Your Flexible Spending Account covers far more than basic first aid. Many useful products qualify for FSA reimbursement, yet most people never take advantage of them. With the deadline getting closer, it helps to know what you can buy before the money is gone.
Sunscreen (Yes, Really)
Your daily SPF habit just got a financial boost. The IRS considers sunscreen a qualified medical expense, which means you can stock up on your favorite brands without paying out of pocket. This includes spray bottles, lotions, and even lip balms with SPF protection.
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Just make sure the product has an SPF rating of 15 or higher. You can grab travel sizes for your bag or family-sized bottles for summer. No prescription needed, no questions asked. If you’re already protecting your skin from sun damage, you might as well use pre-tax dollars to do it.
Electric Toothbrushes and Replacement Heads
That fancy Sonicare you’ve been eyeing? FSA approved. Electric toothbrushes count as dental care equipment, and so do the replacement brush heads. You can buy multiple heads at once to last you through the year. Some people even buy extras as gifts during the holidays.
The prices on these add up quickly when you’re buying them at full retail price. Using FSA funds makes the investment feel less painful. Your dentist has probably been nagging you about this upgrade anyway.
Contact Lens Solution and Cases
Contact wearers spend a surprising amount on supplies each year. Solution, cases, rewetting drops, and cleaning tablets all qualify for FSA reimbursement. You can buy a year’s worth of solution in one go if you have the funds available. The bulk purchase saves time and ensures you never run out at an inconvenient moment.
Storage is the only real limitation here. Stack up on multipurpose solutions or hydrogen peroxide systems depending on your lens type. This is one of those small expenses that adds up over time, so getting it covered feels like a win.
Acne Treatment Products
Benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and other acne treatments are FSA eligible. This includes face washes, spot treatments, and medicated pads. You don’t need a prescription for most over-the-counter acne products to qualify.
Brands like Neutrogena, Clean & Clear, and generic store brands all work. Teen with acne? Parent dealing with adult breakouts? Stock up on what actually works for your skin. The FSA covers prevention and treatment, so maintenance products count too.
First Aid Kits and Supplies
Pre-assembled first aid kits qualify, but so do individual components. Bandages, gauze, medical tape, antiseptic wipes, and antibiotic ointment all make the list. You can build your own custom kit or replace items from an existing one. Keep one in your car, one at home, and maybe one for camping trips.
These supplies don’t expire quickly, so buying in bulk makes sense. Ice packs and heating pads also qualify as first aid equipment. Check your current stash and see what needs replenishing in your emergency supplies.
Prenatal Vitamins
Pregnancy planning or already expecting? Prenatal vitamins are fully covered by FSA funds. You don’t need to be pregnant to buy them either. Some doctors recommend starting prenatal vitamins before conception. The over-the-counter versions at drugstores work just fine for FSA purposes.
Stock up on a few months’ worth if you’re in baby-planning mode. The prescription versions are also covered if your doctor writes one. These vitamins cost more than regular multivitamins, so the FSA coverage helps offset that premium.
Allergy Medications and Nasal Sprays
Seasonal allergies drain your budget and your sinuses. Antihistamines like Claritin, Zyrtec, and Allegra are FSA eligible. Nasal sprays including Flonase and generic versions also qualify. You can buy the store brand versions and still get reimbursed. Eye drops for allergy relief count too.
If you deal with allergies year-round, this is a chance to stock up when prices drop. Some people buy extra during sales and save them for high pollen seasons.
Reading Glasses
Computer strain giving you headaches? Reading glasses purchased without a prescription still qualify for FSA reimbursement. You can buy multiple pairs to keep at home, work, and in your bag. The cheap readers from drugstores work just fine for FSA purposes. Prescription reading glasses obviously qualify too if you need something stronger.
Blue light blocking glasses also make the list if they have a magnification component. Keep a pair everywhere you might need them. Vision changes happen gradually, so having backup pairs prevents frustration.
Breast Pumps and Nursing Supplies
New parents can use FSA funds for breast pumps, both manual and electric. Replacement parts like flanges, valves, and tubing also qualify. Milk storage bags and bottles designed for pumping are covered too. This equipment costs hundreds of dollars when purchased out of pocket.
Using FSA money makes the expense more manageable during an already expensive time. You can buy backup supplies or upgrade to a better pump model. Nursing pads and nipple cream also qualify as breastfeeding support items.
Orthotic Insoles and Foot Care Products
Your feet carry you everywhere, so treating them right matters. Orthotic insoles and arch supports are FSA eligible without a prescription. Bunion pads, corn cushions, and blister prevention products also qualify. You can buy insoles for different types of shoes or activities.
People who stand all day for work should definitely take advantage of this category. Diabetic foot care products have their own qualifying category with even more options. Replace worn-out insoles or try different brands to find what works best.
Thermometers and Monitoring Devices
Digital thermometers, blood pressure monitors, and pulse oximeters all qualify for FSA coverage. These are useful items to have at home, especially with kids. The good digital thermometers cost more but work faster and more accurately. You can upgrade from your old mercury thermometer without the guilt.
Blood pressure monitors help you track health metrics between doctor visits. Pulse oximeters became popular recently and remain useful for respiratory monitoring. Having quality medical devices at home means fewer urgent care visits for minor concerns.
Sleep Aids and Supports
Melatonin supplements qualify as over-the-counter sleep aids. Sleep masks, white noise machines, and certain pillows designed for medical purposes can also be eligible. The key is that the item addresses a medical condition like insomnia or sleep apnea. Anti-snoring devices and nasal strips for better breathing count too.
You’ll need documentation showing medical necessity for some items in this category. But basic sleep supplements are usually approved without issues. Better sleep affects everything else in your life, so investing in it makes sense.
This article first appeared on Cents + Purpose.