Use It Before You Lose It: Putting Your FSA Toward Recovery and Mobility Essentials

Every December, a lot of people realize they still have money sitting in their flexible spending account, and that much of it may disappear if they don't use it. If you're recovering from surgery, living with limb loss, or managing an injury, that balance can go a long way toward things that make daily life easier. Here's what to know before the deadline.

A flexible spending account (FSA) is usually "use it or lose it." Many plans require you to spend your balance by December 31, though some employers offer a short grace period or let you carry a limited amount into next year. Check your plan's rules or ask your benefits administrator before you assume either way.

A health savings account (HSA) works differently. Your HSA balance rolls over year to year and stays with you even if you change jobs, so there's no year-end rush. Still, if you've been putting off a purchase that would help your recovery, there's no reason to wait.

What counts as eligible depends on the item and your plan, but common recovery-related purchases include:

• Braces, supports, and compression garments
• Mobility aids like canes, crutches, and shower chairs
• Skin care for residual limbs, such as barrier creams and liner care products
• Physical therapy equipment for home exercises, like resistance bands and balance pads
• Adaptive clothing designed to work around a prosthetic, brace, or cast

Some items are eligible automatically. Others may need a letter of medical necessity from your clinician, which simply confirms the item helps treat or manage a medical condition.

Clothing isn't usually something people think of buying with their FSA, but adaptive clothing can qualify when it's designed to help manage a medical need. The Kintsugi™ Jogger works with your HSA/FSA card through Flex*, which handles eligibility at checkout. Its full-length inseam zippers let you get dressed over a prosthetic, brace, or cast, or open the leg for a therapy session or skin check without taking your pants off.

You can learn more on our HSA/FSA page.

• Log in to your FSA account and check your remaining balance
• Confirm your plan's deadline, grace period, or carryover rules
• Make a list of recovery items you've been putting off
• Ask your clinician for a letter of medical necessity if an item needs one
• Order early so items arrive and are paid for before your plan's deadline

Your FSA balance is money set aside for your health. If it's going to expire, put it toward something you'll use every day. The Kintsugi™ Jogger works with your HSA/FSA card through Flex*, ships free in the U.S., and comes with 30-day returns and free exchanges.*HSA/FSA eligibility requires a brief telehealth consultation through Flex.