How to Spend Your FSA Funds

A flexible spending account (FSA) is a type of savings account that lets you set aside tax-exempt money for out-of-pocket medical expenses (expenses that insurance doesn't cover). It's an employer-sponsored health benefit, so your FSA funds are usually taken out of each paycheck before you pay taxes.

While FSAs are a great way to save money on healthcare costs, they usually disappear at the end of the calendar year if they go unused (unless your insurance plan has a grace period).

In other words, you forfeit all of the money that you saved throughout the year if you don’t use your FSA dollars by December 31st.

If the end of the year is approaching and you still have some FSA funds left over, there are lots of ways to make the most out of your money so that it doesn't go to waste! Read on for a list of 15 helpful, healthy ways to use your FSA funds.

1. Mental health care

The holidays can be a stressful time of year, which makes them the perfect time to book therapy or a mental health check-in. These types of care are FSA-eligible and a great way to use your FSA dollars.

If you're looking for same-day or next day care, you can book video mental health appointments on Sesame. These convenient visits are a great way to talk with a licensed provider about any mental health issues you may be going through, from anxiety and depression to PTSD and insomnia. You can also explore Sesame's Mental Health Rx service for ongoing mental health medication refills.

2. Vision care

If you’ve been putting off buying those new glasses, now’s your chance to treat yourself to a new pair! Glasses, contacts, and other forms of vision care are eligible for FSA funds, so now’s the time to improve your eyewear.

Need a new prescription? You can book an online vision test through Sesame and use your leftover FSA funds to have your eyes checked by a licensed optometrist near you and get a prescription for corrective lenses if needed. If a prescription is needed, you can use your FSA savings on any eyeglasses, prescription sunglasses, contact lenses, or lens solution you may need.

3. Weight management

Nearly half of all American adults resolve to lose weight, eat healthier, and exercise more in the New Year. But weight loss can be challenging, in part because of the sheer amount of conflicting ideas and information that exist about how to lose weight.

Luckily, Sesame offers an FSA-eligible online weight loss program that includes video visits and clinical guidance from real, licensed providers, so you can rest assured that your care is tailored to your own personal needs. You'll also have access to unlimited provider messaging, prescriptions for weight loss medication, and tools to help you set healthier habits for sleep, nutrition and exercise.

4. Dental work

Most dental services are FSA-eligible, as are some dental products like medicated mouth wash and toothpastes.

If it's been a while since your last dental exam, dentists on Sesame offers a range of online and in-person dental services, from virtual toothache visits to teeth whitening and dental cleanings. You can save up to 60% on your dental care when you use your leftover FSA funds on services booked through Sesame.

5. Skin care

Go into the New Year glowing! Sesame offers FSA-eligible in-person and online skin visits with dermatologists and family medicine doctors around the country.

Whether you’re struggling to regain control of your skin or looking to manage an existing condition, these appointments allow you to connect directly with a health care provider for fast, affordable treatment. Providers on Sesame can diagnose and treat conditions such as acne, cold sores, eczema, moles, and more while offering prescriptions when necessary. And if you need regular prescriptions for ongoing skin conditions, check out our Skincare Rx service for simpler Rx refills!

6. Lab work

If your healthcare plan doesn’t cover the full amount of any lab work you may need, check out the range of tests available on Sesame. We’ve partnered with Quest Diagnostics to offer lab tests around the country. From standard health panels to complete blood counts, we recommend using some of your remaining FSA funds on these lab tests to get a more complete picture of your overall health.

7. Men’s health

Sexual health and male pattern baldness might not be at the top of your mind during your annual physical exam. As the year wraps up, talk to a doctor on Sesame to discuss issues such as premature ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, and hair loss to get specialized treatment. These conditions are often a “warning sign” for other, potentially more serious, conditions so we recommend getting proactive and talking to a health care provider right away to start treatment.

8. Physical therapy

If you’re dealing with lingering pain or an ongoing injury, physical therapy can play a key role in your rehabilitation and pain management. Sesame offers in-person and video physical therapy visits across the country, which means you can get one-on-one help for a sore neck, low back pain, shoulder pain, and more. Because PT is not always covered by healthcare plans, now is a great time to get comprehensive physiotherapy care with those remaining FSA dollars.

9. Imaging

Not all imaging services are covered by healthcare plans. If you’ve been holding off on booking that MRI or X-ray for fear of the cost, put your FSA funds to good use and book an imaging appointment on Sesame.

Imaging prices on Sesame are often several hundred dollars cheaper than national prices, with participating service providers across the country.

10. STD testing

Surveys commissioned by Sesame show that many Americans (especially college-age adults) aren’t getting tested for STDs as regularly as recommended. The good news? STD testing is FSA-eligible, and Sesame offers quick, discreet options, including at-home STD tests that you can order right to your door.

Using your remaining FSA funds on routine STD testing is a simple way to take care of your health. These tests are straightforward, private, and an important part of staying informed—especially since many STDs don’t cause noticeable symptoms.

11. Over-the-counter medications

You can fill out your medicine cabinet for the coming year by using your FSA funds on over-the-counter (OTC) medicines. These drugs can be bought at pharmacies and medical retailers like Walmart, Target, or CVS.

Some FSA-eligible OTC medications include:

• Pain relievers
• Cough medicine
• Sleep aids
• Allergy medication

12. Women’s health products

Many women’s health care products are now eligible for FSA reimbursement. If you have unused FSA money, consider using it to buy some essentials through a medical retailer or the FSA store.

FSA-eligible items include:

• Tampons
• Breast pumps
• Prenatal vitamins
• Pregnancy tests
• Menstrual pain relief medicine (like Midol)
• Birth control (prescription required for hormonal birth control)

13. Skin care products

You read that right! You can use your leftover FSA funds on a wide variety of skin care products. The FSA store has several skin care bundles that include cleansers, moisturizers, and exfoliants.

You can also use your FSA money on products such as:

• Lip balm (look for lip balm with SPF for additional protection)
• Sunscreen (adult, pediatric, and baby)
• Anti-itch creams

14. First-aid kits

Every home should have a first aid kit for emergencies. Some products in these kits can expire, so it’s important for you to stay up-to-date on whether or not the products in your kit are as well. First-aid kits are eligible for FSA reimbursement, so if you need one or need to refresh yours, we recommend using leftover funds on this household essential.

You can buy complete first-aid kits through the FSA store, at most medical retailers, or on Amazon.

15. Medical devices and care products

FSA funds can also be used on a wide variety of medical care products. Many of these products can help you monitor your own health at home, or help protect you against illness or injury.

FSA-eligible products include:

• Hearing aids
• Blood pressure monitors
• Thermometers
• Hand sanitizer
• Face masks
• Heating pads
• Massage guns
• Relaxation masks

If you haven’t used all your FSA money on co-pays and deductibles, consider using what’s remaining on those medical expenses your health insurance doesn’t cover. You can use these funds on a range of care products that will help protect you and keep you healthy in the coming year.

Sesame accepts FSA funds for vists that are purchased through our site. Use the end of the year as an opportunity to book that visit you’ve been putting off. Don’t leave money on the table—put your FSA money to use to make next year your healthiest yet.