Still have money in your flexible spending account? It's not too late to use it

Thanks to the CARES Act, you can spend flex dollars on things this year that you couldn't in years past.

News 12 Staff

Dec 26, 2020, 2:48 PM

Updated 1,381 days ago

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If you still have money in your flexible spending account that you didn't spend in 2020 due to the pandemic, it's not too late.
In a year dominated by the pandemic, many of us have put off nonessential medical care. As 2020 comes to an end, some could stand to lose hundreds of dollars of their own money that they set aside in flexible spending accounts.
"I think a lot of people are in that position of having extra stuff to spend, and it's kind of a use-it-or-lose-it type of account," says Catherine Roberts, with Consumer Reports.
The good news is that even in the last few days of the year, there's time to use your money before you lose it. And thanks to the CARES Act, you can spend flex dollars on things this year that you couldn't in years past.
If you need a new pair of prescription glasses or contact lenses, this could be the time to get them.
You can also stock up on over-the-counter medications -- they're not usually flex-eligible without a prescription, but thanks to the CARES Act, they are this year. You just need a receipt.
First aid supplies are also eligible, as is home medical equipment like blood pressure monitors and thermometers.
But beware: while you might expect to be able to spend flex dollars on things like face coverings, disinfectant and hand sanitizer, those items are generally not eligible.
"Different plans may have different rules," says Roberts. "So you want to check with your HR or whoever is administering your plan and just double check what's covered and what's not."