Most people think their FSA or HSA is just for doctor’s co-pays and prescription medications, but that’s barely scratching the surface. Did you know you can use your funds for things like high-tech skincare, massage guns, and even some fitness equipment? The list of eligible products is broader and more interesting than you might expect. The secret is knowing where to find these items and how to purchase them without any hassle. This guide will open up a new world of possibilities for your health spending. We’ll show you how a specialized FSA HSA shopping platform makes it easy to discover and buy thousands of approved products with total confidence.

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Key Takeaways

  • Know Your Account Type: An HSA is a personal savings tool that you own, allowing funds to roll over and grow year after year. An FSA is an employer-owned account where you typically need to spend the funds by the end of the plan year.
  • Expand Your Shopping List: Your funds cover more than just prescriptions. You can purchase everyday items like sunscreen and bandages, medical devices, and vision or dental care, often without needing a doctor’s note.
  • Use Specialized Platforms to Simplify Shopping: Dedicated online stores take the guesswork out of your purchases by guaranteeing product eligibility and allowing you to pay directly with your FSA or HSA card, eliminating the need to save receipts for reimbursement.

What Are FSAs and HSAs?

If you’ve ever seen the acronyms FSA or HSA on your benefits paperwork, you might have wondered what they are and how they can help you. Think of them as special savings accounts designed to make paying for health expenses a little easier on your wallet. Both let you set aside money from your paycheck before taxes are taken out, which lowers your taxable income and saves you money. You can then use these funds for a wide range of health-related costs, from doctor’s visits to everyday items like bandages and sunscreen.

Understanding how these accounts work is the first step toward making smarter decisions about your health spending. While they share the goal of helping you pay for medical care with tax-free dollars, they have some key differences in how they operate, who can open one, and what happens to the money at the end of the year. Let’s break down what each account is and how to tell them apart.

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) Explained

A Flexible Spending Account, or FSA, is a benefit offered by some employers. It’s a special account you contribute to directly from your paycheck before taxes are calculated. This pre-tax contribution means you get an immediate discount on everything you buy with it. You can use your FSA funds to pay for a variety of qualified medical expenses, including co-pays, prescriptions, and many over-the-counter products. The main thing to remember with an FSA is that the funds are often tied to a “use it or lose it” rule. This means you typically need to spend the money you’ve saved by the end of your plan year or risk forfeiting it.

Health Savings Accounts (HSA) Explained

A Health Savings Account, or HSA, is another tax-advantaged account for medical costs, but it comes with a specific requirement: you must be enrolled in a high-deductible health plan (HDHP) to be eligible. Like an FSA, you contribute pre-tax money to cover health expenses. However, an HSA offers more flexibility and long-term benefits. The money in your HSA is yours to keep, and it rolls over year after year if you don’t spend it. This allows your balance to grow over time. Even better, an HSA is portable, so you can take it with you if you change jobs or health insurance plans.

FSA vs. HSA: What’s the Difference?

The biggest difference between an FSA and an HSA comes down to ownership and flexibility. The money in your HSA rolls over indefinitely and always belongs to you, even if you leave your employer. Many HSAs also offer investment options, allowing your balance to grow like a retirement account. In contrast, FSA funds usually have to be spent by the end of the year, and the account is owned by your employer. Another key distinction is eligibility. While many employers offer FSAs, only individuals with a high-deductible health plan can open an HSA. This makes the HSA a powerful long-term savings tool for those who qualify.

What Can You Buy with Your FSA or HSA?

One of the best things about having an FSA or HSA is the sheer variety of health-related products and services you can cover with tax-free dollars. It’s not just for co-pays and prescriptions. Think bigger: from everyday first-aid supplies to specialized medical equipment and even some wellness items. Understanding what qualifies is the first step to making the most of your account. Let’s break down the main categories of eligible expenses so you can shop with confidence.

Over-the-Counter Medications and Supplies

Gone are the days of needing a doctor’s note for every little thing. Thanks to the 2020 CARES Act, you can now use your FSA or HSA funds to buy common over-the-counter (OTC) products without a prescription. This is a huge win for convenience and savings. Your account can cover things like pain relievers, allergy pills, cold and cough medicines, and digestive health products. It also includes first-aid supplies like bandages, antiseptic wipes, and medical tape. Many retailers, like Walgreens, clearly label which of their FSA/HSA eligible items are available online and in-store, making it simple to stock your medicine cabinet.

Medical Equipment and Devices

Your health accounts can also be used for a wide range of medical equipment designed to monitor or treat a condition. This category is broader than you might think. It includes essentials like blood pressure monitors, glucose meters, and thermometers. But it also covers durable medical equipment such as crutches, walkers, and nebulizers. Even items for new parents, like breast pumps and certain baby care supplies, are eligible. Some online stores, such as ShopWealthCare, specialize in thousands of health and wellness products that are approved for FSA and HSA spending, taking the guesswork out of your purchase.

Vision and Dental Care

Don’t forget about your eyes and teeth. FSAs and HSAs are perfect for covering out-of-pocket vision and dental expenses that your primary insurance might not. This includes eye exams, prescription eyeglasses, contact lenses, and even prescription sunglasses. For dental care, you can pay for cleanings, fillings, braces, and other orthodontic work. Many specialized online retailers, like buyFSA, offer a curated selection of guaranteed FSA- and HSA-approved products, so you can easily find exactly what you need without worrying if it’s a qualified medical expense.

Specialty Health Items

This is where things get really interesting. With a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) from your doctor, you can often use your FSA or HSA for items that support your overall health and well-being. This could include things like massage guns for muscle pain, air purifiers for allergies, or even exercise equipment to manage a specific health condition. Services like Truemed are designed to help people use their HSA or FSA funds for these kinds of eligible health products, streamlining the process of getting an LMN and making your purchase. It’s a great way to invest in your long-term health.

The Best Places to Shop with Your FSA or HSA

Knowing you have money set aside for health expenses is great, but figuring out where to spend it can feel like a chore. You might find yourself standing in a pharmacy aisle, wondering if a certain brand of sunscreen or a new thermometer is actually eligible. Thankfully, a growing number of online stores have taken the guesswork out of the process. These platforms are designed specifically for FSA and HSA spending, so you can shop with confidence.

Many of these sites let you pay directly with your FSA or HSA card, just like a debit card. They curate thousands of eligible products, from everyday essentials like bandages and pain relievers to medical devices and even some wellness items. This means less time spent saving receipts and submitting claims, and more time focusing on your health. Let’s look at some of the best places to get the most out of your pre-tax health funds.

Daylii: A Simpler Way to Shop for Health

The future of managing your health should be clear and straightforward, and that includes how you spend your money. While not a storefront today, the entire mission behind Daylii is to bring this kind of simplicity and confidence to every part of your health journey. We believe finding and purchasing the products you need should be an empowering experience, not a confusing one. Imagine a place where every item is clearly eligible and the process is designed to help you make smart choices. That’s the kind of thoughtful approach we’re building toward, aiming to create a smarter way forward for your health and wellness.

Truemed

If you’ve ever wished you could use your HSA or FSA for things like supplements, healthy food, or exercise equipment, Truemed might be the answer. It partners with brands to help you purchase wellness products with your pre-tax funds. The process is surprisingly simple: after finding a partner brand, you’ll take a quick online health survey to see if you qualify. If you do, you’ll get a Letter of Medical Necessity, allowing you to use your card for the purchase. It’s a fantastic way to make your health dollars stretch further, with users saving an average of 30% on items that support their overall well-being.

buyFSA

For a shopping experience with zero eligibility anxiety, buyFSA is a fantastic destination. The site’s biggest promise is its 100% eligibility guarantee on every single product it sells. You can browse thousands of items, from cold medicine to skincare, knowing that anything you put in your cart is approved. You can use your FSA or HSA card for direct payment at checkout, which means you don’t have to worry about submitting receipts for reimbursement later. It’s a streamlined, worry-free way to stock up on all your health essentials before your spending deadline hits.

FSAstore.com

As one of the original platforms in this space, FSAstore.com has perfected the art of FSA shopping. The entire site is dedicated to FSA-eligible products, making it a massive, one-stop shop for everything you could possibly need. The user-friendly layout helps you easily find products by category, brand, or health condition. They also have a wealth of resources, including eligibility lists and calculators, to help you manage your account. Because the store is so specialized, it removes any doubt about whether a purchase will be approved, giving you total peace of mind.

Amazon and Walmart

Sometimes, the easiest place to shop is the one you already know and use every week. Both Amazon and Walmart have made it incredibly simple to use your health savings. Each has a dedicated online storefront featuring thousands of FSA and HSA-eligible items, including everything from contact lens solution to blood pressure monitors. You can add your FSA or HSA card directly to your account as a payment method and use it at checkout for qualifying products. This lets you take advantage of competitive pricing and fast shipping while using your pre-tax dollars seamlessly.

ShopWealthCare

Similar to other dedicated stores, ShopWealthCare offers a huge selection of health and wellness products that are 100% guaranteed to be FSA and HSA eligible. The site is clean and easy to browse, allowing you to shop for everything from baby care items and diagnostic tools to first aid supplies. Just like with other specialized platforms, you can use your FSA or HSA card directly for payment, making the checkout process smooth and simple. It’s another excellent option for anyone looking for a reliable and straightforward place to spend their health funds without any hassle.

How Do FSA and HSA Shopping Sites Work?

Using your FSA or HSA funds should be simple, and specialized shopping sites are designed to make it that way. These platforms streamline the entire process, from finding eligible products to checking out, so you can shop with confidence. They take the guesswork out of spending your pre-tax dollars by integrating eligibility checks and payment processing directly into their online stores. Think of them as your personal guide to spending your health funds wisely and easily. While each site has its own unique features, they generally follow a similar, user-friendly workflow that makes purchasing health and wellness products a breeze.

Verifying Your Account

Before you start shopping, some platforms may need to verify your account or the eligibility of certain items. This is just to ensure everything aligns with IRS guidelines. For some health-related purchases, you might need what’s called a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN). This is a formal letter from your doctor that confirms a product or service is needed to treat a specific medical condition. Don’t worry, this is less common for everyday items. Some services, like Truemed, can even help you get the necessary paperwork, simplifying what could otherwise be a complicated step.

Paying with Your FSA/HSA Card

This is where the convenience really kicks in. Most dedicated FSA and HSA shopping sites allow you to use your FSA or HSA card directly at checkout, just like you would with any other debit or credit card. This direct payment method is a game-changer because it means you don’t have to pay out-of-pocket and wait for reimbursement. The transaction is handled seamlessly, and you can be confident that your purchase is being correctly processed through your health account. It eliminates the need to save every single receipt for eligible items, freeing you from that extra bit of paperwork.

Checking Product Eligibility Automatically

One of the biggest headaches of using an FSA or HSA is figuring out what’s actually covered. The best shopping platforms solve this problem for you. Many sites guarantee that all the products they sell are 100% approved for FSA or HSA spending. They often collaborate with the governing bodies that determine product eligibility, so their catalogs are pre-vetted and always up-to-date. This automatic check gives you peace of mind, allowing you to browse and shop freely without constantly second-guessing whether an item qualifies. It’s a built-in safety net that makes the experience much more enjoyable.

Managing Receipts and Paperwork

What if you decide to pay with a different card? No problem. You can still get reimbursed from your FSA or HSA. If you use a personal credit card for an eligible purchase, the key is to be diligent about your record-keeping. You’ll need to save your itemized receipt and submit it to your account administrator for reimbursement. While it’s an extra step, it ensures you can still use your pre-tax funds for qualified purchases, even if you don’t use your FSA or HSA card directly at the point of sale. Just make sure you follow your plan’s specific submission process.

How to Confirm Your Purchase is Eligible

Using your FSA or HSA funds should feel empowering, not like you’re taking a pop quiz on tax law. The good news is, you don’t need to memorize a long list of rules to shop with confidence. Confirming that a product or service is eligible is usually straightforward, especially when you know what to look for and which tools to use.

The key is to understand the basic guidelines and then lean on modern platforms that do the heavy lifting for you. Think of it this way: once you know the fundamentals, you can spot the difference between a clear yes, a definite no, and a “maybe, with a doctor’s note.” This little bit of knowledge prevents the hassle of a declined card or having to pay back your account for an ineligible purchase. From there, specialized websites and clear labeling can guide you the rest of the way, making your shopping experience smooth and stress-free.

Know the Eligibility Rules

At its core, the rule is simple: you can only use your FSA or HSA for qualified medical expenses. This generally includes items and services for the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease. While the official IRS guidelines can be dense, the basic idea is that the purchase must be for a medical need, not for general health or cosmetic purposes. For example, prescription sunglasses are eligible, but standard, non-prescription sunglasses are not. Understanding this core principle is the first step to making smart purchases. Knowing you can only use your card for FSA-eligible items helps you filter your options before you even get to the checkout.

Use a Platform’s Verification System

The easiest way to shop without worry is to use a platform that guarantees eligibility. Many specialized online stores, like buyFSA, take the guesswork out of the equation by only stocking products that are 100% approved for FSA or HSA spending. These retailers work directly with the groups that determine eligibility, so you can browse and buy knowing everything you see is compliant. This is a huge time-saver and a great way to discover new products you might not have realized you could buy with your funds. Instead of cross-referencing lists or saving receipts just in case, you can simply shop, pay with your card, and know you’re in the clear.

When You Need a Letter of Medical Necessity

What about items that aren’t automatically eligible but still feel essential to your health? This is where a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) comes in. An LMN is a formal letter from your doctor explaining why a specific product or service is necessary to treat a medical condition. It can make things like vitamins, supplements, massage therapy, or even an air purifier eligible for your funds. While this might sound complicated, some services are designed to simplify the process. For example, platforms like Truemed can help you get the LMN you need, opening up a wider range of health and wellness purchases for reimbursement.

Avoid Common Eligibility Mistakes

A few common misconceptions can trip people up when they’re using their health accounts. First, remember that your FSA or HSA card works like a debit card; you can’t use it if there’s no balance in the account. It’s also important to know the difference between account types. The “use it or lose it” rule generally applies to FSAs, where you need to spend your funds by the end of the plan year (though some plans have rollover or grace period options). HSAs are different, as the money is yours to keep and grows over time. Clearing up these common FSA myths helps you manage your money more effectively and avoid simple errors.

How to Choose the Right Shopping Platform

With so many places to spend your FSA and HSA funds, picking the right one can feel like a big decision. The good news is that you have options, and finding the best fit just comes down to knowing what to look for. A great platform can make managing your health spending simple and stress-free, while the wrong one can add unnecessary complications.

Think about what matters most to you. Are you looking for the widest possible selection of products? Is a super-smooth, easy-to-use website your top priority? Or are you focused on getting the best price and saving on shipping? Each platform has its own strengths, so taking a moment to compare them based on a few key factors will help you land on the one that works best for your needs. We’ll walk through exactly what to consider so you can shop with confidence.

Compare Product Selection

First, take a look at what you can actually buy. The range of available products can vary quite a bit from one site to another. Some platforms offer a massive inventory, giving you plenty of choices for everything from sunscreen to first-aid kits. For example, some specialized retailers carry thousands of different FSA and HSA-approved products, which means you’re more likely to find the specific brands or items you already know and love. A wider selection gives you the freedom to choose what’s right for you instead of settling for what’s available. Before you commit to a platform, browse its categories to make sure it stocks the items you purchase most often.

Check the User Experience

How a website feels to use is more important than you might think. The best platforms make shopping with your FSA or HSA card feel just as easy as using a regular credit card. You shouldn’t have to jump through extra hoops or figure out a confusing checkout process. A clean, intuitive design and simple navigation can make a huge difference, turning a potentially tedious task into a quick and painless one. Look for sites that prioritize ease of use, with clear product information and a straightforward payment system. Your time is valuable, and a well-designed platform respects that by making your shopping experience as efficient as possible.

Look for Guarantees and Support

Shopping with pre-tax funds comes with rules, and it’s nice to have a little peace of mind. The top platforms offer guarantees on product eligibility, promising that every item they sell is 100% approved for FSA or HSA spending. This takes the guesswork out of the equation, so you don’t have to worry about accidentally buying something that isn’t covered and having your purchase declined. It’s also smart to see what kind of customer support they offer. If you have a question or run into an issue, is it easy to get help? A platform that stands behind its products and supports its customers shows that it’s a reliable partner in your health journey.

Review Pricing and Fees

The main reason to use an FSA or HSA is to save money, so pricing is a crucial factor. Using your pre-tax dollars can help you save an average of 30% on health and wellness purchases, but you’ll want to make sure the platform’s prices are competitive. Beyond the sticker price, check for other costs like shipping fees. Some sites offer fast and free shipping on all orders, which adds significant value and makes your savings go even further. Always look at the total cost at checkout to ensure you’re getting the best possible deal. A little comparison shopping can help you maximize the financial benefits of your health account.

Find Discounts and Promotions on FSA/HSA Platforms

Using your FSA or HSA funds is already a smart financial move, but finding extra discounts can help you stretch those pre-tax dollars even further. Many dedicated shopping platforms know their customers are looking for value, so they regularly offer promotions to help you save. The key is knowing where and when to look.

From seasonal sales to year-end clearances, these sites provide plenty of opportunities to stock up on health essentials for less. By staying informed about upcoming deals and taking advantage of platform-specific perks, you can make your health savings work harder. Think of it as another way to be proactive with your health and your budget. Signing up for email newsletters from your favorite FSA and HSA stores is one of the easiest ways to stay in the loop on special offers, ensuring you never miss a chance to save on the products you need.

Seasonal Sales and Special Offers

Just like regular retail stores, FSA and HSA platforms often run sales that align with the seasons. You might find discounts on allergy medication in the spring, sunscreen and first-aid kits in the summer, or cold and flu remedies in the fall. Some stores also participate in major shopping events like Black Friday or Cyber Monday, offering deals on higher-ticket items like blood pressure monitors or light therapy lamps. Planning your purchases around these seasonal health needs can lead to significant savings. Keep an eye on the homepage of your preferred platform or subscribe to their email list to get notified about these timely promotions.

Year-End “Use It or Lose It” Deals

The end of the year is a critical time for anyone with a Flexible Spending Account (FSA). Because these funds typically don’t roll over completely, retailers create “use it or lose it” campaigns to help you spend your remaining balance before the deadline. This is the perfect time to find deals on items you use regularly or to finally purchase a more expensive piece of medical equipment you’ve been considering. You can stock up on essentials like contact lenses, pain relievers, or skincare, or even buy a second pair of prescription glasses. These promotions are designed to create urgency, but they also offer genuine value for savvy shoppers.

Platform-Specific Rewards

Many shopping platforms offer their own unique rewards to attract and retain customers. You might find a special discount for your first purchase, a loyalty program that gives you points for every dollar you spend, or a referral bonus for telling a friend about the site. Some platforms also use your browsing history to send you personalized offers on products you’ve viewed but haven’t purchased. These tailored incentives are designed to provide a better shopping experience and can be a great way to save on items that are already on your list. Before committing to one platform, it’s worth checking to see if they offer any of these valuable perks.

Common FSA and HSA Myths, Busted

Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Accounts are fantastic tools for managing healthcare costs, but they can also be a source of confusion. A lot of myths and half-truths float around, which can keep you from making the most of your money. Let’s clear up some of the most common misconceptions so you can use your account with total confidence.

Think of this as your personal myth-busting guide. We’ll tackle the big questions about rollover rules, what happens when you change jobs, and how these accounts can be used for more than just immediate spending. By getting the facts straight, you can build a smarter strategy for your health and finances.

The Truth About FSA Rollover Rules

You’ve probably heard the phrase “use it or lose it” in connection with FSAs, and it’s the number one reason people hesitate to contribute. This myth is mostly true: FSA funds generally don’t roll over from year to year. However, many employers offer a little flexibility. They can choose to either provide a grace period of up to 2.5 months to spend your remaining funds or allow you to carry over a certain amount (the IRS sets the limit each year) into the next plan year. It’s one or the other, not both, so check with your HR department to see what your plan allows.

HSAs Aren’t Just for Spending

Many people treat their HSA like a simple checking account for medical bills, but that’s only scratching the surface of its power. Unlike an FSA, an HSA is a true savings vehicle. Your funds roll over every single year, and you can even invest the money, allowing it to grow tax-free over time. This makes an HSA an incredible tool for long-term financial planning. You can use it to save for future health expenses or even let it grow as a supplemental retirement account. The money is yours to keep and grow, whether you spend it this year or 30 years from now.

When You Need a Prescription for OTC Items

A few years ago, you needed a doctor’s prescription to buy over-the-counter medicines like pain relievers or allergy pills with your FSA or HSA funds. Thankfully, that’s no longer the case. The CARES Act made hundreds of common OTC products permanently eligible without a prescription. This includes things like cold medicine, bandages, and menstrual care products. Just remember, you can only use your FSA or HSA card for eligible items. If you’re at the pharmacy buying both bandages and a magazine, you’ll need to pay for them in separate transactions to keep your records clean.

Taking Your Account with You

Worried about what happens to your account if you switch jobs? Here’s the good news: if you have an HSA, it’s all yours. An HSA is a personal bank account that you own outright. It’s not tied to your employer, so when you leave your job, the account and all the money in it go with you. An FSA, on the other hand, is owned by your employer. In most cases, if you leave your job, you forfeit any money left in your FSA. This is a key difference to remember when deciding where to put your healthcare dollars.

Get the Most from Your FSA and HSA

Having an FSA or HSA is a fantastic way to pay for health expenses with pre-tax money, but just having the account isn’t enough. To truly make the most of these funds, you need a smart approach. It’s not about scrambling to spend money at the end of the year; it’s about integrating these accounts into your regular health and wellness routine. A little bit of planning can help you save money and reduce stress when it comes to managing your health care costs.

Think of your FSA or HSA as a dedicated budget for your well-being. By being intentional with how you use it, you can cover everything from routine doctor visits to stocking your medicine cabinet. The key is to be proactive rather than reactive. When you know what you can buy and where to shop, you empower yourself to take full control of your health spending.

Plan Your Annual Spending

The first step to maximizing your benefits is to plan ahead. This is especially important if you have an FSA, which often has a “use it or lose it” rule, meaning you could forfeit any money left in the account at the end of the year. At the beginning of your plan year, take a few minutes to estimate your anticipated health expenses.

Consider recurring costs like prescription refills, contact lenses, or therapy co-pays. Then, think about potential one-time purchases, such as a new pair of glasses, dental work, or even a first-aid kit for your car. Having a rough list of eligible expenses can help you contribute the right amount to your account and ensure you use the funds wisely throughout the year.

Shop Strategically Throughout the Year

Instead of waiting until December to spend your remaining balance, make a habit of using your FSA or HSA funds for everyday health needs. Many items you already buy, like sunscreen, pain relievers, and allergy medicine, are eligible. Spreading your purchases throughout the year helps you avoid a last-minute spending spree on things you don’t actually need.

Platforms like Truemed are designed to make this easy by helping you use your funds for qualified health and wellness products. By shopping strategically, you can keep your medicine cabinet stocked and your budget on track. It’s a simple shift that turns your health account into a practical, year-round tool for well-being.

Use Platform Features to Your Advantage

Modern FSA and HSA shopping platforms have features that take the guesswork out of spending your funds. Many online stores that specialize in eligible products allow you to pay directly with your FSA or HSA card, just like a credit card. This eliminates the tedious process of paying out-of-pocket, saving receipts, and submitting for reimbursement later.

These sites often have built-in eligibility checkers, so you can shop with confidence, knowing the items in your cart are approved. Some platforms even guarantee that every product they sell is eligible, which simplifies the process even further. By taking advantage of these user-friendly features, you can manage your health spending with more clarity and less paperwork.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the simplest way to remember the difference between an FSA and an HSA? Think of it like this: an HSA is a personal health savings account that you own. The money rolls over every year, you can invest it, and it goes with you if you change jobs. An FSA is a spending account offered by your employer. The funds are generally meant to be used within the plan year, and the account is tied to your job. The HSA offers more long-term flexibility, but you need a high-deductible health plan to qualify for one.

Will I really lose all my FSA money if I don’t spend it by the end of the year? Not always. While the “use it or lose it” rule is a well-known feature of FSAs, many employers offer a bit of a cushion. Your plan might include a grace period that gives you an extra couple of months to spend your remaining balance. Alternatively, some plans let you carry over a limited amount of money into the next year. You can’t have both options, so it’s best to check with your HR department to understand your specific plan’s rules.

What happens to my account if I leave my job? This is a key difference between the two accounts. If you have an HSA, it is completely yours and isn’t tied to your employer. When you leave your job, the account and all the money in it go with you. An FSA, on the other hand, is owned by your employer. In most cases, you will lose access to any funds left in your FSA when your employment ends, so it’s important to plan your spending if you know a job change is on the horizon.

Do I need a doctor’s note for everything I buy? Definitely not. You can buy hundreds of common over-the-counter products like pain relievers, allergy medicine, and first-aid supplies without any extra paperwork. You only need a Letter of Medical Necessity from your doctor for items that aren’t automatically eligible but are necessary to treat a specific health condition. This could include things like vitamins, massage therapy, or an air purifier for allergies.

Besides big medical bills, what are some surprising things I can buy with my funds? You might be surprised by the wide range of everyday products that are eligible. You can use your funds for things like sunscreen with SPF 15+, acne treatments, and menstrual care products. The accounts also cover vision expenses like prescription sunglasses and contact lens solution, dental care from cleanings to braces, and even baby care items like breast pumps and baby monitors.