Insurance benefits vary on colonoscopies

Knowing the screening was recommended at age 50, I, last fall during open enrollment, bumped by $500 the amount in my flexible savings account (FSA), which I use to pay for out-of-pocket medical expenses not covered by insurance. Since January, The Oklahoman has set aside a little bit of my check every month in the pretax account.

Not only did I spread the cost over several months, I also saved roughly one-third, or $164, in taxes ($493 divided by three). Once our flex account administrator reimburses me for my submitted out-of-pocket costs, I will have paid only $329 ($493 minus $164).

Starting in 2013, the new health reform law limits FSA contributions for medical expenses to $2,500 per year, indexed for inflation. Incidentally, the new law starting in January also excludes over-the-counter medicines without a doctor's note. So stock up on Claritin now.

Beginning Jan. 1, colonoscopies are supposed to be covered at no cost if you're on Medicare. Likewise, new private plans must begin covering the screenings at no cost for plan years that start after Oct. 1.