Still Paying for These with Cash? What to Buy With Your FSA Before It Expires

I used to think of my Flexible Spending Account (FSA) as this mysterious little pot of money I only remembered existed when I went to the dentist. It felt abstract—there, but somehow hard to use. It wasn’t until I watched $200 of unspent FSA funds vanish one year (yes, vanish—use it or lose it) that I realized how many things I was still paying for out of pocket that could’ve been covered all along.

If you’ve got an FSA and it’s creeping toward its expiration date—typically at the end of the year or with a short grace period—you’re not alone in wondering, “What can I actually use this on that I’d be buying anyway?”

Spoiler: a lot more than just eyeglasses and co-pays.

This article isn’t just about getting your money’s worth—though that matters. It’s also about shopping more mindfully, spending where it counts, and skipping the annual panic-purchase of 18 boxes of Band-Aids. (Unless, of course, your household goes through those like mine does.)

What Is an FSA—and Why Does It Expire?

A Flexible Spending Account is a pre-tax benefit you get through your employer. You contribute a set amount—up to $3,050 in 2023, according to the IRS—and that money can be used for eligible health-related expenses throughout the year.

The catch? Most FSA funds expire at the end of your plan year unless your employer offers a grace period or lets you carry over a limited amount. That means if you don’t use the funds, you lose them.

It’s estimated that Americans forfeit nearly $3 billion in FSA funds annually, according to the Employee Benefit Research Institute. That’s money workers earned and earmarked for care—left on the table.

I don’t know about you, but losing money I already technically set aside doesn’t sit well. And it doesn’t have to be this way.

Why You’re Probably Still Paying Cash for FSA-Eligible Items

Here’s the thing about FSAs: they don’t come with a user manual. And they don’t always scream convenience. While some employers issue FSA debit cards (which make eligible purchases easy to track), many people still pay out of pocket, not realizing they could’ve used FSA funds—or they miss the opportunity altogether.

So we end up buying:

• Over-the-counter meds
• Heating pads
• First-aid supplies
• Sunscreen
• Eye drops
• Period care items

…with cash or credit, out of habit.

It’s not about laziness—it’s about information. The IRS has a long list of eligible items, but most people don’t read it cover to cover. (Understandably.)

The reality is this: you may already be spending on FSA-qualified items—you just haven’t connected the dots yet. And once you do, the way you shop for self-care, minor health needs, and home wellness essentials shifts—for good.

The New Shortlist: Everyday Items That Are FSA-Eligible

Let’s take a look at the kinds of things you’re probably already buying—and can easily swap onto your FSA.

1. Pain Relief That Isn’t Prescription

If you’ve ever tossed ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or heat patches into your cart during a grocery run, those are all FSA-eligible. So are:

• Muscle gels
• Ice packs
• TENS units (electrotherapy devices for pain)
• Hot/cold therapy wraps

Even those migraine caps and weighted neck wraps that feel more “comfort” than clinical? Many are now qualified as eligible health items.

2. Menstrual Care Products

Tampons, pads, menstrual cups, period underwear—all covered. Since the CARES Act passed in 2020, these products have been permanently eligible, a change that finally recognizes period care as essential.

If you’ve ever hesitated to splurge on organic options or reusable products, your FSA could make the upgrade more accessible.

3. Skin Care That’s Actually Treatment

Let’s be honest: not all skin care is reimbursable (no, your favorite sheet mask doesn’t count). But treatment-based items like acne medication with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid? Eczema cream? Sunscreen with SPF 15+? All typically qualify.

The catch is making sure it’s classified as an over-the-counter medical product, not just cosmetic.

According to Healthline, sunscreens with SPF 15 or higher and broad-spectrum protection are not just eligible—they’re recommended by dermatologists as part of skin cancer prevention. If you wear sunscreen daily (which experts suggest you should), it’s an FSA-friendly routine.

Small Upgrades That Make a Big Difference

Sometimes, the best use of your FSA isn’t restocking—it’s replacing. Certain household tools and health devices may seem like splurges, but they could quietly improve your everyday life—and qualify as eligible purchases.

1. Digital Thermometers

Gone are the days of shaking down a glass stick and hoping it’s accurate. A forehead-scanning infrared thermometer may not just be more convenient—it may also encourage you to actually monitor your health when you’re not feeling 100%.

2. Blood Pressure Monitors and Pulse Oximeters

If anyone in your household manages a chronic condition, or you simply want to be more aware of your body’s signals, these devices offer a way to track your health with fewer doctor visits—and often qualify as FSA-eligible.

3. Vision Essentials

Reading glasses, prescription sunglasses, and contact lens solution? All approved. Even blue-light blocking lenses may qualify if prescribed. You can also use FSA funds for LASIK consultations or procedures, though you’ll want to check your plan for specifics.

Less-Obvious (But Totally Legit) FSA Buys

Here’s where it gets interesting. Some of the most practical FSA purchases don’t live in the medicine cabinet—they live in your daily routine.

• Motion sickness wristbands for travel
• Foot orthotics for standing jobs or walking commutes
• Cold sore treatments, burn creams, or anti-itch gels
• Sleep aids like melatonin (if labeled as medical-grade)
• Contraceptives, pregnancy tests, fertility monitors
• Baby essentials, including nasal aspirators and breast pumps

These aren’t luxury items—they’re everyday wellness choices. If you’ve ever hesitated to buy something for yourself because it felt like a “nice to have,” your FSA might be the nudge you need.

How to Actually Shop Smart With Your FSA

Let’s bring it back to the day-to-day: How do you avoid the last-minute panic buy? And how do you make sure your purchases actually count?

1. Don’t wait until December. If your FSA expires with the calendar year, start in the fall. You’ll avoid out-of-stock issues and make more considered purchases.

2. Know where to shop. Retailers like CVS, Walgreens, and Amazon now label FSA-eligible items on their websites. There are also specialty online stores (like FSAstore.com) that only sell qualifying products.

3. Save your receipts (just in case). Even if you use your FSA card, you may be asked to prove the purchase later. Keep a digital folder or use an app that syncs with your account.

4. Set a monthly reminder. Check your FSA balance and plan your purchases like a mini budget. Even a $30 order every few weeks adds up and prevents the end-of-year scramble.

The IRS requires FSAs to be used within the plan year unless your employer offers a rollover (up to $640 in 2024) or a 2.5-month grace period—so read your plan carefully.

Pocket Insights

• Don’t sleep on first-aid upgrades: newer, smarter solutions like hydrocolloid bandages or digital thermometers qualify.
• Period care, sunscreen, and acne treatments? All FSA-approved and worth investing in with quality over quantity.
• FSA deadlines vary—check if your plan includes a grace period or rollover to avoid losing your funds.
• Many items at Amazon, Target, and drugstores are now marked “FSA eligible,” making checkout easier.
• Keeping a running list throughout the year helps you avoid overspending on things you don’t need in December.

Goodbye Guilt Buys, Hello Everyday Wins**

We’ve all been there—logging onto our FSA portal on December 29th, wondering if we can justify buying five heat wraps and a backup thermometer. But the best FSA spending isn’t frantic—it’s intentional.

Once you recognize how many routine purchases qualify, something shifts. You stop seeing your FSA as a vague benefits account and start seeing it as what it is: money you already earned that’s waiting to help you live more comfortably, proactively, and prepared.

So no, you don’t need to buy another box of gauze or restock your medicine cabinet with things you won’t use. You just need to look at what you're already doing—and ask, “Could I stop paying cash for this?”

Chances are, the answer is yes.

Note: FSA rules and item eligibility are governed by the IRS and your specific employer’s plan. Always check your plan details or talk to your HR department to confirm which items qualify and when your funds expire. Pricing and product eligibility may change over time.