Guido Mieth
If you have money sitting in your 2021 Flexible Spending Account, more commonly referred to as an FSA, you should know this: If you don't spend it by 2022, the money in your account will go "poof!" and disappear forever.
What exactly is an FSA anyway? It’s a tax-deductible benefit, offered by many employers, that allows you to save money to pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses not covered by your insurance plan, such as copays and cold medicine.
How it works is simple: you can opt to have money taken out of your paycheck before taxes and put into a reserve available to tap into any time throughout the year. However, there is a catch. “FSA funds are ‘use it or lose it,’” explains Trae Bodge, Smart Shopping Expert at Truetrae.com. “This means that you have to use the money by the deadline. Some expire on December 31 but yours might have a grace period through March 15.”
Luckily, there are lots of items you can purchase with your FSA dollars, according to Bodge, ranging from first aid items to skincare essentials. Since time is of the essence, The Doctors has compiled a list of FSA eligible products straight from the FSA Store, ranging from healthcare necessities like infrared thermometers and EKG monitors to dermatologist-approved skincare items and sunscreen just in time for summer.
Zyrtec Adult Allergy Relief Tablets, 10mg, 90 ct.
Zyrtec Adult Allergy Relief Tablets, 10mg, 90 ct.
Some people have seasonal allergies, and some have anytime-of-the-year allergies. Either way, plan ahead, and use your FSA money to stock up on an allergy medication, like Zyrtec.
Withings Thermo Smart Temporal Thermometer
Withings Thermo Smart Temporal Thermometer
First-aid items—including a high-quality thermometer—are also great items to stock up on with your FSA funds, says Bodge. Manually monitoring your temperature can be complicated, but Withings' smart thermometer makes it effortless. Not only does it offer an accurate read using 16 infrared sensors, but the contactless tool automatically syncs with your phone saving data for up to eight people.
COOLA Organic Mineral Sunscreen Tinted Lip Balm, SPF 30
COOLA Organic Mineral Sunscreen Tinted Lip Balm, SPF 30
Coola’s genius lip tint-slash-protective balm is the closest thing to FSA-eligible makeup. Not only does it offer SPF-30 protection for your smile, but also a hint of color with available shades ranging from a perfect nude to vibrant coral.
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen, SPF 40, 1.7 fl oz.
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen, SPF 40, 1.7 fl oz.
Supergoop’s high-end sun protection products have amassed a cult following due to their weightless, scent-free and effective products. Unseen is the crown-jewel of the collection, offering SPF 40 protection packed with skin-nurturing antioxidants and blue light defense. Just ask the thousands of reviewers on Sephora, Amazon and Dermstore who gave it a perfect 5-star rating.
Supergoop! Bright-Eyed 100% Mineral Eye Cream SPF 40
Supergoop! Bright-Eyed 100% Mineral Eye Cream SPF 40
Tired eye relief and SPF 40 protection for the most sun-sensitive part of your face, all in one? Yes, please. This pink-tinted sunscreen formulated for your under eye area offers instant illumination and all-day protection, helping with your short- and long-term anti-aging goals.
Jack Black Oil-Free Sun Guard SPF 45 Sunscreen, 4 Fl. Oz.
Jack Black Oil-Free Sun Guard SPF 45 Sunscreen, 4 Fl. Oz.
Another good item to stockpile is skincare, “especially skincare with sun protection, given that summer is a couple of months away,” Bodge points out. Jack Black (completely unrelated to the actor) is a luxury skincare company formulated for men and sold at high-end retailers around the world. Their oil-free sunscreen is one of their most coveted products, and you can pick up this 4-ounce tube right now on Amazon's FSA Store.
AliveCor KardiaMobile Personal EKG 6L
AliveCor KardiaMobile Personal EKG 6L
Having a blood pressure monitor on hand is never a bad idea. In just 30 seconds you can share 6-lead EKGs (six views of your heart) with your physician with the help of this next-level smart EKG monitor, which can help detect atrial fibrillation and arrhythmias. At last look, this model from AliveCor was on sale for $129 at the FSA Store -- that's $20 off the regular price.
BD Veritor at-Home COVID-19 Digital Test Kit
BD Veritor at-Home COVID-19 Digital Test Kit
Find out if your COVID-19 status without leaving the house with this affordable, at-home rapid test from BD Veritor. This kit features an app component to make the reading of your results simpler. Take a nose swab, follow the instructions, wait 15 minutes -- and read the results on your smartphone.
Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit Oil-Free Acne Facial Wash, 9.1 oz.
Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit Oil-Free Acne Facial Wash, 9.1 oz.
Nazanin Saedi, MD, a dermatologist at Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals and the director of the Jefferson Laser Surgery and Cosmetic Dermatology Center has access to every skincare product that money can buy. However, this drugstore essential from Neutrogena is her daily go-to for clean skin. “It great for acne and Maskne!,” she explains. “The salicylic acid helps unclog pores to prevent future breakouts. I find the grapefruit to be refreshing.”
Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit Oil-Free Cleansing Wipes - 25 ct.
Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit Oil-Free Cleansing Wipes - 25 ct.
A perfect companion to Neutrogena’s Oil Free Acne Wash, these pre-moistened wipes are a great anytime, anywhere option for an on-the-go face wash.
dpl IIa Professional Acne Treatment Light Therapy
dpl IIa Professional Acne Treatment Light Therapy
This FDA-cleared and clinically tested medical device brings medical grade light therapy into the comfort of your home. It can do everything from destroy acne-causing bacteria to aid in skin healing and cellular regrowth anywhere on the body—face, hands, back and chest included.
Cora Period Underwear for Women
Cora Period Underwear for Women
As of 2020, women’s menstrual care items have been FSA eligible. If you have leftover money, stock up via Amazon on these surprisingly stylish period panties from Cora. Each pair holds up to three tampons’ worth of fluid, making them a perfect replacement for a pad or tampon.
VIM & VIGR 30-40 mmHg Medical Grade Compression Socks for Women & Men
VIM & VIGR 30-40 mmHg Medical Grade Compression Socks for Women & Men
Anyone who wears compression socks knows that a great pair isn’t exactly easy on the wallet. This pair of medical grade socks offer firm compression to help reduce swelling and aid in muscle recovery, while offering the look of a sharp dress sock. Prices vary by color and style. A pair in black and gray is pictured.
Oska Pulse Pain Relief Device
Oska Pulse Pain Relief Device
While this pain relief gadget might seem too good to be true, it has the endorsement of doctors and patients—and even scientific research—to back up its claims. How does it work? It uses pulsed electromagnetic fields at precise frequencies (PEMF)—similar to those utilized in hospitals—to promote circulation, decrease inflammation, relieve pain and help improve mobility.
Aleve Soft Grip Arthritis Cap Tablets, 270 Count
Aleve Soft Grip Arthritis Cap Tablets, 270 Count
Stocking up on over-the-counter pain relief is never a bad idea. One Aleve tablet of naproxen sodium from this specially designed bottle of 270 will help keep all those aches and pains at bay for up to 12 hours.
Tylenol Extra Strength Caplets 100 ct.
Tylenol Extra Strength Caplets 100 ct.
If you prefer pain relief in acetaminophen form, this bottle of 500mg-strength Tylenol tablets is a must-have for your medicine cabinet.
TheraICE Rx Form Fitting Gel Ice Headache/Migraine Relief Hat
TheraICE Rx Form Fitting Gel Ice Headache/Migraine Relief Hat
Deadlines, FSA-related or otherwise, giving you a headache? Use your FSA dollars to buy this wearable, cold-compress mask from TheraICE Rx for all-over, 360-degree relief.
iHealth Air PO3M Pulse Oximeter
iHealth Air PO3M Pulse Oximeter
Prior to the pandemic, many of us had never heard of a pulse oximeter. However, the blood oxygen saturation and pulse rate measuring tool has become a must-have home health item. Why? It can be helpful in determining whether or not someone infected with COVID-19 is in need of medical care.
Dr. Scholl's Tri-Comfort Insoles Womens (Size 6-10) (2 Pack)
Dr. Scholl's Tri-Comfort Insoles Womens (Size 6-10) (2 Pack)
Transform your favorite not-quite-comfortable shoes into cushioned support for your heels, arches and balls of your feet with a pair of comfy insole inserts from Dr. Scholl’s. The featured item includes two pairs of insoles, and is intended to fit women's shoe sizes 6 to 10.
Aquaphor Healing Ointment Jar, 14 oz.
Aquaphor Healing Ointment Jar, 14 oz.
You can never have too much Aquaphor on hand. This supersized jar of the multipurpose healing ointment, beloved by dermatologists around the world, can be used to treat anything from dry lips and skin to minor cuts, scrapes and burns.
