ShopFSAstore.com’s Favorite Staff Picks for the 2020 Grace Period Deadline
For more than a third of the flexible spending account (FSA) user population, March 15 is a pivotal deadline when they have to spend the last of their 2019 funds before they're forfeited to the "use-it-or-lose-it" rule.
Need some help getting your wellness shopping trip started? Let the FSAstore.com staff help. We've compiled our staff's favorite newly eligible and top sellers so you can get exactly what you need to spend your remaining funds and get what your family needs to stay healthy year-round.
1. MDSolarSciences Hydrating Lip Balm SPF 30
"This is my favorite sun-safe lip balm that goes with everything. It has broad spectrum protection and helps prevent chapped lips," - Pauline F.
"This is one of our office favorites. It uses a suction tool to remove insect saliva and venom to quickly get rid of any itching or burning after a bite," - Kevin O.
3. KT Tape Recovery Cold Therapy Roller
"If I have a sports injury or just some regular workout soreness, this is a great option to have in my freezer to fight off pain and inflammation," - Ethan W.
4. Kanjo Acupressure Zip-Apart Mat
"I'm a big fan of Kanjo products, and this zip-apart mat helps me set up and break down the mat quickly and stow it in a suitcase or bag when traveling. It's a great way to treat common pain issues that can affect your neck and back," - Brendon A.
5. Attitude Living Baby & Kids Mineral Face Stick SPF 30 Fragrance-free
"I love this face stick for my little ones because it's plant-based, reef-safe and certified sustainable while offering broad spectrum protection against UVA/UVB rays," - Nancy H.
6. Recoup Cryosleeve Cold Compression Sleeve
"When I pull a muscle or tweak something at the gym, this cold compression sleeve is a lifesaver. It conforms to the area to ease pain and speed up the recovery process," - Bill S.
"If you wear contacts or eyeglasses, an FSA is a no-brainer to cover vision corrective aides and everything else that goes with them. I'm a big fan of Sven Antifog gel that will keep my lenses clear for 24 hours and comes in a pen-sized spray bottle that can go with you anywhere," - Zach W.
8. Elvie Double Electric Breast Pump
"After using a regular breast pump after the birth of my first child, I'm absolutely wowed by the Elvie. It can be worn in a standard nursing bra, and I can get stuff done while still being able to pump. It's one of the coolest mom innovations out there today," - Vanessa S.
9. Caring Mill Travel Heating Pad
"You'd be amazed how many ways you can use a heating pad, especially when it comes to treating abdominal cramps and discomfort. This Caring Mill design is perfect for use at home and can fit easily in a travel bag, and each sale benefits our charitable partner, Children's Health Fund! It's a win-win," - Jackie D.
March 15 will be here before you know it, so make sure you shop at FSAstore.com for all of your deadline spending needs:
- Shop worry-free until midnight PST on March 15
- 24/7 access to FSA experts, call or chat
- 100% eligible products, guaranteed
Use every last tax-free penny by deadline day!
They say, "Beware the Ides of March," but around here, we see things a little differently. That's because it's the March 15 FSA grace period deadline, a golden opportunity to make the most of your leftover 2017 funds.
We've been making a lot of buying suggestions lately -- many of them "bigger-ticket" items. But if you only have a few FSA dollars left, and they're burning a hole in your pocket, here are some low-cost, big-value ways to use every last bit before the clock runs out.
Under $20:
TheraPearl Hot or Cold Knee Wrap - $19.99
Perfect for sore knees and thighs. Use it at the gym, the office, at home, to let you work or play comfortably. This flexible wrap stays in place, even during a workout. Stick it in the freezer for cooling relief, or pop it in the microwave for penetrating heat. The pack holds its temperature for a full 20 minutes so you get fast, effective pain relief, perfect after exercise, or just for tired knees.
Mason Natural Glucosamine Chondroitin - $16.49
Speaking of soreness, talk to your doc about glucosamine supplements that contain calcium, vitamin D, and soy to help maintain healthy bone and joint function. If you have arthritis, this dietary supplement may support joint flexibility, cartilage maintenance and bone health. The best part? There's no prescription needed.
Coola Classic Liplux SPF 30 Vanilla Peppermint - $12.00
Don't forget your lips. As one of the most sun-sensitive parts of the body, this all-in-one lip treatment, with delicious peppermint vanilla flavor, moisturizes your skin and covers you with SPF 30 broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection. The vitamin- and antioxidant-enriched formula soothes and nourishes, while fruit butters like raspberry and avocado hydrate your lips.
Under $10:
The TheraBand Foot Roller is designed to provide quick relief from foot aches and soreness. The foot roller is an affordable, simple, and effective tool, with ridges that deliver a therapeutic foot massage. The 1.5" diameter increases flexibility by stretching your feet and toes which helps blood flow. The foot roller can also be chilled to assist in immediate pain relief.
Profoot Care Super Sport Arch Support - $7.49
While we're discussing feet, Profoot's Super Sport orthotic design helps eliminate fatigue and foot aches by providing solid support to the heel and arch. The new advanced-gel insert absorbs shock and helps make any shoe feel like a comfy pair of sneakers.
Bausch & Lomb Sight Savers Contact Lens Cases - $3.99
Let's face it, you never think about contact lens cases… until you actually need them. This 3-pack ensures you'll never wonder how you're going to store and clean your lenses, at home or on the road.
Have a rollover instead of a grace period? If you have a good chunk of money left over, and decided to roll it over into your 2018 FSA funds, good for you! The rollover option is a huge advantage for FSA owners who might want to put their tax-free funds toward something else.
Hopefully, you budgeted your 2017 dollars perfectly, and have zeroed out your balance (or rolled over the funds you need for 2018). But, if you have a few bucks remaining, don't let them just sit there and expire. It's your money, don't lose it!!
TheraPearl Knee Wrap
Get quick and effective heat or cold therapy during or after exercise, when lugging laundry up the stairs, or when kneeling in the garden.
Your March FSA deadline checklists
We don't want to be too dramatic, and scream, "Your FSA grace period ends on March 15!" But, with just two days remaining….
"YOUR FSA GRACE PERIOD ENDS ON MARCH 15!"
Let's take a collective breath because there's still time to use these tax-free dollars before the clock runs out. And to help you along, we've created a quick checklist to help you make sure your bases are covered before midnight on Thursday!
So, if you're a last-minute FSA shopper, read on, and avoid forfeiting your hard-earned flex dollars. Get that pencil ready and start checking!
The grace period deadline checklist
_____ 1) Make sure you have a grace period. Because it's only available to FSA users whose employers have chosen this option for their FSA programs. (If it turns out you don't have a grace period, skip ahead to the next section - there's still some items to consider!)
_____ 2) Know your balance. Visit your online FSA management portal (or call your benefits administrator) to find out exactly how much you have left to spend from your 2017 funds.
_____ 3) Take stock of your home's medical supplies. Running low on first aid items? Want a way to bounce back from workout soreness? Ready for the oncoming allergy season? Use your flex dollars to stay ahead of potential health needs.
_____ 4) Get organized! Have any receipts you need to submit for doctor appointments or specialist visits? Have these itemized and ready to submit before the deadline.
Also, if you don't have a grace period, but want to find some great deals on FSA-eligible items, consider shopping this week, anyway. Because we're running some FANTASTIC sales.
The "run-out" period checklist
While checking off the items above, you may have learned your FSA also has a "run-out" period, which ends on March 31. But, despite the similar concepts, the run-out period is not the same as the grace period.
Instead, the March 31 run-out deadline is your last chance to file claims from 2017. These are only for claims made before the March 15 deadline and you can't incur any new expenses with 2017 FSA funds after your grace period deadline.
In other words, do your FSA shopping and have your eligible medical visits by March 15. Then have the paperwork submitted to your benefits administrator by March 31. To make this easier, let's do another checklist:
_____ 1) See what's eligible. Have you paid for FSA-eligible items with cash or a credit card recently? Use our expansive Eligibility List to find out if you can be reimbursed for these purchases. Then submit your receipts/invoices in a claim to your benefits administrator before the run-out period deadline.
_____ 2) Get those invoices. Need to be reimbursed for a past doctor's appointment co-pay? You may be able to contact your physician for an invoice you can use for submitting a claim.
_____ 3) Plan ahead for 2018. Use these deadlines as an opportunity to better organize receipts and proofs of payment, so this is a breeze next year!
To make this even easier, let our team help you stay ahead of deadlines with our FSA Tracker! We'll send you email updates throughout your plan year to help you stay on top of FSA spending.
And, as always, for the latest info about your health and financial wellness, be sure to check out our Learning Center, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Your top FSA grace period deadline Q&As
With the FSA grace period ending on March 15, we've seen a boost in social media activity as FSA users look to spend their remaining funds before the deadline.
We're here to answer the most-popular FSA grace period questions to help you better manage your FSA funds. These are just a few of the most-commonly asked questions, but the answers can help equip you with the knowledge to make this a successful March deadline.
"If I purchase an Rx item, where do I send the prescription?"
Over-the-counter products that contain medicated ingredients - such as Tylenol, Advil, Claritin and even some cough drops - require a doctor's prescription for FSA reimbursement. In most stores, you need to hand your prescription to the pharmacist and you will be able to use your FSA card with the prescription number you get.
However, if you shop on FSAstore.com, we have a easy Prescription Process that requests prescriptions from your doctor on your behalf, so you can quickly make your purchase without any hassle.
Update: As of March 2020 with the passage of the CARES Act, the OTC Rx requirement has been repealed and prescriptions are no longer necessary to purchase over-the-counter medicines with an FSA or HSA. Additionally, menstrual care products like tampons and pads are fully FSA-/HSA-eligible. Learn more here.
"If I retire this year, what happens to the leftover balance in my account?"
If you're planning to retire and you're enrolled in an FSA, you should spend the money before leaving your position. If you don't, your unspent money will go back to your employer.
If you've been keeping track of your FSA balance and spending throughout the year, hopefully there won't be much leftover. If you need some inspiration for new ways to use your remaining balance, check out our hi-tech health and surprisingly eligible goodies collections.
"What specific health practitioners can sign a Letter of Medical Necessity?"
Medical products and services that fall outside of FSA eligibility rules like massage therapy and calcium supplements can still be eligible with a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) from a doctor. However, your plan administrator can still approve or deny the expense.
"What's the difference between the FSA grace period and run-out period?"
Let's tackle this as simply as possible: the FSA grace period is your last chance to spend, the "run-out" period is your last chance to file claims.
The FSA grace period gives you 2.5 months after the end of your plan year to spend your remaining FSA funds from the previous year. So if your plan usually ends on December 31, you would have until March 15 to spend the last of your 2019 funds.
The run-out period is an option offered by your employer to submit claims from the previous year. This will give you a chance to be reimbursed for any outstanding medical expenses you incurred during 2019 and forgot to submit for reimbursement. Check with your benefits administrator to see if this option is offered to you (since not all plans have it) and to find out how much time you have to submit expenses.
"So, can I use 2019 FSA funds to pay for 2020 expenses?"
Employers have the option to elect either a 2.5 month grace period or a $500 rollover option to help you not lose your funds. If you have the FSA grace period, your plan year will function a bit differently than those without one.
For example, if you have a plan year beginning in January 2019 that ends in December runs into 2020, the FSA grace period extends this deadline until March 15, 2020. Check with your plan administrator to see if you have the grace period option.
Those with a traditional 12/31 deadline have to spend down their funds by this date. Those with FSA rollover can move up to $500 of their remaining funds into their 2020 FSA totals.
If you have more questions about how to #GetFlexSmart, reach out to us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. We'll be reporting back on more common questions soon!
15 favorite FSA eligible products for March 15
You may have a Carryover instead of a Grace Period (you can't have both of these plan extensions), so it's good to ask your FSA administrator soon if you're not sure which one applies to your plan.Curious about more information?
View our Carryover vs. Grace Period video to hear more about these deadline extensions for FSAs. There are lots of everyday health care items you can shop for with your FSA. Check out the 15 favorite FSA eligible products we highlighted from our site before your deadline ends.
Hereare our customers' 15 favorite FSA eligible products at FSAstore.com:
1) Ultimate Foot Circulator
The AccuRelief Ultimate Foot Circulator is a pain relief device (an electrical stimulator) designed to alleviate stiff muscles, increase circulation, and reduce swollen ankles or feet. Easily take the Foot Circulator with you during travel, keep it at work, or use it at home.
Shop for: Ultimate Foot Circulator
2) Kinsa Smartphone Thermometer
Use this thermometer with your smartphone (and its free app for iOS and Android)to easily monitor fevers, and share information with family members or your doctor.
Shop for Kinsa Smartphone Thermometer
3) Boogie Wipes Saline Nose Wipes
Boogie Wipes are kid-friendly, hypoallergenic, gentle alternatives to a dry tissue. These saline wipes can help with the common cold, allergies and dissolve mucus.
Shop for Boogie Wipes
4) MyPurmist Handheld Steam Inhaler
Dealing with sinus pain, allergies or a cold? The MyPurMist Handheld Steam Inhaler is a personal steam inhaler providing maximum humidity, washing away allergens, warm steam relief for cold and flu symptoms, moisture for sinus and nose, and any discomfort from sore throats.
Shop for MyPurMist Handheld Steam Inhaler
5) Adventure Medical First Aid Kits
Confidently explore the great outdoors with comprehensive first aid kits that'll take care of minor cuts, scrapes and nuisances to keep you moving along! Adventure Medical Kits come in variety kits for family, world travel, hunting, sports and more.
Shop for Adventure Medical Kits
6) reVive Acne Light Therapy
Get rid of acne in a drug-free way. reVive Acne Light Therapy uses non-UV light in an easy-to-use device that fights acne-causing bacteria.It reduces acne flare ups and other skin ailments.
Shop for reVive Acne Light Therapy
7) Icy Hot TENS Therapy
No matter what type of pain you're experiencing, you can get relief with the same technology doctors rely on with reusable, wire-free TENS therapy. Relieve painful muscles and joints with TENS therapy at different intensity levels, as well.
Shop for Icy Hot TENS Therapy
8) La Roche Posay Anthelios SPF 50 Primer and Sunscreen
Protect your skin from sunburn or other sun damage all year long. La Roche-Posay sunscreen can easily be used every day to protect your skin from the sun - winter, spring, summer or fall.
Shop for La Roche Posay
9) Back-A-Line Premiere BIOflex Magnet Lumbar Support
Experiencing lower back pain? Get the Back-A-Line with a curved lumbar pad to alleviate pain, and improve circulation in your body.
Shop for Back-A-Line
10) Medela Freestyle Solution Set
Use your FSA for breastfeeding supplies. The Medela Freestyle solution set contains a hands-free, double electric breast pump that allow you to pump anywhere (no electric outlet nearby necessary), disposable bra pads, lanolin, quick clean bags, quick clean wipes, breast milk bags, breast milk resource guide and a storage guidelines magnet.
Shop the Medela Freestyle Solution Set
11) Kenko Acupressure Mat for Back/Neck Pain or Back Pain
Acupressure focuses on relieving pain through pressure points. These Kenko mats create targeted therapy for specific pressure points to alleviate all types of pain.
Shop for Kenko Acupressure Mats
12) Opti-Free RepleniSH Multi-Purpose Disinfection Solution (2 pack)
Keep your contact lenses clean and sterile, reduce redness and discomfort, and focus on clear and comfortable vision with Opti-Free. You can use Opti-Free with silicone hydrogel and soft contact lenses. The multi-purpose disinfection solution kills bacteria that can lead to eye infections.
Shop for Opti-Free RepleniSH
13) QardioArm Wireless Blood Pressure Monitor
Easily use the Qardio Arm at home, work or during travel to wirelessly measure your blood pressure, and hook it up to your smartphone or tablet.
Shop for QardioArm
14) Dr. Scholl's Massaging Gel Supports
Get support for your foot and heel through massaging gel waves cushion supports from Dr. Scholl's. Dr. Scholl's offers enhanced gel support in the heel and arch, so you can stay comfortable on your feet all day.
Shop for Dr. Scholls Massaging Gel Mens Outrageous Comfort, Size 8-13
Shop for Dr. Scholls Massaging Gel Womens Outrageous Comfort, Size 6-10
15) Get a FSA Eligible Bundle
Want a variety pack of items? Browse our Bundles for items you need. Check out the newest including the FSA Goodies Bundle, FSA Blockbuster Bundle,Hi-Tech Health Bundle and MDSolarSciences Protection Pros Sunscreen Set.
Looking for even more ideas about eligible products to use leftover FSA dollars? Shop our Grace Period Product guide:
https://fsastore.com/blog/2016/03/12/grace-period-guide-to-fsa-eligible-products/
Is Your FSA Grace Period Deadline Soon?
The New York Times published an article today, A Flexible Spending Account Deadline May be Near, reminding those who have a Flexible Spending Account Grace Period Deadline that the deadline may be approaching for them.In fact, for anyone with an FSA plan year ending on December 31, that FSA grace period deadline would be on March 15.Those who have the March 15 Grace Perioddeadline would need touse leftover FSA dollars, before it's too late.
FSA plan year deadlines and applicable extensions, including a Grace Period or $500 Carryover, depend on the employer and how the company's plan is structured. FSA plans can have a Grace Period or a Carryover, but not both at the same time. If you're confused or aren't sure which deadline your plan has - or if you have a deadline extension - it's best to reach out to your FSA administrator or ask your HR department at work for more details. There are still a few days left until March 15, but it's best to check in soon about remaining balances, and filing for reimbursement, before it's too late.
According to Carrns when discussing FSA eligibility with FSAstore.com founder and president, Jeremy Miller, she writes, "If you do have a balance to spend, a range of items qualify for purchase. In addition to staples like contact lenses and solution, breast pumps and knee braces, high-tech items are popular purchases, Mr. Miller said. These include smartphone-enabled blood pressure monitors, as well as electrotherapy devices, which are used to ease pain through electrical impulses."
You can read the full New York Times article about the upcoming FSA deadline here.
Have an FSAGrace Period deadline on March? Contact your FSA benefits administrator to find out your remaining balance (sometimes that information is also accessible online), shop for everyday FSA-eligible products at FSAstore.com including our updates Bundles and more!
FSAstore.com reminds consumers – you may have Flexible Spending Account funds expiring on March 15th
FSAstore.com Carries the Largest Selection of FSA Eligible Products, Including Bundles, That Can Be Purchased with an FSA Card
New York, NY (PRWEB) March 03, 2014 -FSAstore.com, the only e-commerce site stocked exclusively withFlexible Spending Account (FSA) eligible products, is reminding the more than 30 million Americans with an FSA that they may have a Grace Period to use their 2013 FSA funds. Many (but not all) FSAs have a Grace Period ending on March 15, 2014. FSA holders with a Grace Period must use 2013 funds by March 15th or their funds may be forfeited.
In addition to thousands of eligible products, FSAstore.com introduced FSA bundles to offer a convenient way for consumers to spend wisely on healthcare necessities.
New product bundles available at FSAstore.com:
- Family Essentials - Restock your medicine cabinet for the whole family with bandages, heat wraps, thermometers, sunscreen, and first aid kits.
- Winter/Cold – Alleviate cold symptoms with a Neti pot, saline sinus spray, and a warm steam vaporizer.
- Pain Relief - Treat sore muscles and all types of pain with heat wraps, cooling eye masks, cold packs, joint wraps, and sinus compresses.
- Baby Care - Care for your baby with thermometers, nasal aspirators, and baby sun care.
- Travel Essentials – Pack travel-size first aid kits, sunscreen, cold therapy packs, and bandages for an upcoming trip.
- Sun Care – Shop a bundle of brand-name sunscreens for all uses.
“Bundles are an easy way to get the products I need for my family," said Karen N., an FSAstore.com customer. “FSAstore.com is always offering new FSA eligible products and it's great to have products delivered to my home in a just a few days."
“We recently added new bundles to make shopping on our site even more convenient," said Jeremy Miller, CEO and Founder of FSAstore.com. “Bundles are an effective way for FSA participants to shop for healthcare items they need, while helping them avoid losing their hard-earned, tax-free dollars at the end of the Grace Period."
Jeremy Miller Interviewed by The Wall Street Journal
Our President & Founder, Jeremy Miller, was recently interviewed on The Daily Wrap from The Wall Street Journal with Michael Castner. He explained what a Flexible Spending Account is, and which FSA eligible expenses apply for coverage. FSA Store helps consumers easily use their FSAs.
Tune in to hear more details:
Reminder: The FSA grace period deadline for some plans is ending in 11 days on March 15. If you have any leftover funds from your 2012 FSA though the grace period, it's important to use them before they expire. Check in with your FSA provider if you have a remaining grace period balance before it's too late!
