While your summer plans may look a bit different this year due to COVID-19, there are still a variety of fun things you and your family can do while practicing safe social-distancing (read more about safe summer activities on campus here). Whether you’re planning a mini road trip, family picnic, or trip to the lake, if you participate in a flexible spending account (FSA) you can use your funds to help pay for common summer necessities and/or camps for your kids.
Tips for Health Care FSA Funds
Save an average of 30% by using your Health Care FSA funds on the following eligible expenses that double as travel necessities:
- Allergy medications
- Blister care kits
- Bug bite treatments
- Orthotics/insoles
- Sun reader eyeglasses
- Sunscreen
- SPF lip balm
- Travel first-aid kits
- Traveling neck pillows
- UV detection stickers
- And more!
Worried about buying something that isn’t considered an eligible expense? Consider shopping at the online FSA Store for worry-free purchases since everything on the FSA Store website is a guaranteed eligible expense. Be sure to check out their monthly coupons and promo codes for additional savings.
Tips for Dependent Care FSA Funds
If you have a Dependent Care FSA, chances are you haven’t been able to use your funds on childcare as much as you originally estimated due to closures from COVID-19. However, don’t forget you can also use these funds on summer camps for your kids. While many places are now offering virtual camp options, some places are still offering in-person activities with special social-distancing measures in place. See if any of the following options may interest your kids:
- Spartan Youth Programs have a variety of virtual camps and activities for children and teens.
- Creative kiddos can join the MSU Broad Art Museum online this summer for Sketchbook Club.
- Join the Wharton at Home Summer Sessions for a variety of online classes in performing arts.
- The MSU Community Music School is offering virtual summer camp options for kids.
- While summer camp at Lansing’s Potter Park Zoo has been canceled, they recommend families explore the fun and fascinating world of animals during Virtual Conservation Camp through the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago or Zoom-a-Zoo Virtual Camp Crew through Brevard Zoo in Florida.
- Find a variety of in-person camps in the Lansing area with special social-distancing measures in place on Eventbrite.
If you don’t have an FSA and are wondering if you should participate in one, learn more about the two types of FSAs available to benefit-eligible MSU employees on the HR website and consider enrolling in one or both types during the benefits Open Enrollment period in October this year.