Navigating Medical Lodging: FSA/HSA plan for Medical Lodging Expenses
Welcome! Let’s explore the intersection of extended medical care, lodging, and the important role of FSA (Flexible Spending Account), and HSA (Health Savings Account) funds in supporting patients and their families. In today's complex healthcare landscape, navigating the financial and logistical challenges, the process of finding affordable medical travel lodging can be overwhelming, especially when you are in the middle of dealing with a serious and sometimes urgent health issue.
At Lodgingly, we understand the importance of providing affordable, accessible, and compassionate medical lodging for patients and their caregivers. By utilizing FSA (Flexible Spending Account) and HSA (Health Savings Account) funds, we aim to provide affordable hotel options for medical travelers at quality hotel partners for those who need it most.
By utilizing FSA(Flexible Spending Account) and HSA (Health Savings Account) funds, patients can alleviate some of the financial stress associated with medical travel, allowing them to focus on their health and recovery. We are proud to offer a range of lodging options near several leading hospitals in Tulsa, Oklahoma, including Saint Francis, St. John, Hillcrest, OSU Medical, and Oklahoma Surgical Hospital.
Join us as we explore the benefits of using FSA(Flexible Spending Account) and HSA (Health Savings Account) funds for lodging, and discover how Lodgingly can help make your medical travel experience more affordable and comfortable.
What are HSA (Health Savings Account) and FSA(Flexible Savings Accounts)?
FSA(Flexible Spending Account) and HSAs (Health Savings Accounts) are pre-tax accounts you can use to pay for healthcare related expenses. To qualify for an HSA (Healthcare Savings Account) you must have a high deductible health plan. With both FSA(Flexible Spending Account) and HSAs(Health Savings Account) you can pay for things like co-pays medical bills and vision expenses – let’s explore some surprising things you can buy with HSA(Health Savings Account)/FSA(Flexible Spending Account) dollars.
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Other spending options for FSA(Flexible Spending Account)/HSA(Health Savings Account)accounts:
Over-the-counter medication and menstrual Products:
You can use the money in your accounts for over-the-counter medications. That’s true even if they haven’t been recommended by a doctor. You can also use FSA(Flexible Spending Account) and HSA (Health Savings Account) funds to buy menstrual care products. Those include tampons, pads, and liners. If you still have money in your FSA(Flexible Spending Account) account at the end of the year and would like to make a donation, why not donate to Tulsa Period Pantry Foundation https://tulsaperiodpantry.org/? Did you know that 1 in 4 girls miss school due to not having access to menstrual products? That’s sad. You need to use FSA(Flexible Spending Account) money each year, it does not roll over, this is a great organization!
Breast Pumps and More!
Health plans cover breast pumps and supplies. But if you want a different model than the one offered, you can use your FSA(Flexible Spending Account) or HSA (Health Savings Account) funds to buy the one you’d like. You can also use your existing funds if you don’t have insurance at the time. But you can’t include the cost of extra bottles for milk storage.
The money can also help you pay for artificial breasts (prostheses) or breast reconstruction surgery after cancer or another health problem. You should discuss this with your provider at Saint Francis Health System https://www.saintfrancis.com/services/womens-health/breast-health/breast-surgery,  Hillcrest Healthcare System https://hillcrest.com/videos/breast-health-hillcrest,  OSCRI Breast Clinic https://hillcrest.com/videos/breast-health-hillcrest, or Ascension St. John Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery https://healthcare.ascension.org/specialty-care/cosmetic-and-plastic-surgery/ascension-st-john-plastic-and-reconstructive-surgery just to name a few of our Tulsa healthcare facilities.Â
However, it’s worth noting that if you’re just looking for breast augmentation surgery, you’ll have to pay out of pocket. Cosmetic services don’t qualify.
Transportation
You can use your HSA(Health Savings Account)/FSA(Flexible Spending Account) money to cover the cost of local and long-distance transportation. Again, it must be for transportation that’s essential for the care.
Transportation costs include tickets for Ambulance charges, buses, car rental costs, planes, car service, and trains.Â
If you’re driving your car, you can add up your expenses. Or you can use the government’s rate of $0.21 per mile (as of Feb 2024). Whichever method you choose, you can add parking fees and tolls as well. https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-issues-standard-mileage-rates-for-2024-mileage-rate-increases-to-67-cents-a-mile-up-1-point-5-cents-from-2023
Our Favorite – Lodging for Medical Care!
If you must travel out of town for medical care, you can use your HSA(Health Savings Account)/FSA(Flexible Spending Account) funds to cover $50 per night per person. That could equal $100 per night if you’re traveling with your sick child or with a caregiver. The cardholder must be the patient. Unfortunately, a son/daughter with a card that wants to pay for the room just won’t work. If Sally Smith is going in for an early morning appointment and needs to stay the night before with her caretaker, Sally Smith needs to be the owner of the card. Keep in mind the purpose of the trip must be for medical services.
You can’t count your cross-country travel on Route 66 https://www.tulsa.tours/tulsa-route-66-things-to-do where you stopped for a shingles shot at the local pharmacy. You also can’t count a getaway you’re taking for your physical or mental well-being- wouldn’t that be great if it was an actual prescription?!
Learn how to use your FSA(Flexible Spending Account)/HSA(Health Savings Account) funds for medical lodging with Lodgingly, and find affordable hotel options for medical travel in Tulsa, OK.
We know at Lodgingly that traveling for medical care is not a vacation, and we believe you shouldn’t pay vacation rates. Right now we partner with DoubleTree by Hilton Warren Place, Hampton Inn Tulsa/Broken Arrow, Marriott Tulsa Southern Hills, Fairfield Inn & Suites Tulsa Southeast/Crossroads Village, and our newest addition DoubleTree by Hilton Downtown Tulsa.Â
To view our great rates visit Lodgingly’s website Hotels with Medical Discounts Tulsa | Hotels Near Hospitals (lodgingly.com) click See Our Rates, enter your stay dates, and choose either Tulsa or Broken Arrow locations.
When you book with Lodgingly you will use your personal credit card up front to pay for your stay. We will provide you with all of the information and paperwork necessary to submit to your FSA(Flexible Spending Account)/HSA(Health Savings Account) for reimbursement. As always, if you are unsure if your hotel arrangement will be covered, please check with your FSA(Flexible Spending Account)/HSA(Health Savings Account)plan before booking.Â
Lodgingly: Your Trusted Partner for Tulsa Medical Lodging
If you find yourself traveling to Tulsa for medical care and are looking for medical lodging discounts visit Lodgingly and start exploring our network of hotel partners. With our network of quality partner hotels in Tulsa, OK, and your ability to use your FSA(Flexible Spending Account)/HSA(Health Savings Account) funds for lodging, we make it easy to focus on what matters without worrying about the logistical and financial details.
Let our care team assist you in finding discounted services, from hotels to transportation assistance, restaurant discounts, pet boarding, dry cleaning, and more. Our local knowledge drives our passion for assisting those traveling for medical care.
Lodgingly approaches each case with compassion. Trust us to be your medical discount partner, providing you with affordable and accessible medical lodging in Tulsa, Oklahoma.