FSA Eligible Items: What Can You Buy?

A Flexible Spending Account lets you pay for qualified medical expenses with pre-tax dollars, which saves you money on every purchase. The 2026 FSA limit is $3,400 per employee. But knowing what counts as "qualified" can be confusing. Here's what you can and can't buy.

What FSA Funds Cover

Copays and deductibles. Prescription medications. Over-the-counter drugs and medicines (no prescription needed since the CARES Act of 2020). Menstrual care products (pads, tampons, cups). Dental care (cleanings, fillings, crowns, braces, dentures). Vision care (eye exams, glasses, contact lenses, prescription sunglasses, contact lens solution). Hearing aids and batteries. Medical equipment (crutches, blood pressure monitors, blood sugar test kits, thermometers). Bandages and first aid supplies. Sunscreen (SPF 15+). Acupuncture. Chiropractic care.

What FSA Funds Don't Cover

Health insurance premiums. Cosmetic procedures. Gym memberships or fitness equipment (unless prescribed by a doctor for a specific medical condition). Vitamins and supplements taken for general health. Toiletries and personal care items. Teeth whitening.

The Use-It-or-Lose-It Rule

Most FSA funds expire at the end of the plan year. Your employer may offer a $680 carryover into 2027 or a 2.5-month grace period, but not both. If the year is ending and you have money left, stock up on eligible items: glasses, contact lenses, OTC medications, first aid supplies, sunscreen, and any dental or vision work you've been putting off.

Dependent Care FSA

A separate type of FSA covers dependent care expenses like daycare, preschool, and after-school programs. The 2026 limit was raised to $7,500 per household ($3,750 if married filing separately) under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. This is separate from the health FSA and covers a completely different set of expenses.