by admin | Apr 17, 2026 | Blog
As Q1 comes to a close, employers are taking a closer look at their benefits to see what’s working, what’s not being used, and how to better support employees. With rising costs and evolving expectations, benefits strategies are shifting toward flexibility, personalization, and real utilization—especially when it comes to FSAs, HSAs, HRAs, and LSAs.
Why Utilization Matters
Unused benefits don’t just represent wasted spend—they reduce the perceived value of a company’s total rewards package. When employees don’t understand how to use their benefits or don’t see how they apply to their lives, engagement suffers.
That’s why employers are using Q1 as a checkpoint to reassess how well their benefits are actually performing.
How Employers Can Analyze Their Benefits
A smarter benefits strategy starts with data. Employers can begin by reviewing:
- Enrollment vs. usage: Are employees signing up for FSAs, HSAs, HRAs, or LSAs—but not spending the funds?
- Average balances and reimbursements: Do accounts sit unused or spike only at year-end?
- Employee demographics and life stages: Are benefits aligned with workforce needs like caregiving, wellness, or long-term savings?
- Employee feedback and questions: What benefits cause confusion or go unused year after year?
This analysis helps identify gaps in education, communication, or relevance—and highlights opportunities to redesign benefits for better outcomes.
The Shift Toward Personalized Benefits
One-size-fits-all benefits no longer meet the needs of today’s workforce. Employers are increasingly offering a mix of accounts so employees can choose what fits them best:
- FSAs for predictable healthcare or dependent care expenses
- HSAs for long-term healthcare and retirement savings
- HRAs to complement health plans with targeted reimbursements
- LSAs for lifestyle, wellness, and everyday flexibility
Personalized benefits lead to higher engagement and stronger employee satisfaction.
The Q1 Takeaway
Benefits that are easy to understand, relevant, and flexible are the ones that get used. And benefits that get used create happier employees and stronger retention.
As employers move into Q2, those who regularly analyze benefits performance—and adjust accordingly—will see the greatest value from their investment.
by admin | Apr 9, 2026 | Blog
Allergy season is officially here, and for millions of Americans, that means sneezing, itchy eyes, congestion, and sinus pressure. The good news? Many allergy relief essentials are FSA and HSA eligible, meaning you can use pre‑tax dollars to protect your health and your wallet at the same time.
If you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) and want to spend your funds wisely this allergy season, here are the top five FSA/HSA‑eligible items that help relieve seasonal allergies right now.
1. Antihistamines
Why they help: Antihistamines reduce sneezing, runny noses, and itchy eyes caused by seasonal allergies.
FSA/HSA‑eligible options include:
- Claritin® (loratadine)
- Zyrtec® (cetirizine)
- Allegra® (fexofenadine)
- Benadryl® (diphenhydramine)
✅ No prescription required.
🔗 Eligibility info: https://fsastore.com/learn-otc-antihistamines
2. Nasal Sprays & Saline Rinses
Why they help: These products target congestion directly by reducing inflammation or flushing out allergens.
Eligible products include:
- Saline sprays and rinse kits
- Flonase®, Nasacort®, Rhinocort®
✅ Commonly FSA/HSA eligible when used for allergy relief.
🔗 Eligibility info: https://fsastore.com/learn-nasal-sprays
3. Allergy Relief Eye Drops
Why they help: Eye drops relieve itching, redness, and watery eyes caused by pollen and airborne allergens.
Eligible options include:
- Antihistamine eye drops
- Preservative‑free allergy eye drops
✅ Must be labeled for allergy or medical use (not cosmetic).
🔗 Eligibility info: https://fsastore.com/learn-eye-care
4. Air Purifiers & HEPA Filters
Why they help: Air purifiers reduce pollen, dust, and pet dander inside your home.
⚠️ May be FSA/HSA eligible with a Letter of Medical Necessity for allergies or asthma.
🔗 Eligibility info: https://fsastore.com/learn-air-purifiers
5. Humidifiers
Why they help: Humidifiers ease dry air that can worsen sinus irritation and nasal congestion.
⚠️ Typically requires a medical diagnosis and Letter of Medical Necessity.
🔗 Eligibility info: https://fsastore.com/learn-humidifiers
How to Use Your FSA or HSA for Allergy Season
To maximize your benefits:
- ✅ Shop items clearly marked FSA/HSA eligible
- ✅ Keep receipts or order confirmations
- ✅ Use FSA funds before annual deadlines
- ✅ Check eligibility before purchasing higher‑ticket items
Allergy season doesn’t have to mean discomfort—or overspending. By using your FSA or HSA dollars wisely, you can stock up on proven allergy relief products while saving money with pre‑tax funds.
From antihistamines and nasal sprays to eye drops, humidifiers, and air purifiers, these FSA/HSA‑eligible items can help you breathe easier all season long.
by admin | Apr 8, 2026 | Blog
Tax season sneaks up fast, and with the tax deadline right around the corner, it’s easy to forget that some employee benefits come with extra tax forms. If you used certain health or family‑related benefits this year, the IRS may expect a little more information when you file.
The good news? Only a few benefits actually need tax forms. Here’s a quick, simple breakdown.
Used an HSA? You’ll Need to File a Form
If you contributed to a Health Savings Account (HSA) or used HSA money for medical expenses, you’ll need to report it on your tax return.
Forms you may see:
- Form 1099‑SA – Shows how much money you took out of your HSA
- Form 5498‑SA – Shows how much money went into your HSA (for reference)
- Form 8889 – This form must be filed with your tax return
Even if you didn’t spend your HSA money, Form 8889 is still required if you made contributions.
Have a Dependent Care FSA? There’s a Form for That
If you used a Dependent Care FSA to pay for childcare or care for an adult dependent, this benefit must be reported.
Form you’ll need:
- Form 2441 – Dependent Care Expenses
This form helps the IRS make sure your dependent care benefits are reported correctly.
Helpful reminder: Healthcare FSAs do NOT require tax forms—only Dependent Care FSAs do.
Employer Helped With Adoption Costs?
If your employer provided adoption assistance, the IRS requires you to report it.
Form you’ll need:
- Form 8839 – Qualified Adoption Expenses
This form shows how adoption‑related benefits affect your taxes.
Quick Check Before You File
Before you hit “submit,” make sure you have tax forms for:
- HSA contributions or withdrawals
- Dependent Care FSA expenses
- Adoption assistance benefits
Having the right forms ready can help you avoid filing delays, errors, or IRS follow‑ups.
by admin | Mar 11, 2026 | Blog
As the March 15 FSA grace period gets closer, lots of people are taking a last look at their Flexible Spending Account (FSA) balances and figuring out how to use any leftover dollars before they disappear. If your employer offers a grace period, you get an extra 2.5 months—through March 15, 2026—to spend any remaining 2025 FSA funds. After that date, any unspent money goes back to your employer under IRS rules.
Knowing how the grace period works—and what you’re still allowed to buy—can make the difference between losing money and putting every dollar to good use.
What Is the FSA Grace Period?
The IRS gives employers the option to extend your FSA spending window by 2.5 extra months, which means you can continue using the previous year’s funds until March 15. So, if you still have 2025 money left in your account, you can use it on eligible expenses incurred up to March 15, 2026.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Your employer chooses the rules. They can offer either a grace period or a carryover (up to $680 for 2026), but they can’t offer both.
- Some plans also include a run‑out period, which simply gives you extra time to submit receipts—but doesn’t let you incur new expenses.
- Since every employer sets their own FSA options, it’s always a good idea to check the details of your specific plan so you know exactly what deadlines and exceptions apply to you.
What Can You Buy With Your FSA Funds Before March 15?
Here are the top five most useful, season‑ready picks from FSA Store — all guaranteed eligible and perfect for early‑spring needs.
1. Sunscreen (SPF 15+ Broad Spectrum)
A must‑have as the weather warms. All sunscreens SPF 15+ and broad‑spectrum are FSA‑eligible, and FSA Store carries dozens of options.
Shop here: Sunscreen Collection
2. Cold & Allergy Relief
Whether it’s lingering cold season or rising spring allergies, you can use FSA dollars on OTC remedies — no prescription required under current rules.
Shop here: Cold & Allergy Category
3. First Aid Kits
A fresh first‑aid kit is always a smart buy — especially with outdoor season coming up. Choose from family kits, travel kits, or expanded medical kits.
Shop here: First Aid Kits & Supplies
4. Contact Lens Solution
Daily essentials for contact lens wearers — cleaning solution, disinfecting systems, rewetting drops, and lens cases are all eligible.
Shop here: Contact Lens Care
5. Heating Pads
Perfect for muscle tension, cramps, or easing the aches that come with getting active again. FSA Store carries everything from standard pads to weighted massaging options.
Shop here: Heating Pads
Tips to Maximize Your Remaining FSA Dollars
- Check your balance today. Log into your account and verify how much you have left.
- Shop verified FSA‑eligible products. Online marketplaces like FSA Store carry only approved items, reducing guesswork.
- Book appointments immediately. Spots fill quickly before the deadline.
- Save receipts. Some expenses may require documentation or letters of medical necessity.
If your plan includes the grace period, March 15, 2026 is your absolute last day to incur expenses using 2025 FSA funds. Don’t let your remaining balance disappear—smart spending now means more value from your pretax dollars.
by admin | Jan 12, 2026 | Blog
Flu season is in full swing, and being prepared can make all the difference. The best part? You can use your FSA or HSA funds to stock up on these health essentials without spending extra out-of-pocket.
Here are the top 5 FSA/HSA-approved products to keep you healthy this season:
1. Thermometers
A reliable thermometer is a must for tracking fevers. Digital and smart thermometers are FSA/HSA eligible and help you monitor symptoms accurately.
🔗 Buy a FSA‑eligible thermometer
2. Over-the-Counter Medications
Pain relievers, fever reducers, and cough/cold medicines are often eligible with a prescription. Check your FSA/HSA store for flu symptom relief bundles.
🔗 Shop FSA‑eligible cold & flu meds
3. Humidifiers
Combat dry air and soothe congestion with a humidifier. Many models qualify for FSA/HSA coverage.
🔗 See eligible humidifiers
4. Saline Nasal Sprays
Affordable and effective, saline sprays help relieve nasal congestion and keep your sinuses clear.
🔗 Buy FSA/HSA‑eligible saline spray
5. Face Masks & Hand Sanitizers
Preventing the spread of germs is just as important as treating symptoms. Stock up on masks and sanitizers—both are typically covered.
🔗 Learn about mask & sanitizer eligibility
Why Use FSA/HSA Funds?
Using your tax-free dollars for flu season essentials is a smart way to save money while staying healthy. Don’t forget to check your FSA/HSA store for seasonal deals before your plan year ends!
For a full list of all eligible FSA items click here.
