Health & Fitness
Don't Lose Your FSA Funds: Prioritize Fitness & Healthcare
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Published in Health and Fitness on Sunday, December 28th 2025 at 6:52 GMT by KOLO TV- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Don't Let Your FSA Funds Expire: Prioritize Fitness Alongside Healthcare Expenses
As the year winds down, many people are focused on holiday shopping and end-of-year tasks. However, there’s another deadline looming that often gets overlooked – the deadline for Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs). The Kolotv.com article published December 18th, 2025, highlights a crucial point: individuals with FSAs should consider utilizing their funds not just for traditional healthcare expenses but also for fitness-related purchases and services that contribute to overall well-being. With the deadline typically at the end of the year (or shortly thereafter, depending on your employer's policy), understanding how to maximize these pre-tax dollars is essential.
What Exactly Is an FSA?
For those unfamiliar, a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is a benefit offered by many employers that allows employees to set aside pre-tax money for qualified healthcare expenses. This means the money isn’t subject to income or payroll taxes, effectively reducing your taxable income and saving you money. The Kolotv article emphasizes that FSAs are "use it or lose it," meaning any funds not spent by the deadline are forfeited back to the employer (or sometimes donated to a charity, depending on plan specifics – check with your HR department). Some plans offer a grace period of up to 2.5 months into the following year or allow for a carryover of $610 (as of 2023; amounts change annually) but these are not universal.
Beyond Band-Aids and Prescription Drugs: Fitness as Healthcare
Traditionally, people think of FSAs primarily for doctor visits, prescriptions, dental work, and vision care. However, the article rightly points out that fitness is increasingly recognized as a vital component of preventative healthcare. The IRS allows for a surprisingly broad range of fitness expenses to be covered by an FSA, going beyond just gym memberships.
Here's what you can potentially use your FSA funds for related to fitness, according to the article and generally accepted guidelines (always verify with your plan administrator):
- Gym Memberships: This is the most common expense people think of.
- Fitness Classes: Yoga, Pilates, Zumba – if it's a structured class aimed at improving physical fitness, it’s likely eligible.
- Personal Training Sessions: One-on-one training to help you achieve specific fitness goals qualifies.
- Exercise Equipment: This includes things like treadmills, stationary bikes, weights, and even wearable fitness trackers (like Fitbits or Apple Watches) that are primarily used for tracking health metrics. The article specifically mentions the potential for covering smart scales which measure body composition.
- Sporting Goods: While not everything, equipment directly related to a sport you engage in for exercise—running shoes, skis, golf clubs – can often be included.
- Weight Management Programs: Some structured weight management programs and associated costs (like consultations with dietitians) may also qualify.
The key is that the expense must be primarily for improving or maintaining physical health. Luxury items or recreational equipment not directly contributing to fitness are generally not eligible.
Why This Matters: A Proactive Approach to Health
The article argues that utilizing FSA funds for fitness isn't just about avoiding losing money; it’s about proactively investing in your well-being. Regular physical activity can help prevent chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity, ultimately reducing healthcare costs down the line. By incentivizing fitness through FSAs, employers are encouraging employees to take a more holistic approach to their health.
Navigating the Details & Avoiding Pitfalls
The Kolotv article stresses the importance of checking your specific FSA plan documents or contacting your HR department/benefits administrator for clarification on eligible expenses. While the IRS provides general guidelines, individual plans can have variations. Submitting documentation (receipts) is usually required to claim reimbursements, so keeping good records throughout the year is crucial.
The article also highlights a common pitfall: overestimating how much you'll spend in a given year. It’s better to err on the side of caution when electing your FSA amount and then utilize those funds for fitness expenses if possible, rather than losing them altogether. Carefully consider your anticipated healthcare needs and potential fitness-related spending before making your election.
Beyond the Deadline: Planning for Next Year
As you approach the FSA deadline, take some time to review your spending habits and plan accordingly for next year. Consider how you can better utilize your FSA funds to support both your healthcare and fitness goals. A proactive approach to managing your FSA not only saves you money but also contributes to a healthier and more fulfilling life. Don’t let those valuable pre-tax dollars go to waste—make the most of your FSA before the deadline!
I hope this article effectively summarizes the key points from the Kolotv.com article and provides helpful context for readers.
Read the Full KOLO TV Article at:
[ https://www.kolotv.com/2025/12/18/consider-fitness-ahead-health-care-flexible-spending-account-deadline/ ]
