5 Reasons to Use Your HSA/FSA Funds Before They Expire
Every year, a lot of people don't get around to using their Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) funds before a deadline passes. FSA funds in particular are often a use-it-or-lose-it benefit. If you're sitting on a balance, it's worth taking a look at what it can cover — including wellness products like red light therapy devices.
1. FSA Funds Typically Expire
Unlike Health Savings Accounts (HSA), which roll over from year to year, FSA funds typically expire at the end of the plan year. Per IRS guidelines, most FSA holders forfeit unused funds, with limited exceptions for carryovers or grace periods depending on the employer's plan. It's worth checking your own plan's deadline well before it arrives.
2. HSA/FSA Covers More Than You Might Think
Many people assume HSA/FSA funds can only be used for prescription medications or doctor visits. In reality, they can be applied to a range of IRS-approved medical expenses, including:
- Pain relief therapies (like red light therapy)
- Muscle recovery devices
- Cold and heat therapy wraps
- Skincare treatments for medical conditions
- Certain FDA-cleared medical devices
If you've been considering a red light therapy device for pain management, inflammation, or skin support, your HSA/FSA funds may be able to cover it — check your plan's specific eligibility rules.
3. Red Light Therapy Is a Reasonable Adjunct Tool
Red light therapy has been studied for potential wellness benefits. Some research suggests low-level light therapy (LLLT) may support muscle recovery, joint comfort, and skin health, though it's best understood as an adjunct alongside your regular care, not a replacement for it:
- NIH: Red Light Therapy for Pain Management
- Clinical Research on Skin Rejuvenation with Red Light Therapy
- Muscle Recovery & Red Light Therapy
An HSA/FSA-eligible red light therapy device can be one way to put pre-tax funds toward long-term wellness support, alongside guidance from your own healthcare provider.
4. Pre-Tax Spending Can Lower Your Effective Cost
One of the benefits of HSA/FSA accounts is that you spend pre-tax dollars on eligible expenses, which can meaningfully lower what a purchase costs you compared to paying with after-tax money. The exact amount depends on your income, tax bracket, and state — for many people that lands somewhere in the 25–40% range, but treat that as an illustration rather than a guarantee for your own situation.
5. Buying HSA/FSA-Eligible Products Is Usually Straightforward
Many online retailers now offer HSA/FSA-eligible products, which makes it easier to put your funds to use. At American Wellness Authority, most of our products are sold as HSA/FSA-eligible and can generally be purchased directly with your HSA/FSA card. If your purchase needs a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN), our checkout (powered by Flex) can connect you with a licensed doctor via 24/7 chat to review your situation — though whether a letter is issued is always the doctor's own call, not something we can guarantee.
Bottom line
If you have HSA/FSA funds sitting unused, it's worth checking what they can cover before a deadline passes — whether that's pain relief, muscle recovery, or skincare support like red light therapy.
Explore our range of HSA/FSA-eligible red light therapy devices →
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This article is for general education and is not tax or medical advice. Red light therapy devices are intended for general wellness and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. FSA/HSA eligibility and deadlines vary by plan — confirm with your plan administrator, and check with a healthcare provider before starting a new therapy.