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If you’ve been setting aside FSA (Flexible Spending Account) funds from your paycheck all year to cover doctor co-pays and medical expenses, you probably don’t want to leave unused dollars on the table. Fortunately, there are plenty of options for how to do this. FSA eligible items cover a wide range of health needs, from over-the-counter drugs to seasonal allergy essentials (including humidifiers, with a Letter of Medical Necessity from a doctor). But the countdown is on: These pre-tax dollars often expire on December 31.
One of my favorite ways to spend leftover FSA funds is on first aid kits and first aid materials. Considered a home safety essential, there are many times and places where you’ll want a well-stocked kit on hand:
- A main kit for the house kept in the linen closet or primary bathroom,
- a smaller version in the car,
- another in the workshop in case of cuts,
- and maybe even a multi-day kit in a bug-out bag for evacuations during a natural disaster or other emergency.
Ahead, we’ve rounded up a few of our favorite kits.
Great Starter Kit Under $20
All-Purpose First Aid Kit
This Johnson & Johnson kit includes medicine cabinet go-tos—like Band-Aids, Neosporin, Tylenol—to cover minor cuts, burns, pain, & rashes.
Photo: Amazon
Great for Bug-Out Bags
SurviveX Large First Aid Kit
Prepare for scrapes, cuts, splinters, burns, hypothermia, sprains, and more on the go with this ultra-organized 3- to 4-person kit.
Photo: Amazon
For Jobsite Emergencies
Contractor’s First Aid Kit
This 178-piece kit includes antiseptic towelettes, bandages, ointment, burn cream, gauze—plus a cold pack, scissors, tweezers, & more.
Photo: Amazon
If you already have a kit at home, use this time to check the contents for expiration dates—you might only need to replace individual items. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, “certain expired medications are at risk of bacterial growth and sub-potent antibiotics can fail to treat infections,” and the American Red Cross notes that even bandages will lose their adhesive quality over time. Fortunately, Amazon’s FSA and HSA-eligible store makes it easier to find what counts. And, right now, you can stretch the dollar even further with Amazon’s current FSA promotion: Spend $50 and take $10 off select FSA or HSA eligible items.
The post The Best Thing You Can Spend Your Expiring FSA Funds On Is a First Aid Kit appeared first on Bob Vila.
