FSA Deadline Guide: How to Spend Your Balance Before Dec 31

Don't Let Your FSA Dollars Disappear

For millions of Americans managing diabetes, a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is one of the most valuable financial tools available — yet billions of dollars in FSA funds are forfeited every year simply because account holders don't use them in time. If your plan year ends December 31, the clock is ticking. The good news? As a diabetic patient or caregiver, you likely have more eligible purchase options than you realize.

Why the December 31 Deadline Matters

Most FSA plans operate on a calendar year, meaning any unused balance is forfeited after December 31 unless your employer offers a grace period (typically through March 15) or a rollover allowance (up to $610 in 2024). Check your plan documents now — don't assume you have extra time. If your deadline is December 31, eligible purchases must be made and delivered before midnight.

Top FSA-Eligible Diabetes Supplies to Buy Before Year-End

The IRS considers most diabetes management supplies to be FSA-eligible medical expenses. Here's what you can stock up on before the deadline:

• Blood glucose meters and test strips — Essential for daily monitoring, these are fully FSA-eligible and can be purchased in bulk.
• Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) — Devices like Dexcom and Libre sensors and receivers qualify.
• Insulin and syringes — Insulin, pen needles, and syringes are all covered expenses.
• Lancets and lancing devices — A frequently overlooked eligible item that adds up quickly.
• Insulin pump supplies — Infusion sets, reservoirs, and pump accessories are eligible.
• Alcohol swabs and skin prep wipes — Often forgotten but fully covered.
• Glucose tablets and gels — Used to treat hypoglycemia, these qualify as a medical expense.

At mdsdiabetes.com, you can browse a wide selection of FSA-eligible diabetes supplies and stock up before the deadline hits. MDS Diabetes carries everything from test strips and lancets to CGM accessories and insulin pump supplies — making it easy to spend your balance wisely in one place.

How to Verify FSA Eligibility

Before purchasing, confirm eligibility through these steps:

• Check your FSA administrator's eligible expense list (available on their website or app).
• Look for the FSA-eligible badge when shopping online — mdsdiabetes.com clearly identifies qualifying products.
• When in doubt, call your FSA plan administrator directly.
• Save all receipts — your administrator may require documentation for reimbursement.

Smart Strategies to Spend Your Remaining Balance

1. Calculate Your Current Balance

Log into your FSA portal today and note your exact remaining balance. This prevents overspending or underspending.

2. Stock Up on Consumables

Test strips, lancets, pen needles, and alcohol swabs have a long shelf life. Buying a 3–6 month supply now is a smart use of funds that would otherwise be lost.

3. Replace Aging Equipment

Is your glucose meter more than a year old? Your lancing device due for a replacement? Now is the perfect time to upgrade using pre-tax dollars.

4. Think About the Whole Family

Your FSA covers eligible expenses for your spouse and dependents too. If another family member has diabetes or related health needs, their supplies count toward your balance.

What's NOT FSA-Eligible

Avoid spending your balance on items that won't qualify for reimbursement, including general vitamins, most nutritional supplements (unless prescribed), non-prescription foods, and gym memberships. When in doubt, verify before you buy.

Act Now — Time Is Short

With the December 31 deadline approaching fast, procrastination is costly. Visit mdsdiabetes.com to shop FSA-eligible diabetes supplies with fast shipping, so your order arrives — and your funds are used — before the deadline. A few minutes of planning today could save you hundreds of dollars in forfeited benefits.