It’s almost the end of the year, which means you might have money left in your medical savings accounts to use up. If you haven’t been too sick, you could be wondering what you would possibly use that money for. The good news is that there are many medical procedures and devices that FSA and HSA accounts can go toward.
Since the FSA money is used or lost, you should leverage that money first, if possible. If you need new glasses, haven’t been to the dentist in a while, or you want to stock up on some over-the-counter medications, there are plenty of ways to spend that money. Here are some obvious and some not-so-obvious choices**.
Go To the Dentist
If it’s been more than a year since you’ve seen your dentist, then here’s your sign that it’s time to go. Getting regular checkups is important for your dental health. If you grind your teeth, your dentist can create mouthguards for you that you can pay for with your HSA or FSA accounts. If you need fillings, your insurance might charge extra for the white ones, and that can also be paid for with these accounts.
Get New Glasses
If you have a prescription and don’t need to update it, you could purchase a second pair of glasses to have as a backup. New glasses are great in case you break, or if you want to try something with a different look. While your vision insurance may not cover a second pair, you should be able to purchase one outright with your HSA or FSA accounts, just as long as they are prescription and you purchase them through an authorized vendor.
Purchase a Breast Pump
Did you know that insurance carriers now cover a portion of the cost of a new breast pump and supplies? Additionally, you can also use your FSA and HSA money to purchase them through medical supply companies. This benefit is for great pregnant mommas or if you’ve recently had a baby. You will need to provide proof of this to the medical supply company, though, usually in the form of a doctor’s note or prescription.
Weight Loss
When you’re trying to lose weight, it can cost you extra money. Many weight loss programs have fees associated with them, not to mention the nutritious foods you would need to consume. If you need help with this, you can pay for some programs using your FSA. You don’t have to go it alone, and when you get medical help and treatment for your obesity, you can get assistance in many different ways.
Get Adjusted
If this year has been stressful for you, you are not alone. All that built-up tension can throw your body out of alignment. And with a good chiropractor, you can be back to normal in no time. The good news is that you can leverage FSA and HSA accounts to pay for those visits. While your insurance might limit the number of visits they cover, you can get more by simply paying for them from those medical savings accounts.
Home Remodeling Due To a Medical Condition
Yes, that’s right. If you need to remodel your home because of a medical condition or injury, you can use your FSA and HSA to do it (albeit, with some restrictions). This includes adding ramps for accessibility, chair lifts on stairs, remodeling your bathroom with a walk-in shower, and other important considerations. Many changes that must be made to accommodate your home for someone with a disability can be paid for with these accounts.
Women’s Health
Okay ladies, when was the last time you had a pap smear? Can’t remember? Then it’s probably time to do it — especially if you have a family history of cervical cancer. Fortunately, you can pay for these tests using your HSA or FSA accounts. Additionally, you may not even need to go to your doctor’s office to do it. Some companies now offer mail-in tests, allowing you to do them in the privacy of your own home. Check with your HSA or FSA providers first, though, to make sure they pay for these mail-in tests before you buy them.
**It’s important to check with your FSA and HSA providers to ensure these are all covered. This article is meant for informational purposes only, and not to be construed as medical or financial advice.