Many of us are familiar with the basic FSA-eligible expenses like prescription medications and bandages, but there is a whole world of reimbursable items beyond the expected. In this blog post, we are sharing some of our favorite, and most surprising picks for how to spend your FSA or HSA funds. Keep reading to discover incredible health and wellness gear that will leave you thinking, “Wait, I can use my FSA for that?!”.
What is an FSA?
Short for Flexible Spending Account, an FSA is a tax-advantaged financial account that allows employees to set aside a portion of pre-tax earnings to pay for eligible expenses. These accounts are most often part of an employer-sponsored benefit package and usually include annual contribution limits.
What is the Difference Between HSA and FSA?
While an HSA, short for Health Savings Account, and FSA both offer healthcare-related tax advantages, HSAs are paired with high-deductible health plans owned by individuals. Most often, HSAs have rollover flexibility while employer-sponsored FSAs have lower contribution limits and a “use-it-or-lose-it” policy for FSA funds at the end of the year.
FSA Eligible Items vs. Expenses
When it comes to spending your FSA dollars, you can use it on two different healthcare-adjacent costs: expenses and items. FSA-eligible items are products and services that can be purchased, such as bandages or eyeglasses. On the other hand, expenses (as defined by the IRS) encompass a wider range of qualified medical costs such as doctor visits or medical procedures.
However you choose to save and spend your FSA funds, it’s important to always check with your plan administrator to confirm it would be eligible under your plan.
What Items Are FSA Eligible?
The following are some categories and examples of the most common FSA-eligible items:
- Health monitoring devices
- Family planning items
- First aid supplies
- Menstrual products
- Baby and child supplies
What Expenses Are FSA Eligible?
The following are some of the most common FSA-eligible expenses:
- Prescriptions
- Dental work
- Vision expenses
- Allergy testing
Expenses and Items That Aren’t FSA or HSA Eligible
While there are plenty of fun things to buy with your FSA, there are certain items that aren’t eligible for FSA/HSA reimbursement. Here are a few examples:
- Health insurance premiums
- Cosmetic or elective procedures
- Comfort items not related to medical conditions
- Spa and health club memberships
The Most Surprising FSA Eligible Items & Expenses
From at-home saunas to high-tech health tracking rings, step up your health and wellness goals with this collection of the most surprising, fun, cool, and luxurious FSA-eligible items.
1. Cold Plunge Tub
Dive into the therapeutic benefits of a cold plunge tub, an FSA-eligible item that brings the invigorating experience of cold immersion therapy to your home. Ideal for athletes, anyone seeking muscle recovery, or better overall wellness, cold tubs and ice baths aid in reducing inflammation, soothing sore muscles, and enhancing mental well-being.
If you’re curious about using your pre-tax dollars to unlock 30-40% in savings, here’s how to do it to buy a cold plunge:
- Select your desired Plunge product.
- Click "Get Pre-Qualified" on the product page below the add-to-cart button to kickstart the TrueMed evaluation.
- Once approved, complete the purchase of your cold plunge or sauna.
- On the Order Confirmation page, submit the TrueMed application to receive a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN).
- Use your LMN for easy reimbursement from your HSA/FSA program for your cold plunge and sauna purchase.
Head to this page to learn more about our partnership with TrueMed.
2. At-Home Sauna
Bring the spa home with an FSA-eligible sauna. Transform your home into a wellness sanctuary with a sauna that offers relaxation and plenty of health benefits, including stress reduction, improved circulation, and detoxification. Ideal for promoting overall well-being, an at-home sauna provides a comfortable escape for mental and physical rejuvenation.
If you’re curious about using your pre-tax dollars to unlock 30-40% in savings, here’s how to do it to buy a sauna:
- Head to our Sauna product page.
- Click "Get Pre-Qualified" on the product page below the add-to-cart button to kickstart the TrueMed evaluation.
- Once approved, complete the purchase of your cold plunge or sauna.
- On the Order Confirmation page, submit the TrueMed application to receive a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN).
- Use your LMN for easy reimbursement from your HSA/FSA program for your cold plunge and sauna purchase.
Head to this page to learn more about our partnership with TrueMed.
3. Heated Massage Gun
Revolutionize your self-care routine with a top-of-the-line FSA-eligible heated massage gun, a versatile tool designed for targeted tension and soreness relief. Whether you're an athlete or a desk-bound professional, a heated massage gun is a convenient solution for reducing muscle tightness, enhancing post-workout recovery, and promoting general muscle health.
4. Wearable Health Tracking Devices
Take a futuristic approach to monitoring your health with a wearable health tracking device, such as FSA-eligible Whoop or Oura. Sleek and discrete, these devices often provide continuous tracking of health metrics such as your sleeping patterns, activity levels, and heart rate (to name a few). Coming in a variety of form factors, such as watches, rings, and pins, you’ll have valuable insights that will help you stay proactive about your health and make better lifestyle choices.
5. At-Home Light Therapy
Many acne treatment products are FSA-eligible, and that includes at-home light therapy devices for skincare. These clinical gadgets bring the med spa to you with non-invasive, targeted wavelengths of light that can reduce acne inflammation as well as improve discoloration or smooth fine lines. Make sure you shop around to find the best light therapy method for you and your specific skin concerns.
6. Wearable Breast Pump
New moms will be surprised to learn that breast pumps, as well as many other infant-related products, are FSA-eligible. This includes more discreet and comfortable options such as the Willow Wearable Breast Pumps. These compact and portable pumps provide convenience and flexibility for hands-free, on-the-go pumping.
7. Fertility and Family Planning Products
Use your FSA funds to help navigate the journey of pregnancy and family planning with FSA-eligible fertility and family items such as a Kegg Fertility Tracker. Other unexpected reimbursable products include:
- Ovulation predictor kits
- Fertility tests
- Pregnancy tests
- Condoms and Plan B
- Neonatal vitamins
- Baby heartbeat monitor
- Baby monitors
8. Well-Stocked First Aid Kits
Ensure your home is prepared for unexpected emergencies with an FSA-eligible first aid kit. Go beyond the simple bandages and ointment kits, and invest in a well-stocked first aid kit that can handle a wide variety of emergencies. You can even use your FSA funds to buy multiple first aid kits to keep around the house, in your car, shed, and even RV! Having a well-stocked first aid kit on hand means you can quickly respond to injuries, keeping a safe and secure home environment.
9. Air Compression Boots
Elevate your recovery routine with a pair of FSA-eligible air compression boots, designed to enhance circulation and reduce muscle soreness. These boots use pneumatic compression to stimulate blood flow in the legs, making them an ideal addition for athletes, frequent travelers, or individuals seeking relief from leg discomfort.
10. Your Favorite Sunscreens
While most of the products on this “Best FSA-Eligible Items” list have been cool or luxurious, one of the most unexpected items you can use your FSA dollars on is simple sunscreen! With a wide range of SPF options and formulations, sunscreen is essential for protection against harmful UV rays and sunburn, while also reducing the risk of skin damage and premature aging. Use this opportunity to stock up on enough for the whole season!
What Will You Spend Your 2024 FSA Funds On?
From sunscreen to ice baths, we hope this list of the best FSA-eligible items opens a whole new world of possibilities for maximizing the benefits of your flexible spending account. Remember, your HSA/FSA is not just a tool for managing medical expenses– if used correctly, it can be a gateway to a healthier, more comfortable lifestyle.
