The end of 2020 is (finally) almost here. That means it’s time to start planning how you’re going to use up those extra FSA funds. To avoid losing any of that pre-tax money to the use-it-or-lose-it rule, it’s important to plan your spending down to the last dollar. To help, we’ve put together a list of cheap eligible medical expenses that are always useful to have around the house.
15 Cheap Eligible Medical Expenses Under $15
1. Thermometer |
|
| Since COVID-19 will likely still be around for at least some of next year, it’s important to monitor yourself and your family for one of its common symptoms. Fortunately, most thermometers are pretty cheap. And even without the threat of COVID, they’re still pretty useful to have around. | |
2. Bandages |
|
| Cover up those cuts, scrapes, and minor wounds with an adhesive bandage. Don’t worry – even the fun ones are FSA-eligible (and everyone knows a Disney bandage heals “ouchies” 150 percent faster). | |
3. Allergy & Sinus Relief |
|
| Stop the sniffles before they start when allergy season rolls around. You can stock up on adult and children’s medication to get your whole family through the worst of it. | |
4. Feminine Care Products |
|
| Running out of pads, tampons and panty liners when the time of the month hits is never fun. The women in your household will appreciate having these staples always within reach. Pick up some menstrual pain relief products (e.g., medicines, heat wraps) to go the extra mile. | |
5. Cold Compress |
|
| Stop using that bag of frozen vegetables to ice your swollen foot! Pick up a few cold compresses and save your current “ice pack” for dinner. | |
6. Heating Packs |
|
| According to John Hopkins Medicine, you should be using heat – rather than cold – to reduce joint stiffness and muscle spasms. If you’ve been doing things wrong or just want to pick up something to complement the cold compress you just bought, there are various heat pads available depending on your need. | |
7. First Aid Kit |
|
| The Red Cross recommends having a first aid kit at your house, in your car and to carry one with you if possible. Pick up a few to ensure you always have one with you wherever you go in case of an emergency. | |
8. Cold & Flu Relief |
|
| Whether it’s a cold, the flu, or something else, there are many eligible medical expenses that you can purchase to help you recover and get back on your feet. | |
9. Sun Protection |
|
| Did you know that protecting yourself from the sun is actually a year-long commitment? Since winter isn’t usually the time that people are buying sunscreen, you should have no problem finding some in stock. | |
10. Lotion/Moisturizer Treatments |
|
| Cranking up the thermostat in the winter to stay warm comes with a price, and we’re not talking about your ridiculously high heating bill. Without enough moisture in the air, your skin is likely to dry out quite a bit. Fortunately, there are certain lotions and moisturizers that are FSA-eligible. | |
11. Digestive Health Products |
|
| A relatively common food-related New Year’s Resolution that doesn’t involve dieting is to try new foods. Unfortunately, while it’s a delicious culinary experience to embark on, eating foods that our stomachs aren’t used to can sometimes upset them. Stock up on products that can help minimize your discomfort. | |
12. Foot Cushioning Products |
|
| Were your boots not made for walking? Molefoam padding, arch support inserts, and orthotic insoles can help keep you on your feet. Are you ready, boots? Start walking! | |
13. Acne Treatments |
|
| Is the stress of working from home while needing to wrangle your kids causing your face to look like it did in high school? You can solve one of those problems by picking up the acne scrub, spot treatment, and/or cleansing pad of your choice. Solve the other by using up those Dependent Care FSA dollars if you have them! | |
14. Cough Suppressants |
|
| The effort to suppress coughs while not muted in Zoom meetings may be distracting you from the meeting itself. Soothe that tickle in your throat with a pack of honey lemon, black cherry, or menthol flavored cough drops. | |
15. Sleep Aids |
|
| And finally, if 2021 is as stressful as 2020 has been, having some nighttime sleep aid tablets on hand can help you get through those restless nights. Stock up now before everyone else comes to the same conclusion. |
Want more options?
Check out some of our other blogs to discover more ways to use up the last of those pre-tax dollars on eligible medical expenses. Additionally, check out some of our other blogs for some ideas:
- Winter skincare items to splurge on
- 10 new eligible items you can buy with your pre-tax dollars
- Self-care stocking stuffers
- Top 8 places to use your Health FSA
- 7 ways to use up your FSA money in 7 days
- Top Ten Weirdest Eligible Expenses
Additionally, Check out the FSA Store’s FSA Deadline Spending Guide for more ideas.
This article is not endorsed by, directly affiliated with, maintained, authorized, or sponsored by any of the products listed.
