What are FSAs?
A flexible spending account is an employer-sponsored benefit that allows workers to set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for eligible medical expenses. With an FSA account, consumers do not have to pay taxes on the amount they spend, which can have a significant impact on their tax liability. According to December 2020 connect your care Publication 2020 flexible spending account trendsan estimated $30.7 billion in FSA savings in 2020, an increase of 8.7% from 2019.
2020 onwards, Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Allow contributors to defer up to $2,750 for medical FSA Up to $5,000 annually for dependent FSAs.
Too good to be real?
Unfortunately, there are pitfalls that have put off many FSAs. Funds do not stay in this tax-exempt state forever. In fact, if they weren’t used within a calendar year, any remaining money was confiscated by their employers.At least that’s how they used to work.Most accounts now have some form of Rollover Service or Grace Period If all funds are not used in time.
Due to covid-19, contributor 2021 balances have been carried over to the full 2022. However, the contributor must have declared that she still wants to use the service in 2022. Used in December 2022.
FSA funding for medical supplies and equipment
Specifically, FSA is an effective way to save money on medical supplies and equipment. In fact, both of these are among the most common purchases made with his FSA funds. Medical supplies and equipment ranks as the third most common type of FSA spending.
according to National Health Business Group According to the survey, the most common items purchased with FSA funds are doctor visits (42%), over-the-counter medications (38%), medical supplies and equipment (34%), and prescriptions (32%).
In a similar study conducted by the agency, National Association of FSA Administratorsconsumers are said to be most likely to use FSA funds to purchase over-the-counter medications (61%), vision care products (35%), and medical supplies and devices (35%) .
More specifically, popular items are:
- pain reliever
- acne treatment
- hyperthermia
- Sunscreen
- Sphygmomanometer
- first aid kit
- allergy relief
FSA restrictions
Consumers should be aware of certain restrictions when purchasing medical supplies and equipment with FSA funds. For example, most products qualify for his FSA reimbursement, but some do not. This includes non-prescription vitamins, health supplements, cosmetics, and more. Additionally, consumers should be aware that FSA funds can only be used to pay medical bills that occur after the funds have been credited to the account.
Contribution limit increase
According to the IRS, the FSA’s average contribution limit will increase in 2023. This is because the IRS adjusts his FSA contribution limit for inflation, as described in the “Cost of Living Adjustments” for 2020-2023.
The chart below shows the increase in contribution limits since 2015.

Increased spending
At the same time, more money is being put into the FSA by individuals and businesses. According to IRS and U.S. data, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average amount put into the FSA has increased every year since 2015. In 2022, the average amount put into the FSA was estimated at $2,400.
growing popularity
In recent years, more employers are offering FSAs to their employees. They recognize potential tax savings and other benefits. Studies show that employers who offer her FSA to their employees often have higher employee satisfaction and productivity.
A study conducted by the National Business Group on Health found that the percentage of employers offering FSAs increased from 52% in 2015 to 60% in 2019. This trend is expected to continue through 2023, with 66.3% of employers offering his FSA.make for That’s a 27% increase in less than a decade.

Increase in medical expenses
The FSA has always offered tax savings and other benefits to individuals and businesses. Due to rising medical costs, it is becoming more popular.according to Medicare and Medicaid Service Center, healthcare costs are expected to rise by an average of 5.4% in 2023. Fortunately, the FSA’s maximum allowable amount has increased as well. Money saved by these accounts can be used to offset higher costs.
With tax-free benefits and ease of use, the FSA is a great way to save money. All the while providing much-needed medical supplies and services. As the data shows, flexible spending accounts are becoming more and more popular and the amount deposited into these accounts is increasing. A consumer can make the most of her FSA funds before they expire by being aware of the limits and deadlines associated with FSA accounts.