10 FSA & HSA Eligible Products to Buy Before the Year Ends
For those with full-time employment, you already know that health benefits are just one of the perks. In case you didn’t know, in addition to your regular insurance coverage, oftentimes your employer will give you the option to open a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or a Health Savings Account (HSA). Both are types of pre-tax accounts you can use to pay for a wide variety of healthcare-related expenses, and the list is longer than you might think.
Pretty much anything that helps to treat, prevent, or alleviate a mental or physical illness or disability is fair game. Think over-the-counter meds for flu and cold, glasses and contacts, prenatal supplements, first aid supplies, and new age wellness gear like LED light therapy and massage guns. Even some of your favorite beauty products from Sephora qualify.
While you can pretty much purchase the same type of items with both, these accounts vary slightly in structure, eligibility, and rollover rules. It’s important to know how it works not just for yourself, but also for your clients and members if you are a fitness professional because there are many eligible products that can benefit wellness programming.
The difference between HSA and FSA plans
To qualify for an HSA you must have a high-deductible health plan, while an FSA is like a line of credit. An HSA is owned by you (and you can take it with you if you change jobs), while an FSA is owned by an employer and you’ll lose it if you leave. HSAs roll over from year to year with no expiration and with FSAs you’ll lose any funds you don’t spend by the end of your plan year unless the plan has a grace period or carryover feature.
Deciding which one is best for you is a personal decision, but once you have a plan in place you’ll be set up to use your FSA or HSA card online or in-store. (Just be sure to check with your HRA or FSA administrator to confirm the eligibility of an expense with your plan)
So what are the best wellness products you can and should purchase with your HSA or FSA in 2024, you ask? Keep on reading.
Bestqool Red Light Therapy Mat, $379
It’s no secret that red light therapy has a long list of overall health benefits, including muscle recovery, increased energy, pain relief and skin health. While the technology comes in a variety of formats (like face masks, wands, helmets, belts and more) this large mat takes the cake. It’s comparable to the size of a yoga mat, so if you lay on it, it will cover every inch of your skin. Pro tip: it can’t penetrate clothing so make sure you do it in the buff for maximum results.
TheraFlow Foot Massager for Plantar Fasciitis Relief Foot Massager, $16.99 (Orig. $29.99)
Did you know that one in 10 people will experience plantar fasciitis in their lifetime? The painful condition occurs when the plantar fascia (the thick band of tissue on the bottom of the foot) becomes inflamed. One of the best ways to alleviate it: is with a good foot massage. Trust, this under $20 wooden contraption (which is currently 40% off) has over 30k glowing reviews. Even if you don’t have chronic pain and just want a good massage, you won’t be disappointed.
Perelel Health 1st Trimester Prenatal Pack, $49.50/month (Orig. $58.24/month)
Prenatal vitamins are one item that surprisingly makes this list and Perelel’s science-backed packs are top-rated. The brand breaks down its prenatal options into three stage-specific categories: first, second and third trimester. Not only are they formulated by a team of OB/GYNs, but they’re also made with DHA + EPA, folate, patented iron, and other blends to help keep mom and baby in optimal health.
RENPHO Eyeris 1 FSA/HSA Eligible Eye Massager, $69.99 (Orig. $98.19)
If this is your first time hearing of a mechanical eye massager, you’re not alone. This portable device (that looks more like a VR mask) has nearly 25k reviews on Amazon. This device comes with a handful of features including, heat, Bluetooth capabilities and is foldable so you can toss it in your carry-on bag for travel. Whether you’re spending hours staring at a computer screen, or working the night shift at the hospital, strained eyes will love this device.
TheraGun Mini Massage Gun, $189 (Orig. $199)
Everyone who tries Theragun loves it, especially those who work out and need serious recovery. You can’t go wrong with any of the models, but the mini is a good place to start. It’s compact and priced to sell at under $200. This deep-tissue massage gun happens to be 20% smaller and 30% lighter than the OG, making it easy to throw in your gym bag for immediate relief. Use the on-the-go device to hit any area that’s sore, from your neck, back, legs, hands, shoulders, and feet.
Metamucil 4 in 1 Daily Fiber Supplement Powder, $31.33 (Orig. $32.98)
Most Americans don’t get enough fiber in their daily diet. The American Heart Association recommends 25–30 grams of fiber per day. Getting enough fiber helps support healthy blood sugar levels, promotes heart health, and helps control appetite. If you or someone you know aren’t quite hitting the mark, invest in this best-selling supplement with over 30k reviews on Amazon. Metamucil’s blend is sugar-free and deliciously orange-flavored, so all you have to do is mix it with a glass of water.
Supergoop Glow Screen SPF 40 Sunscreen with Hyaluronic Acid + Niacinamide, $38
Supergoop is famous for its Glow Screen, but it doesn’t come cheap at $38 a tube. Luckily it’s covered under FSA/HSA plans (just make sure to save your receipt!). The silky lotion formula is packed with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 to help boost moisture in the skin, sea lavender to help provide powerful antioxidant protection, and cocoa peptides to help protect the skin from blue-light damage.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare DRx SpectraLite™ FaceWare Pro, $455
Red light therapy masks are so good for helping to stimulate collagen production, improve skin tone and texture, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This just-under $500 one from Dr. Dennis Gross is arguably the most popular on the market. The FDA-cleared LED device is super simple to use. It comes with three settings: red, blue, or red and blue, and only takes a few 3-minute sessions each week to start seeing results.
Skinfix KP+ Psoriasis Smoothing Treatment Body Lotion, $50
Those who struggle with Keratosis pilaris (KP) and Psoriasis know how frustrating the different skin conditions can be. And while KP and psoriasis are not the same, it is possible to have both at the same time. Enter this smoothing body treatment that addresses both. It’s clinically shown to visibly smooth KP bumps while also reducing the look of flaking, scaling, and redness. The key ingredients are the line’s patent-pending complex with barrier lipids and peptides mixed with three types of exfoliating acids.
Warby Parker Women’s Nadia Frames, starting at $95
Another surprising expense that’s covered under your FSA/HSAs? Contact lens and everyday eyewear. Thankfully Warby Parker is in on the deal. Simply scope out the brand’s site and find a pair of frames you like best (they conveniently have virtual try-ons and free at-home try-ons). The site makes it super easy to order, just have your prescription handy. All of their frames are chic, but you can’t go wrong with the best-selling Nadia frames.