HSA & FSA Payment Options for Speech Therapy Services in Queens, NYC
At Queens Letters, we understand that navigating payment options for speech therapy can be confusing and stressful for parents. That’s why we want to provide clear information on how you can use Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) to pay for our services, even though these payments are considered out-of-pocket and not processed through insurance. We offer services throughout Queens Island including Long Island City (LIC), Astoria, Ditmars, Steinway, Sunnyside, Woodside, Elmhurst, Jackson Heights, Corona, Ridgewood, Forest Hills, Kew Gardens, Flushing, Bayside, Fresh Meadows, Little Neck, Douglaston, Glen Oaks, Floral Park, Bellerose, and more!
Using HSAs and FSAs for Speech Therapy
Some of our speech-language pathologists (SLPs) accept payments through HSAs and FSAs. These accounts allow you to set aside pre-tax dollars to cover qualified medical expenses, including speech therapy. It’s important to check with your HSA or FSA administrator to understand the specific benefits and eligible expenses under federal and New York State regulations.
How It Works
- Initial Payment Test: To ensure your HSA or FSA card works with our system, we offer the option to make an initial payment of $1.00 before the first session. This payment is classified as a partial payment for the first session and helps verify that your card is properly set up and ready to be used for our services.
- Monthly Receipts Provided: After each month of services, we provide detailed receipts, which you can use for record-keeping and to demonstrate to your HSA or FSA administrator that the expenses qualify under your plan. While we do not handle insurance claims, these receipts contain all the necessary information for your reimbursement process.
- End-of-Year Reports: Besides monthly receipts, we can provide an end-of-year report that sums everything up, offering a professional record of all payments made throughout the year.
- Eligibility Verification: The parents must confirm with their HSA or FSA administrator that speech therapy services are covered under their plan. Policies and eligible expenses can vary, so checking beforehand can prevent surprises.
Payment Methods and Processing Fees
To accommodate a variety of payment preferences, our staff accept most internationally-issued magstripe or chip cards and support mobile wallets such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, and Afterpay. There is an administrative processing fee for these transactions:
- Processing Rate: 3.6% per transaction for manually entered transactions.
- Contactless Transactions: 2.7% per transaction for contactless (tap) payments.
- ACH Bank Transfers: Slightly under 1% per transaction with a minimum of $1.
These fees cover the costs associated with processing payments and are applied to each transaction. Testing your card is required before the first session, and all subsequent payments are billed after each session when using your HSA or FSA card.
Secure and HIPAA-Compatible Payment System
We use a secure online payment system to protect you and your patients. This system is designed with stringent security measures to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of your financial information. Please contact us for more information on HIPAA compatibility and how we protect your data.
Flexible Payment Options
Our staff accept remote payments through a Virtual Terminal to make payments as convenient as possible. Whether our patients call in or send their information via a secure online portal, we can process payments on the computer. Additionally, we can request payments via text, schedule recurring payments, and issue receipts to keep track of all transactions. We also offer end-of-year reports summarizing all payments, providing a professional record.
Why We Don’t Work Directly with Insurance
Queens Letters focuses on providing high-quality, personalized care without the administrative burden of dealing directly with insurance companies. This approach allows our therapists to dedicate more time and attention to your child’s needs, ensuring the best possible outcomes. However, some insurance plans may offer out-of-network benefits for speech therapy services. We recommend checking with your insurance provider to explore this option.
Steps to Use Your HSA or FSA
- Verify Coverage: Contact your HSA or FSA provider to confirm that speech therapy is a covered expense.
- Make an Appointment: Schedule a session with one of our qualified SLPs who accept HSA/FSA payments.
- Test Your Card: Make an initial $1 payment as a partial payment for the first session to ensure your HSA or FSA card works with our system. This is required before the first session.
- Receive Services: Attend your scheduled therapy session.
- Submit Receipts: Use Queens Letters’ monthly receipts and end-of-year reports to maintain your records and demonstrate qualified expenses to your HSA or FSA administrator.
Contact Us
If you have questions about using your HSA or FSA to pay for speech therapy services at Queens Letters, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help make the process as smooth as possible for you and your family.
- Phone: 917-426-8880
- Email: queens@brooklynletters.com
- Website: queensletters.com
At Queens Letters, we are committed to supporting your child’s communication needs while providing flexible payment options to make our services accessible to everyone. Thank you for choosing us as your partner in your child’s speech therapy journey.
