mid-sized clients get more bang for the buck from their high-deductible health plans paired with health savings accounts (HSAs). One solution is the limited-purpose health care flexible spending account (FSA).

These accounts allow employees to set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for eligible dental and vision care expenses, which can quickly add up for many families. The accounts are "limited purpose" because only dental and vision expenses can be paid from them. Remember that employees enrolled in a HSA-qualifying plan are not eligible to enroll in a traditional health care FSA.

The limited-purpose FSA helps employees take full advantage of their HSAs. They can use HSA funds to pay or reimburse themselves for qualified medical expenses, such as expenses under their deductibles or the costs of coinsurance, while using FSA monies to cover contact lens, dental and orthodontia expenses.