A flexible spending account (FSA) can help you save money on health care expenses. You may already use your FSA for doctor visit copays, prescriptions or dental care. But your funds may cover many other health products and services too.
Some FSA-eligible items may already be in your medicine cabinet, bathroom or shopping cart. Before paying with your regular debit or credit card, it may be worth checking whether you can use your FSA funds instead.
Here are 10 types of expenses that may surprise you.
1. Sunscreen
Sunscreen is not just a summer purchase. It helps protect your skin from sunburn and other harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) rays.
Many broad-spectrum sunscreens with an SPF of 15 or higher are FSA eligible. Sunscreen with a lower SPF and products used mainly for tanning generally do not qualify.
2. Over-the-counter medicines
You do not need a prescription to use FSA funds for many common over-the-counter (OTC) medicines.
Depending on the product, eligible purchases may include:
- Pain relievers and fever reducers
- Allergy medicines and medicated nasal sprays
- Heartburn and digestive medicines
- Cold and flu medicines
- Motion sickness and nausea treatments
- Toothache relief
- Wart removal treatments
Keep in mind that vitamins, supplements and other general wellness products often have different rules.
3. Menstrual care products
Many period products are FSA eligible, including:
- Pads
- Tampons
- Menstrual cups
- Menstrual liners
- Menstrual sponges
These everyday purchases can add up over time, so using pre-tax FSA funds may help lower your out-of-pocket costs.
4. Pregnancy and fertility-related expenses
Your FSA may cover more family planning products and services than you realize.
Eligible expenses may include:
- Pregnancy tests
- Ovulation tests and monitors
- Certain fertility treatments
- Some birth control products and medications
- Breast pumps and certain breastfeeding supplies
Fertility treatment and storage expenses can have more specific rules. Check with your FSA administrator before paying for higher-cost services.
5. Acne treatments and other medicated skin care
Some skin care products qualify when they are used to treat or prevent a health condition.
Examples may include:
- Over-the-counter acne treatments
- Prescription acne medications
- Medicated treatments for certain skin conditions
- Sunburn creams and ointments
Regular moisturizers, cosmetics and products used mainly for appearance generally are not eligible.
6. First-aid supplies and hot or cold therapy
A basic home first-aid kit may contain several items you can buy with FSA funds.
These may include:
- Bandages and gauze
- First-aid kits
- Hot and cold packs
- Certain braces and supports
- Thermometers
- Some home health monitors and test kits
These products can be useful to keep on hand before a minor illness or injury happens.
7. Reading glasses and other vision expenses
You do not always need a prescription to use FSA funds for vision care.
Eligible expenses may include:
- Over-the-counter reading glasses
- Prescription eyeglasses
- Prescription sunglasses
- Contact lenses and certain contact lens supplies
- Eye exams
Regular nonprescription sunglasses are generally not eligible.
8. Smoking cessation products and treatment
Trying to quit smoking can come with costs, but some of those expenses may be FSA eligible.
Qualifying expenses may include certain smoking cessation programs and products such as nicotine gum or patches.
9. Nutrition counseling for certain health conditions
Nutrition counseling may qualify for FSA reimbursement when it is used to treat a specific health condition diagnosed by a health care provider.
For example, counseling related to diabetes or another diagnosed condition may qualify. General nutrition advice for overall health usually does not.
Because documentation requirements can vary, check with your FSA plan before scheduling services.
10. Mental health care
FSA funds can also be used for many types of mental health treatment.
Eligible expenses may include:
- In-person therapy
- Telehealth therapy
- Psychiatric care
- Prescription medications for mental health conditions
- Treatment for substance use disorders
General wellness services that are not considered medical treatment may not qualify.
What is not usually FSA eligible?
A product does not automatically qualify just because it supports your health or well-being.
Common expenses that generally do not qualify include:
- Regular cosmetics and skin care
- Toiletries
- General health supplements
- Gym memberships for general fitness
- Exercise classes for general health
- Teeth whitening
- Nonprescription sunglasses
Some expenses may qualify when they are used to treat a diagnosed medical condition and you provide the required documentation.
How do I know whether something is FSA eligible?
FSA rules can be confusing, and plans may have different requirements for receipts or other documentation.
Before making a large purchase:
- Check your FSA plan’s list of eligible expenses.
- Find out whether you need a letter of medical necessity or other documentation.
- Save itemized receipts in case your plan asks you to submit them.
- Check your account balance and your plan’s deadline for using funds.
What happens to unused FSA money?
Many FSAs have a “use it or lose it” rule, which means you can lose unused money after the plan deadline. However, some employers offer a grace period or allow a limited amount of money to carry over to the next plan year.
Check your specific plan so you know how much money you have left and when you need to use it.
Make the most of your FSA
Your FSA can help pay for more than doctor visits and prescriptions. From sunscreen and menstrual products to reading glasses and mental health treatment, you may be able to use pre-tax dollars for health expenses you are already paying for.
Before your next health-related purchase, check whether it is FSA eligible. A little planning can help you get more value from the money you have already set aside.
