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Use Your Health-Care FSA for Fitness Before the Deadline

  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. th-care-fsa-for-fitness-before-the-deadline.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Wednesday, December 17th 2025 at 19:28 GMT by KOLO TV

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Article Summary: “Consider Fitness Ahead of the Health‑Care Flexible Spending Account Deadline”
(Original source: https://www.kolotv.com/2025/12/18/consider-fitness-ahead-health-care-flexible-spending-account-deadline/)

The piece on Kolo TV addresses a timely issue for many employees: the looming deadline for using funds in their Health‑Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs). It urges workers to think proactively about how they can convert what might otherwise be a “use‑or‑lose” liability into a real investment in their health and well‑being. Below is a concise breakdown of the article’s key messages, the background information it supplies, and the actionable guidance it offers.

1. What Is a Health‑Care FSA?

The article opens with a quick primer on FSAs for readers who may be new to the concept. A Health‑Care FSA is a pre‑tax benefit plan that allows employees to set aside a portion of their earnings to pay for qualified medical expenses. Because the contributions are taken from gross pay, they reduce taxable income, giving the employee immediate tax savings. However, unlike Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), FSAs are “use‑or‑lose” accounts—funds that remain unused by the deadline are forfeited.

Kolo TV notes that most plans impose a “grace period” of two months after year‑end (i.e., until the end of February for the 2025 calendar year) or a “carry‑over” option that allows a limited amount (often $550) to be rolled into the next plan year. The article stresses that many workers are unaware that this period is ticking down and that they need to act quickly.

2. Why Fitness‑Related Expenses Matter

The central thesis of the article is that fitness and preventive health care are among the most cost‑effective ways to reduce long‑term medical costs. The author cites research from the American Journal of Preventive Medicine that indicates adults who exercise regularly are 30% less likely to develop chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. When such activities are paid for through an FSA, the tax savings can be substantial.

Kolo TV points out the types of fitness‑related items that qualify under the IRS “Qualified Medical Expenses” list, including:

• Gym memberships (if the gym is located within the employee’s work area or the employee’s home)
• Fitness equipment (e.g., treadmills, exercise bikes, weights) that are used primarily for medical or therapeutic purposes
• Personal training sessions (if the trainer is certified and the sessions are part of a medically recommended program)
• Health‑screening devices (such as blood‑pressure monitors or fitness trackers that track heart‑rate, sleep patterns, and overall activity)

The article emphasizes that while many workers consider gym memberships as “luxury” expenses, they can be legitimately deducted from an FSA as long as they meet IRS guidelines. The piece includes a helpful anecdote about a local employee who used their FSA to purchase a high‑end home treadmill and subsequently reduced their out‑of‑pocket health costs by $300 a year.

3. The Deadline is Near – Act Now

Kolo TV’s core call‑to‑action centers on the deadline itself. The article highlights that the year‑end deadline for 2025 is Friday, December 31 for the majority of plans, with many employers extending a two‑month grace period to February 28, 2026. Those who fail to use their remaining FSA balance by the end of that period will forfeit the money.

The article offers three concrete steps:

1. Check Your Balance – Employees are encouraged to log into their HR portal or speak with their benefits administrator to see how much remains in their account.
2. Plan Your Spend – Create a short‑term “fit‑plan” that includes purchasing equipment, booking preventive screenings, or paying for a wellness program that is both qualified and tax‑advantaged.
3. Submit Claims Early – Because reimbursement requests can take weeks to process, the author advises submitting claims as soon as possible, preferably at least 30 days before the deadline.

Kolo TV also includes a small table showing sample expenditures that can be covered by an FSA and the amount saved after tax. For example, a $1,200 gym membership yields an approximate $240 tax savings for a 20% marginal tax rate.

4. How to Maximize Your FSA for Health

Beyond simply “using the money,” the article provides strategic tips for making an FSA a powerful tool for preventive health:

• Schedule Preventive Screenings – Use the FSA to pay for routine blood work, cholesterol checks, and other screenings that can catch problems early.
• Invest in Wearables – Devices that monitor heart‑rate variability, sleep, and step counts can qualify if they are part of a medical monitoring plan.
• Consider Telehealth Services – Many plans now allow telehealth visits to be reimbursed via FSA, saving both time and money.
• Use the “Carry‑over” Wisely – If your employer allows a carry‑over, plan the amount you want to keep for next year versus the amount you will spend now.

The article stresses that the ultimate goal is not just to avoid losing money but to build a healthier future with fewer medical bills.

5. Additional Resources and Links

Kolo TV provides a handful of hyperlinks for readers who want more depth:

• IRS Publication 503 – The definitive guide to what qualifies for a health‑care FSA.
• American Diabetes Association – For individuals seeking to understand how regular exercise can lower disease risk.
• Health Insurance Marketplace – If readers wish to compare FSA and HSA plans for next year.

The piece concludes by reminding readers that their FSA is “more than just a benefit—it’s an investment in your long‑term health.” By paying careful attention to the deadline and taking a proactive stance on fitness, employees can avoid a wasteful loss of pre‑tax dollars and, at the same time, reap the personal and financial rewards of an active lifestyle.