LSA for tampons

Period products represent a significant monthly expense for many employees, yet they're often overlooked in traditional benefits packages. Forma offers Lifestyle Spending Accounts that can help employees manage these essential healthcare costs while supporting your organization's commitment to inclusive benefits.

LSA for tampons: monthly relief for essential healthcare expenses

Tampons are eligible expenses under most Lifestyle Spending Accounts, providing employees with tax-advantaged funds to cover these necessary monthly costs. This benefit addresses a real financial burden while demonstrating your company's understanding of diverse employee needs.

What is an LSA for tampons?

An LSA for tampons allows employees to use pre-tax dollars from their Lifestyle Spending Account to purchase menstrual products. Unlike traditional FSAs that require medical necessity documentation, LSAs offer more flexibility in how employees can use their allocated funds for wellness-related expenses.

These accounts work particularly well for tampon purchases because they recognize menstrual products as legitimate health and wellness expenses. Employees can use their LSA funds at pharmacies, grocery stores, or online retailers that sell tampons and other period products.

The benefit extends beyond just tampons to include other menstrual products like pads, menstrual cups, and period underwear, giving employees choice in how they manage their menstrual health.

Can I get an LSA for tampons with Forma?

Yes, tampons are typically eligible expenses under Forma's Lifestyle Spending Accounts. Employees can submit receipts for tampon purchases through Forma's user-friendly platform, making reimbursement straightforward and efficient.

To claim tampon expenses, employees simply need to:

• Purchase tampons from any retailer
• Take a photo of their receipt using Forma's mobile app
• Submit the expense for reimbursement
• Receive funds back into their account

Forma's platform automatically categorizes period products as eligible wellness expenses, streamlining the approval process. The system recognizes major tampon brands and retailers, reducing the need for manual review of these common purchases.

Why use an LSA for tampons?

Addresses period poverty in the workplace

Many employees face financial strain from monthly tampon costs, which can range from $60-120 annually per person. An LSA helps alleviate this burden by providing pre-tax dollars specifically for these essential health products.

Supports inclusive benefits design

Offering LSA coverage for tampons demonstrates your organization's commitment to gender-inclusive benefits. This consideration shows you understand and value the diverse needs of your workforce.

Reduces financial stress

When employees don't have to worry about affording basic menstrual products, they can focus better on their work. This financial relief contributes to overall employee wellbeing and productivity.

Tax advantages for essential purchases

LSA funds are pre-tax, meaning employees save money on every tampon purchase. This tax benefit makes their monthly period product budget stretch further.

Flexibility in product choice

Unlike restrictive healthcare plans, LSAs allow employees to choose their preferred tampon brands and types without worrying about coverage limitations or prior approval requirements.

How does an LSA for tampons work?

Step 1: Employer funds the account

Your organization allocates a specific dollar amount to each employee's LSA account annually. These funds can be used for various wellness expenses, including tampons.

Step 2: Employee makes tampon purchase

Employees buy tampons from any retailer using their personal payment method initially. They keep the receipt for reimbursement purposes.

Step 3: Submit expense through Forma

Using Forma's mobile app or web platform, employees photograph their receipt and submit the tampon expense for reimbursement.

Step 4: Automatic approval and reimbursement

Forma's system recognizes tampon purchases as eligible expenses and processes reimbursement quickly, typically within 1-2 business days.

Step 5: Funds returned to employee

The reimbursement amount is deposited directly into the employee's bank account or loaded onto their Forma debit card for future use.

What are the benefits of an LSA for tampons?

Immediate financial relief

Employees receive quick reimbursement for tampon purchases, providing immediate relief from these recurring monthly expenses. This quick turnaround helps with cash flow management.

No medical documentation required

Unlike FSAs or HSAs, LSAs don't require medical necessity letters or prescriptions for tampon purchases. The process is straightforward and dignified.

Year-round accessibility

LSA funds for tampons are available throughout the year without seasonal restrictions or enrollment periods. Employees can access this benefit whenever they need it.

Comprehensive period product coverage

The benefit extends beyond just tampons to include related products like applicators, organic options, and specialty brands that employees might prefer for health or comfort reasons.

Supports remote and hybrid workers

Whether employees shop online or at local stores, LSA reimbursement works the same way. This consistency is particularly valuable for distributed teams who may not have access to the same retailers.

Conclusion

LSAs for tampons represent a meaningful step toward more inclusive employee benefits. By covering these essential monthly expenses, you're addressing a real financial burden while showing your workforce that you understand their diverse needs. The tax advantages, combined with Forma's streamlined reimbursement process, make this benefit both valuable and easy to use.

Frequently asked questions

Are all types of tampons covered under LSAs?

Yes, LSAs typically cover all tampon varieties including regular, super, organic, applicator-free, and specialty brands. The account doesn't restrict employees to specific types or brands, giving them freedom to choose products that work best for their needs. This includes both name-brand and generic options from any retailer.

How much should we allocate for tampon expenses in an LSA?

Most employees spend $60-120 annually on tampons, though this varies based on individual needs and product preferences. When designing your LSA program, consider that tampon expenses are just one component of overall wellness spending. Many employers allocate $500-2000 annually per employee for comprehensive wellness benefits.

Can employees combine LSA funds with other benefits for period products?

Yes, employees can use LSA funds alongside other benefits, though they cannot double-reimburse the same expense. For example, if an employee has both an LSA and an FSA, they should choose which account to use for each purchase. Forma's platform helps prevent accidental duplicate claims through built-in tracking systems.

Do LSA tampon benefits comply with state menstrual equity laws?

LSAs complement but don't replace requirements under state menstrual equity laws, which often mandate free period products in workplaces or schools. Offering LSA coverage for tampons goes above and beyond these basic requirements, providing additional financial support for employees' personal period product needs outside the workplace.

What documentation do employees need to submit for tampon reimbursements?

Employees only need to submit a clear receipt showing the tampon purchase, including the store name, date, items purchased, and total amount. No medical documentation or prescriptions are required. Forma's mobile app makes this process simple by allowing employees to photograph receipts directly within the platform for quick submission and processing.