Originally published on 12/5/25

If you’re one of the 32.6 million Americans with a flexible spending account (FSA), you probably already know that now is the time to cash in on your benefits or risk losing them altogether. What you might not know is that, in addition to using the money for copays and prescriptions, you can also spend it on some surprising healthcare items like sunscreen, sunglasses and fitness trackers. Read on for the FSA-eligible items​ excerpts recommend, and learn about changes being made to FSAs for 2026. 

What to know about flexible spending accounts 

An FSA is a pretax savings account employees can use to help pay for a variety of medical costs. Typically, during an open-enrollment period for health insurance, the employee decides how much money to put in the account for the upcoming calendar year. The accounts do have a limit, though. In 2025 the cap was $3,300. 

Most people end up using that money on copayments, prescriptions, eyeglasses, contacts and more. But only $660 can be rolled over to the next year, meaning that people with FSAs have to either use it or lose it. 

“As the year comes to a close, many find themselves with leftover FSA money—and you’re not alone if you’re in the same boat. Unlike a health savings account (HSA), your flexible spending account doesn’t roll over, so it’s important to check your balance before those unused dollars disappear,” explains Ruby Wesley, a financial advisor with Northwestern Mutual. “Those leftover funds can support both short-term health needs and longer-term financial well-being.” 

“Think beyond copays or deductible expenses. Your FSA can cover a wide range of qualified medical, dental and vision expenses. So why not schedule that eye doctor visit, snag some new prescription glasses or contact lenses or even dental cleanings,” she continued. “If you’ve already met your deductibles, now’s the perfect time to schedule those appointments you might have been putting off.” 

Rose Niang, director of financial planning at Edelman Financial Engines, agrees, saying, “Using FSA funds now helps you get the most out of the tax-advantaged benefit your employer offered without leaving money on the table. By doing this, you’re keeping more of your total compensation working for you, instead of forfeiting part of it.” 

“If you have leftover funds in your FSA, now’s a great time to think about how to put them to use in a way that supports both your health, wallet and the lifestyle you want to live,” she continued. “And don’t automatically assume leftover FSA money is lost. Check how your employer’s plan is structured. Some plans offer flexibility like a grace period or a partial carryover, which could give you more time to spend the money.” 

A look at the FSA-eligible items​ experts recommend 

If you do have extra money in your FSA, Wesley says the best thing to do is “Enhance self-care with medical-grade/condition-based skin and body essentials like acne treatments, eczema creams and sunscreen.” (Stock up for next summer!)

She also recommends women look into purchasing pregnancy tests, ovulation trackers, prenatal vitamins, hot flash cooling products, hormone supplements and vaginal supplements—all of which are FSA-eligible. 

“Your FSA could be used for eligible products you might not have even thought about,” Wesley says. That includes everything from fitness trackers like the Oura ring to smart scales, heating pads, massage guns and more.

For those wanting to spend the money on more practical things Niang recommends scheduling a check-up, eye exam, dental cleaning or any other eligible preventive care and expenses you’ve been postponing.

To find a list of FSA-eligible items online, visit FSAstore.com. There’s also an entire eligible items page on Amazon, which you can view here.

What’s Changing for FSAs in 2026

In 2026 the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will raise the cap for FSAs from $3,300 to $3,400. They’re also increasing the rollover limit to $680. 

“It’s also important to think ahead,” Wesley says. “If you end up needing extra medical, dental or vision work early next year, but your plan doesn’t allow carryover or grace periods, consider using those remaining funds now. Treat your leftover FSA dollars as bonus pre-tax funds and spend them on legitimate needs now if you can, and avoid letting them go to waste.” 

Link to original: https://www.womansworld.com/healthcare/fsa-eligible-items-experts-say-to-buy-before-benefits-expire