Use It or Lose It: Smart FSA Purchases to Make Before December 31st

If you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), you already know one of its biggest perks: tax-free dollars for health-related expenses. But there’s one catch—most FSA funds expire on December 31. If you don’t use them, you lose them.

That makes the end of the year the perfect time to stock up on everyday essentials, wellness items, and products you’re likely to need in the coming months. Many people are surprised by just how many items may qualify.

Here’s your end-of-year guide to smart, practical, potentially FSA-eligible purchases—all of which you can find at Belew Drug Family of Pharmacies.

Cold, Flu, and Allergy Essentials

Winter is peak season for sniffles and sick days. Use your remaining FSA dollars to stock your medicine cabinet with items that are typically FSA-eligible, such as:

• Decongestants

• Cough syrup

• Cold & flu relief

• Fever reducers

• Antihistamines (great for early spring!)

• Nasal sprays and saline rinses

• Thermometers

These everyday essentials are commonly covered by FSAs.

Vitamins & Supplements

Some physician-recommended supplements may be FSA-eligible with a Letter of Medical Necessity, including:

• Probiotics

• Magnesium

• Vitamin D

• Prenatal vitamins

• Omega-3s

• CoQ10

First Aid Must-Haves

Another category that’s almost always FSA-eligible:

• Bandages & gauze

• Medical tape

• Hydrogen peroxide or alcohol

• Wound care ointments

• Hot/cold therapy packs

• Finger splints

• First aid kits

These are items you’ll always be grateful to have on hand.

Durable Medical Equipment (DME)

If you’ve been putting off a larger health purchase, now is a great time. Many FSAs may cover:

• Blood pressure monitors

• Blood glucose monitors

• Pulse oximeters

• Nebulizers

• Breast pumps & accessories

• Heating pads

• TENS units

• Braces and orthopedic supports

Using tax-free dollars makes these more affordable.

Compression Wear

Many plans cover:

• Compression socks

• Compression sleeves

• Medical-grade compression hose

Perfect for travel, swelling, varicose veins, circulation support, and long workdays.

Women’s Health & Baby Care

People are often surprised these may qualify:

• Pregnancy tests

• Ovulation tests

• Baby thermometers

• Breastfeeding supplies

• Postpartum support products

• Certain menstrual care items

These make great additions to your home or travel health kit.

Eye & Ear Care

Don’t forget vision and ear health. Many FSAs cover:

• Contact solution

• Eye drops

• Dry eye therapies

• Allergy eye care

• Ear wax removal kits

• Alcohol wipes

Perfect for restocking travel bags, work desks, and glove compartments.

Before You Shop: Check ALL Your Benefit Cards

Some people have multiple accounts:

• FSA (often expires 12/31 unless your employer offers a grace period)

• HSA (does not expire)

• HRA (varies by employer and may expire)

• Limited-Purpose FSA (often tied to dental/vision)

If you’re unsure what qualifies, bring your card to Belew Drug—our team is happy to help you choose eligible items.

Don’t Let Your Health Dollars Disappear

December 31 approaches fast. Stop by any of our Belew Drug locations to shop for eligible items, get recommendations, and make the most of every dollar before the deadline. You earned these benefits—make sure you use them!