With the end of the plan year approaching, millions of Americans face the same question: what should I spend my remaining FSA dollars on? Finding the best FSA eligible items is not just about avoiding forfeiture — it is about investing your pre-tax money in products that genuinely improve your health and save you money long-term. The average FSA account holder leaves an estimated $400 or more on the table each year, according to industry data from the Employee Benefit Research Institute.
How FSA Eligibility Works
Before diving into specific products, it helps to understand what makes an item FSA-eligible. The IRS requires that purchases treat, prevent, diagnose, or cure a medical condition, as outlined in Publication 502. Since the CARES Act of 2020, over-the-counter medications qualify without a prescription, which dramatically expanded the list of eligible items.
Your FSA likely operates under a “use it or lose it” rule. Some employers offer a grace period (up to 2.5 months) or a carryover (up to $640 for 2024 plan years), but any remaining funds beyond those allowances are forfeited. Smart spending starts with knowing what qualifies. For a deeper look at how these accounts function, read our guide on how an FSA works.
Over-the-Counter Medications
OTC drugs represent some of the best FSA eligible items because most households use them regularly. Pain relievers like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and naproxen are all eligible. Allergy medications — cetirizine, loratadine, fexofenadine, and diphenhydramine — qualify as well. Stock up on brands you already use and buy in bulk to maximize savings.
Digestive aids such as antacids, acid reducers, and anti-diarrheal medications are FSA-eligible. Cold and flu remedies, including cough suppressants, expectorants, and throat lozenges with active medicinal ingredients, also qualify. If you have young children, pediatric formulations of these same medications are covered.
First Aid and Medical Supplies
Building a well-stocked first-aid kit with FSA funds is one of the most practical ways to spend your balance. Adhesive bandages, gauze pads, medical tape, elastic wraps, and antiseptic solutions all qualify. Digital thermometers, blood pressure monitors, and pulse oximeters are eligible medical devices that provide ongoing value.
If you or a family member manages a chronic condition, supplies like glucose monitors, insulin syringes, nebulizer accessories, and TENS units are excellent FSA purchases. These items tend to be more expensive, making the tax savings especially meaningful.
Sunscreen and Sun Protection
Sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher is FSA-eligible because the FDA classifies it as an OTC drug that prevents sunburn and reduces skin cancer risk. This applies to lotions, sprays, sticks, and lip balms with SPF. Considering the average family spends $50 to $100 per year on sun protection, this is an easy way to use your FSA wisely. Learn more in our article on sunscreen FSA eligibility.
Vision Care Products
Vision expenses are among the highest-value FSA purchases. Prescription eyeglasses and contact lenses are eligible, as are reading glasses (even non-prescription readers sold at pharmacies). Contact lens solution, eye drops for dry eyes, and prescription sunglasses all qualify.
If you have been considering LASIK or PRK surgery, your FSA can cover the cost — and at $2,000 to $3,000 per eye on average, this is one of the most impactful ways to use a large FSA balance. Schedule a consultation early in your plan year so you can plan your contribution accordingly.
Dental Care Products
Dental expenses are another strong category. While your regular toothpaste is not eligible (it is considered a general hygiene product), many dental items do qualify. Denture adhesives, dental repair kits, orthodontic wax, and toothache relief products are all FSA-eligible.
If you need dental work — fillings, crowns, root canals, or orthodontics — your FSA can cover copays and out-of-pocket costs. Night guards for teeth grinding (bruxism) qualify when recommended by a dentist. These items and services can run hundreds or thousands of dollars, making FSA coverage especially valuable.
Menstrual Care and Family Planning
The CARES Act permanently added menstrual care products to the list of FSA-eligible items. Tampons, pads, liners, menstrual cups, and period underwear with absorbent technology all qualify. Over a lifetime, these costs add up significantly, and buying them with pre-tax dollars provides meaningful savings. Our article on tampon HSA eligibility covers the rules in detail.
Family planning items are also eligible. Pregnancy tests, ovulation predictor kits, condoms, and fertility monitors qualify. Prenatal vitamins prescribed by a doctor are covered, as are breast pumps and breastfeeding supplies.
Skin Care and Topical Treatments
Medicated skin care products — those containing active drug ingredients — are FSA-eligible. Hydrocortisone cream, anti-fungal treatments, acne medications with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, and eczema creams all qualify. Anti-itch creams, calamine lotion, and burn treatment gels are covered too.
Standard moisturizers and cosmetic skin care products do not qualify unless they contain active medicinal ingredients or are prescribed for a specific condition. The distinction rests on whether the primary purpose is medical treatment or general grooming.
Items That Do Not Qualify
Knowing what is ineligible is just as important. Standard toiletries — regular toothpaste, shampoo, standard deodorant, and soap — are not FSA-eligible. Gym memberships, fitness trackers, and exercise equipment do not qualify. Cosmetic procedures, teeth whitening, and most vitamins or supplements purchased without a prescription are excluded. For more on supplement rules, see our guide on supplement FSA eligibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy FSA-eligible items online?
Yes. Many major retailers have dedicated FSA-eligible sections on their websites. Amazon, Walmart, CVS, and Walgreens all offer filtered shopping for eligible products. You can use your FSA debit card just as you would in-store. Save your receipts for documentation.
What if I buy an item that turns out to be ineligible?
If your FSA administrator flags a purchase as ineligible, you will need to repay the amount to your FSA or substitute it with an eligible expense. Repeated ineligible purchases can result in your FSA card being suspended. When in doubt, check with your plan administrator before purchasing.
Can I use my FSA for my spouse or dependents?
Yes. FSA funds can be used for qualified medical expenses incurred by you, your spouse, and your tax dependents, even if they are not enrolled in your health plan. This expands the range of best FSA eligible items you can purchase significantly.
Do I need a prescription for OTC items to be FSA eligible?
Not since the CARES Act of 2020. OTC medications and menstrual care products are now eligible without a prescription. However, certain items like vitamins and supplements may still require a Letter of Medical Necessity from your doctor.
Spend Smart Before the Deadline
The best FSA eligible items are the ones you will actually use — stocking your medicine cabinet with OTC drugs, investing in quality vision or dental care, and addressing health needs you have been postponing. Do not wait until the final weeks of your plan year to spend your balance. Plan ahead, keep a list of eligible items your family uses regularly, and adjust your annual contribution based on actual spending patterns.
For a broader perspective on managing healthcare spending, visit our healthcare costs guide. If you also have an HSA and want to understand the differences, our HSA vs. FSA comparison explains when each account type works best. Consult a tax professional for personalized advice on maximizing your FSA benefits.