If you have a flexible spending account, or FSA, you’ll want to be sure to spend it wisely throughout the year — and you’ll especially want to keep an eye on your balance as your plan year draws to a close. Any money left unspent could be forfeited, which you definitely don’t want to happen (it’s your money, after all!). But you might be surprised by just how much your FSA can be used for: Many everyday healthcare products, from face wash to tampons, to reading glasses and breast pumps, are all qualified for purchase with your tax-free funds.
When it comes to FSAs, the most important rule you’ll want to remember is “use it or lose it.” For many FSA plans, funds expire on December 31. But, depending on exceptions set by your employer, your FSA funds could be given a grace period of up to two months and 15 days into the following year — you would then have until midnight on March 15 to spend the remaining balance in your account. Or your employer might allow a limited amount to roll over into the next year (up to $640 for plan years ending in 2024). Employers can only offer one of these options, so you’ll want to double check your company’s guidelines.
So how does one avoid losing these valuable dollars? By consistently using them on FSA eligible items like contact lenses, sunscreen, nasal spray, eye drops, first aid supplies, and so much more before your funds expire.
Which OTC products are Health FSA eligible items?
Here’s a list of Health FSA eligible items you can buy without a prescription:
- Acne light therapy
- Athletic and orthopedic braces and supports
- Breast pumps and accessories
- Blood glucose monitors and testing strips
- Blood pressure monitors
- Condoms
- Contact lenses and supplies
- Denture cream and cleansers
- Eye drops
- First aid supplies and kits
- Glucosamine supplements
- Hot and cold packs
- Incontinence products
- Lip balm (SPF or medicated)
- Motion sickness aids
- Nasal spray
- Pregnancy and fertility tests
- Prenatal vitamins
- Reading glasses
- Shoe insoles and inserts (for pain relief)
- Sunscreens with SPF ratings of 15 and above
- Thermometers
- Vaporizers and inhalers
- Walking aids and wheelchairs
Some of our favorites
First aid kits: You should have one for your home and one in your car. If you already have a kit that you’ve had an occasion to crack open, your FSA can cover things like bandages and first aid ointment to replenish it.
Prescription glasses, contacts and eye care: If you’re due for an eye exam, you can now do those online or visit your eye doctor (and can likely also pay for it with your FSA). If you don’t need new eyewear, you can use your FSA for things like contact solution, lens wipes and eye rewetting drops.
Menstrual supplies: Thanks to the 2020 CARES Act, pads, tampons and other period products are now eligible for FSA spending.
Family planning items: Condoms and emergency contraception both qualify.
Over-the-counter medications: You may need ibuprofen, acetaminophen, certain vitamins and supplements, antacids, pain relief gels and pads, and other OTC treatments for when you aren’t feeling well.
Baby, pregnancy and postpartum supplies: Expecting a new healthcare dependent soon? FSAs cover a multitude of breast pumps and breastfeeding supplies, recommended postpartum care items, including the Owlet monitoring system.
Sunscreen and skin care: Many acne treatments and eczema creams can be purchased with your FSA.
Pain relieving devices: If you’ve had your eye on a pain relieving wand or device, consider purchasing one with your FSA. Experience therapeutic relief for muscle aches and pain — wherever you are.
Mobility aids: Canes, transport chairs, and wheelchairs are all eligible.
Home drug tests and smoking cessation aids: If healthier living is your goal, you can use up this year’s FSA balance to get a head start.
Don’t miss an FSA deadline, ever. Sign up for FSA Deadline Alerts and make expired funds a thing of the past.
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