If you’re wondering whether you can use your HSA or FSA dollars to buy adaptive equipment, the short answer is yes—and for many families, it’s one of the smartest ways to make home safer and easier as you age.

But here’s the catch:
Most FSA funds expire at the end of the year.
And once they’re gone… they’re gone.

This guide breaks down—quickly and clearly—what counts, how to spend it, and the best OT-recommended items to invest in before time runs out.

 

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What’s the Difference Between an HSA and an FSA?

A Health Savings Account (HSA) usually rolls over every year, but a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) often does not.
That means unspent FSA money is usually forfeited when the new year starts.

Simple breakdown:

This is why spending your FSA dollars before December 31 is essential—especially on medical tools that prevent falls, support independence, and help you age safely at home.

 

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Can You Use HSA/FSA Dollars for Adaptive Equipment?

Yes. Most adaptive equipment is eligible because it supports a medical need or reduces health risks.

According to IRS medical expense guidelines, anything that directly supports safety, mobility, daily functioning, or a diagnosed condition may qualify.

That includes OT-approved items like:

• Shower chairs
  
  

• Raised toilet seats & toilet risers
  
  

• Bed rails
  
  

• Automatic pill dispensers
  
  

• Canes, walkers, rollators
  
  

• Transfer boards
  
  

• Hearing support devices
  
  

• Blood pressure monitors
  
  

• Low-vision tools
  
  

• Home safety products
  
  

These are the exact tools occupational therapists recommend every day to reduce fall risk and help older adults stay independent at home.

 

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How Do You Use an HSA or FSA Card Online?

You check out with your HSA/FSA card the same way you would with a regular debit card.

1. Add your items to cart
   
   

2. Enter the HSA or FSA card number
   
   

3. If the product qualifies, it processes immediately
   
   

If it doesn’t auto-approve, you can:

• Pay with a personal card
  
  

• Submit the receipt to your benefits provider
  
  

• Get reimbursed
  
  

Pro Tip:
Always save receipts—your plan may ask for verification that the purchase was medically necessary.

At AskSAMIE, everything in the shop is already vetted by occupational therapists, which makes approvals simple and predictable.

 

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What Should You Buy Before Your FSA Expires?

Prioritize items that reduce fall risk and support daily living—two of the most common reasons older adults end up in the ER.

Here are the best OT-recommended purchases:

 

Bathroom Safety (highest fall risk area)

• Shower chairs
  
  

• Toilet risers
  
  

• Non-slip mats
  
  

• Handheld showerheads
  
  

Medication Management

• Automatic pill dispensers
  
  

• Weekly organizers
  
  

Mobility Tools

• Canes
  
  

• Walkers
  
  

• Rollators
  
  

• Transfer boards
  
  

Hearing Support

• Mirai Speaker (for clearer TV audio without blasting the volume)
  
  

• PockeTalker or hearing amplifiers
  
  

Home Safety

• Motion-activated lights
  
  

• Bed rails
  
  

• Fall detection tools
  
  

These investments not only use up expiring funds—they prevent accidents, reduce caregiver strain, and improve quality of life.

 

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How Do You Know If an Item Is HSA/FSA Eligible?

If the equipment supports a medical need, improves daily function, or prevents injury, it typically qualifies.

When in doubt:

• Read your plan’s eligible expenses list
  
  

• Contact your provider
  
  

• Or choose OT-vetted items (like those on AskSAMIE) that clearly meet medical-necessity criteria
  
  

Because everything at AskSAMIE is curated by occupational therapists, you don’t have to guess.

 

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OT-Recommended Starter List for HSA/FSA Spending

If you want a quick shopping guide, here’s what OTs most commonly prescribe:

For Fall Prevention

• Grab bars
  
  

• Non-slip bathroom tools
  
  

• Bed rails
  
  

• Bath transfer benches
  
  

For Medication Safety

• Automated pill dispensers
  
  

• Audible reminder systems
  
  

For Mobility

• Canes
  
  

• Rollators
  
  

• Gait belts
  
  

• Transfer boards
  
  

For Hearing Support

• Mirai Speaker
  
  

• PocketTalker personal amplifier
  
  

For Low Vision

• Bold Writer Markers
  
  

• Tactile markers
  
  

• High-contrast lighting at night.
  
  

All eligible. All practical. All evidence-based.

 

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When Should You Not Use HSA/FSA Dollars?

Avoid using funds on items that aren’t medically necessary.
For example, general household items (non-medical furniture, décor, cleaning tools) will not qualify.

If a product improves function or safety, you’re usually in the clear.

 

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Conclusion: Don’t Lose Your Benefits. Use Them to Make Home Safer.

Your HSA and FSA dollars are more than a benefit—they’re a chance to make daily life easier, safer, and more independent for you or someone you love.

And when FSA dollars disappear at year-end, it’s a missed opportunity for prevention and peace of mind.

At AskSAMIE, every product is reviewed and approved by occupational therapists, so you can feel confident that what you’re buying is both eligible and effective.

Before your benefits expire, visit AskSAMIE.com and put your HSA/FSA dollars toward equipment that supports real independence.

You shouldn’t lose your benefits—and you shouldn’t lose your safety, either.