How to Use Your FSA Before It Expires: The Year-End Deadline Guide

Your FSA balance doesn't wait for you. If you haven't spent it yet, the clock is ticking. Here's how to turn those pre-tax dollars into something your skin will thank you for long after December is over.

Do You Actually Lose Unused FSA Money at the End of the Year?

In most cases, yes. A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) operates on a "use it or lose it" basis. Any funds you don't spend by your plan's deadline are forfeited. For the majority of employer-sponsored FSA plans, that FSA deadline date is December 31.

Some employers offer a grace period of up to 2.5 months into the following year, and others allow a carryover of up to $640 (for 2024 plan years). But these options vary by employer, and not every plan includes them. If you're not sure which rules apply to you, check with your HR department or benefits administrator now. Not in January. Now.

Here's the important distinction most people miss. If you have a Health Savings Account (HSA) instead of an FSA, your funds roll over year after year with no expiration. HSA money is yours to keep. But FSA money? That has a hard stop. And if you've been letting it sit, December is the month to put it to work.

What Can You Buy with FSA Before It Expires?

FSA funds can be used on a wide range of health and wellness products, and the list has expanded significantly in recent years. Beyond prescriptions and doctor's copays, FSA-eligible purchases now include items like sunscreen, first-aid supplies, acne treatments, and FDA-cleared medical devices.

And that's where things get interesting for your skin.

FDA-cleared red light therapy devices qualify as FSA-eligible purchases. That means you can use your pre-tax FSA dollars on clinically tested, professional-grade skincare technology that would otherwise come out of your after-tax budget.

The same applies to HSA red light therapy purchases. If you have an HSA, red light therapy devices are eligible there too. The difference is just the urgency. HSA funds don't expire, so the timeline pressure is lower. FSA funds do expire, which makes this a now-or-never decision for a lot of people.

Is a Red Light Therapy Mask a Good FSA Purchase Before Year End?

If you've been sitting on unused FSA funds and wondering what to spend them on, here's a question worth asking. Would you rather let that money disappear or invest it in something that supports your skin for years?

A red light therapy mask fsa eligible purchase, is one of the smartest ways to spend those expiring dollars. Unlike a one-time copay or a box of bandages, an FDA-cleared light therapy device is something you use repeatedly, session after session, for ongoing visible results.

Red light therapy works by delivering specific wavelengths of LED light that are absorbed by the mitochondria inside your skin cells. This absorption supports the production of ATP, which is the energy your cells use to regenerate, repair, and produce collagen. It's a 100+ year-old science that originated from NASA research and is now one of the most clinically studied non-invasive skin interventions available.

Every Solawave device is FDA-cleared, clinically tested, and FSA/HSA eligible. That means your pre-tax health dollars go toward real, science-backed technology, not another jar of cream that might collect dust on your shelf.

Which Solawave Devices Qualify for FSA and HSA Spending?

All of them. Every device in the Solawave lineup is FSA and HSA eligible. Here's what that means for your year-end spending.

The Wrinkle Retreat Pro LED Face Mask at $399

The flagship. 320 dual-core LEDs across four therapeutic wavelengths. Red, deep red, amber, and near-infrared light work together in a 3-minute, hands-free session to visibly smooth fine lines, firm skin, and even tone. It's the kind of device that would cost significantly more at a dermatologist's office, and now your FSA can cover it.

The Neck and Chest Pro Light Therapy Mask at $349

The same quad-wavelength technology built specifically for the skin below the jawline. Your neck and chest get the same sun exposure as your face but rarely get the same attention. This mask changes that in 3 minutes per session.

The 4-in-1 Skincare Wand at $169

Four technologies in one handheld device. Red light therapy, galvanic current, therapeutic warmth, and facial massage. Perfect for targeting specific zones like smile lines, crow's feet, and the jawline. This is the device that shows up in celebrity glam kits for a reason.

The 2-in-1 Skincare Mini at $119

Compact, rechargeable, and travel-ready. Red light and near-infrared therapy with therapeutic warmth. A great entry point for red light therapy beginners, and the most affordable way to put your FSA funds to work.

The Bye Acne Spot Treatment at $69

Blue and red light therapy for targeted blemish treatment. FDA-cleared. No harsh chemicals, no drying actives. If you're dealing with breakouts, this is an FSA spend that pays for itself fast.

How Do You Actually Use FSA or HSA at Solawave?

The process is straightforward. You can pay directly with your FSA or HSA debit card at solawave.co, just like any other online purchase. If your plan requires you to pay out of pocket and submit for reimbursement, Solawave provides an itemized receipt that includes the product description and FDA clearance information your plan administrator will need.

Free expedited shipping is included on all orders over $75, which covers every device in the lineup. And if you're worried about making the wrong choice, every Solawave device comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee and a 1-year warranty.

Why Is December the Best Month to Make This Purchase?

Because it might be the only month you can. If your FSA plan year ends December 31, any unspent balance is gone. Not carried over. Not refunded. Gone.

The average American leaves hundreds of dollars in FSA funds unspent every year. That's pre-tax money you already earned, sitting in an account you already funded, waiting to be used on something you actually need.

An fsa red light therapy device isn't a luxury purchase. It's an FDA-cleared health and wellness investment. One that supports your skin at the cellular level, fits into a 3-minute daily routine, and keeps working for you long after the calendar flips to January.

Don't let your hard-earned FSA dollars vanish. Put them toward technology that actually works. Shop FSA and HSA eligible devices at Solawave.

Results may vary. Individual results are not guaranteed. Consult your FSA or HSA plan administrator to confirm eligibility and deadlines for your specific plan.

FAQs

Do I lose unused FSA money at the end of the year? 

In most cases, yes. FSA funds typically expire on December 31 or at the end of your plan's grace period. Some employers allow a limited carryover, but unused funds are generally forfeited. Check with your HR department for your specific plan rules.

Is red light therapy FSA eligible? 

Yes. FDA-cleared red light therapy devices qualify as FSA-eligible medical devices. All Solawave devices are both FSA and HSA eligible, and you can pay directly with your FSA or HSA debit card at solawave.co.

What is the difference between FSA and HSA when it comes to deadlines? 

FSA funds typically expire at year-end and follow a use-it-or-lose-it rule. HSA funds roll over indefinitely with no expiration date. Both can be used on FDA-cleared red light therapy devices, but the urgency applies mainly to FSA holders.

What can I buy with FSA before it expires? 

FSA-eligible purchases include prescriptions, copays, sunscreen, first-aid supplies, acne treatments, and FDA-cleared medical devices like red light therapy masks and wands.

Is a red light therapy mask a good FSA purchase before year-end? 

Absolutely. Unlike a single-use purchase, an FDA-cleared light therapy mask is a long-term investment you use multiple times per week. It's one of the highest-value ways to spend expiring FSA funds on something that supports your skin for years.

How do I use my FSA or HSA at Solawave? 

You can pay directly with your FSA or HSA debit card at checkout on solawave.co. If your plan requires reimbursement, Solawave provides an itemized receipt with FDA clearance details for easy submission to your plan administrator.