Don't Let Your FSA Dollars Go to Waste! 5 Smart Ways to Invest in Your Foot Health Before Year-End

Have money left in your Flexible Spending Account (FSA)? Don't let it go to waste!

As the end of the year approaches, many people scramble to use their remaining FSA dollars before they expire. Why not put those dollars toward something that can make a real difference in your everyday life—healthier, more comfortable feet?

At Foot Specialists of Long Island, Dr. Mark Gasparini and Dr. Novneet Chhabra offer advanced treatments and medical-grade foot care products that may qualify for FSA or Health Savings Account (HSA) reimbursement.

Whether you've been putting off treatment for a stubborn plantar wart, dealing with persistent heel pain, or struggling with fungal toenails, now’s an excellent time to take action.

Key Takeaways

• HSA and FSA accounts allow you to allot pre-tax dollars for use on approved medical expenses
• FSA dollars may expire at the end of the year, while HSA funds typically roll over
• Foot health services such as SWIFT therapy for plantar warts, custom orthotics and laser therapy for pain or fungal toenails are often approved HSA and FSA expenses 

Important Reminder: HSA Dollars Don't Expire, but FSA Dollars Might!

Before you make your year-end healthcare plans, it's important to understand the difference between these two accounts.

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) generally follow a use-it-or-lose-it rule. Depending on your employer's plan, you may need to incur eligible expenses before the end of your plan year. Some plans allow a limited carryover or an additional grace period.

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) work differently. Unused HSA funds generally roll over from year to year, so there is no annual deadline requiring you to spend them.

Both accounts can provide tax advantages when used for qualified medical expenses, but eligibility and documentation requirements may vary.

If you have an FSA, check your available balance and deadline now rather than waiting until the last week of December.

And, now that you have a better idea of your account requirements, here are five smart ways to put your healthcare dollars to work.

1. SWIFT Therapy: Finally Do Something About Stubborn Plantar Warts

Have a wart on the bottom of your foot that just won't go away?

Maybe you've tried over-the-counter treatments, freezing, or simply hoped it would disappear on its own. Unfortunately, plantar warts can be persistent, uncomfortable, and frustrating to treat.

SWIFT Therapy offers an advanced approach to treating plantar warts.

Unlike traditional treatments that focus on destroying wart tissue, SWIFT uses controlled microwave energy to stimulate your body's immune response against the virus responsible for the wart.

Why patients appreciate SWIFT Therapy:

• No cutting or surgical tissue removal
• No bandages or complicated aftercare
• No downtime
• Brief, in-office treatment sessions
• Effective for stubborn or recurring plantar warts

Patients typically require a series of three treatments, spaced several weeks apart. Brief and mild discomfort may occur during treatment.

If you've been living with a painful or embarrassing plantar wart, your remaining FSA dollars could help you finally address it.

2. Custom Orthotics: Invest in Comfort with Every Step

Think about how much time you spend on your feet.

Whether you're walking around Long Island, working, exercising, or simply going about your daily routine, your feet support you through thousands of steps.

When your feet aren't functioning properly, the effects can extend well beyond occasional soreness.

Custom orthotics are specially designed medical devices that we craft to address weaknesses in your individual foot structure.

They can help with:

• Plantar fasciitis and persistent heel pain
• Flat feet or excessive pronation
• Arch pain
• Certain types of tendonitis
• Foot fatigue and discomfort related to abnormal foot mechanics

Unlike generic inserts purchased at a pharmacy, custom orthotics are designed around your unique foot structure, following a clinical evaluation.

For many patients, they can be an important component of a long-term treatment plan.

Custom orthotics are a meaningful investment in your foot health, and medically necessary orthotics are generally eligible for HSA/FSA reimbursement. If you've been considering them but putting off the expense, remaining FSA funds may help cover the cost.

3. Laser Therapy: Address Foot Pain or Fungal Toenails

If you've been living with chronic foot discomfort or unsightly fungal toenails, laser therapy may be another option worth discussing with our podiatrists.

Laser Therapy for Foot and Heel Pain

Persistent heel pain, tendon discomfort, and certain soft-tissue conditions can make everyday activities challenging.

Depending on your diagnosis, noninvasive laser therapy can help manage your pain and support recovery.

Treatment is performed in the office, and the number of sessions you’ll need depends on your condition.

Laser Treatment for Fungal Toenails

Thickened, discolored, or brittle toenails may be signs of a fungal nail infection.

Laser treatment can help treat the problem, alone or in combination with other treatments.

FSA/HSA tip: Laser treatment for a diagnosed medical condition may qualify for reimbursement, depending on medical necessity and your plan's rules. Check with your administrator before scheduling.

4. Medical-Grade Insoles (MGIs): Support Your Feet Without Going Fully Custom

Not everyone needs custom orthotics.

Patients who would benefit from additional support but who don't require a fully customized device can find relief with medical-grade insoles (MGIs).

Medical-grade insoles are designed to provide greater structural support and targeted cushioning than many basic store-bought inserts.

Depending on your foot type and needs, they may help with:

• Arch support
• Heel cushioning
• Pressure distribution
• Foot fatigue
• Everyday walking comfort

They're particularly appealing for people who spend long hours standing or walking, or who want additional support in their everyday footwear.

During your appointment, our podiatrists can help determine whether medical-grade insoles are appropriate for your feet or whether custom orthotics would be a better choice.

5. Topical Antifungals: Get a Head Start on Healthier Feet and Nails

Sometimes, even smaller foot-care purchases can make an important difference.

If you're dealing with athlete's foot, topical antifungal products can help you find relief.

Common concerns include:

• Itching or peeling skin between the toes
• Recurrent athlete's foot
• Fungal skin infections
• Certain types of fungal toenail infections

FSA/HSA tip: Eligible over-the-counter anti-fungal medications can generally be purchased using HSA or healthcare FSA dollars without a prescription. Keep your receipts for reimbursement purposes.

Make Your Foot Health a Priority Before the Year Ends

That lingering heel pain. The plantar wart you've been ignoring. The fungal toenails you've been covering up. The uncomfortable shoes you wear every day.

These are all reasons to give your feet some attention.

Our Long Island podiatrists can evaluate your concerns and help you determine which treatments or supportive products are appropriate for your needs.

Whether you're interested in SWIFT Therapy, custom orthotics, laser treatment, medical-grade insoles, or topical anti-fungals, we're here to help you make informed decisions about your foot health.

Don't Wait Until Your FSA Deadline!

Schedule your appointment today and find out how your remaining healthcare dollars may help you step into the new year with healthier, happier feet.