10 surprising FSA-eligible purchases you can make before the end of the year

December 4, 2023 1:16 PM

A black woman opens a bottle of skin vitamin serum.

Holiday gifts are not the only thing Americans should rush to buy amid the holiday fray: For many, Dec. 31 marks the last day to use up any remaining FSA funds.

Flexible spending accounts, or FSAs, require account holders to spend the money saved in their account each year on healthcare services, prescriptions and wellness products. Unspent funds do not roll over; you use it or lose it. The most common deadline is Dec. 31, but some employers offer a grace period, extending the deadline to March 15. FSA users should check with their employer or plan administrator to confirm the date before they start spending, says Susan Elliott-Bocassi, SVP of operations for health E-commerce at FSA Store, an online store that carries over 2,500 guaranteed FSA-eligible products.

If the deadline is coming sooner rather than later, Elliott-Bocassi reminds consumers that they do not have to spend their FSA dollars on doctor appointments. From sanitary pads and tampons, to sunscreen and lip balm, there are plenty of ways FSA holders can invest in their wellness with tax-free money.

"People recognize that FSAs can be used on co-pays and medical services," says Elliot-Bocassi. "Many employees and even benefits professionals would be surprised at how flexible FSAs are. It offers such an important opportunity to maximize their health and well-being."

Elliott-Bocassi advises employers to periodically remind their workforce of their FSA deadline and offer a list of suggestions for eligible purchases. Employees should feel like they are getting the most out of their healthcare benefits, and FSAs are no exception. Here are 10 products to consider adding to your cart:

Sunscreen

While winter may seem like the season where sunscreen doesn't matter, UV rays still reach our skin cells on gloomy, cloudy days. Broad-spectrum sunscreen products with an SPF of 15 or more (including lip balms) are FSA-eligible, including sunscreens from trendy brands like Supergoop!

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23andMe

FSA account holders can buy 23andMe's Health-only Service, which provides genetic insights into your family's health history.

Feminine hygiene products

Sanitary pads, tampons, menstrual cups and more are FSA-eligible products. Given just how pricey these necessities can be, it's not a bad idea to stock up using FSA dollars.

Migraine and eye relief mask

These devices can alleviate headaches and reduce eye strain through rhythmic massages and heat applied to the head.

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Cold and flu medicine

Whether it's Tylenol or a nasal spray, FSAs can help users replenish their medicine cabinet as COVID-19 and flu cases hit record highs during the holiday season.

COVID-19 at-home tests

Speaking of COVID, FSA dollars can also be used on antigen at-home tests.

Foot care

FSA holders can put their money towards foot creams and callus removers, no questions asked.

Skincare

Besides sunscreen, FSA users can invest their dollars in high-end moisturizers and acne treatments, like pimple patches and face moisturizers from Peter Thomas Roth.

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Breast pumps

Expecting mothers know better than anyone just how costly growing their family can be — if they have anything left in their FSAs, many products categorized under mom and baby care are FSA-eligible, like breast pumps, nipple balms and prenatal vitamins.

Massage guns

For those dealing with muscle tightness or chronic pain, products like massage guns or foam rollers could be a great way to treat themselves during the holidays.