Rod Leveque, 39, who works in communications in Claremont, Calif., contributed to his FSA for the first time last year, after four years at a company that offered the option. Leveque says his decision was spurred by an impending LASIK eye surgery, for which he expected expenses.
Next year? "I doubt I will continue to participate," he says. "I don't think the $500 rollover would sway me, either," he adds, because his typical medical expenses do not make it worthwhile.
If your company does adopt a rollover model, Natt's advice is to put in at least $500 because you are not at risk of losing it. If you leave the company and still have a balance on the books, however, you'll need to spend down that balance.