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Using Your FSA or HSA for Hearing Aids Before the March Deadline
If you have unused FSA funds from 2026, time is running out. Many employers offer a grace period until March 15, 2027, to spend last year's flexible spending account dollars—and hearing aids are one of the most valuable ways to use those benefits before they disappear.
Your FSA Funds May Expire Soon
Flexible Spending Accounts operate on a "use-it-or-lose-it" basis. While many employers provide a grace period extending until March 15, 2027, any unspent 2026 FSA funds after that date are forfeited back to your employer. Some plans allow a small carryover (up to $680 into 2027), but not all employers offer this option.
Check with your benefits administrator to confirm your specific deadline. If you have a grace period, you have just weeks to use those pre-tax dollars for eligible healthcare expenses.
Hearing Aids Are FSA and HSA Eligible
The IRS recognizes hearing aids as qualified medical expenses for both Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA). This means you can use pre-tax dollars to purchase hearing aids and related services without paying federal income tax on that money.
What's covered:
- Hearing aids (prescription and over-the-counter)
- Comprehensive hearing evaluations
- Hearing aid batteries and charging accessories
- Repairs and maintenance
- Cleaning solutions and storage cases
For Pennsylvania residents, this presents a real opportunity for savings. Using FSA or HSA funds means you're paying with money that was never taxed, effectively reducing your cost by your tax bracket percentage.
Understanding FSA vs. HSA
Flexible Spending Account (FSA):
- Employer-sponsored benefit
- 2026 contribution limit: $3,400
- Grace period typically extends to March 15, 2027
- Funds available immediately at start of plan year
- Must be used within timeframe or forfeited
Health Savings Account (HSA):
- Requires high-deductible health plan
- 2026 contribution limits: $4,400 individual / $8,750 family
- Additional $1,000 catch-up contribution if age 55+
- Funds roll over indefinitely
- You own the account even if you change jobs
Both accounts offer the same pre-tax advantage for hearing aids. The key difference is timing—FSA funds must be used by the deadline, while HSA funds remain available indefinitely.
The Real Tax Savings
Consider this example: A Pennsylvania couple in the 24% federal tax bracket uses their FSA to purchase $5,000 worth of hearing aids. By using pre-tax dollars, they save approximately $1,200 in federal taxes plus additional savings on FICA taxes (Social Security and Medicare). That's money that stays in their pocket rather than going to taxes.
The tax benefits extend beyond FSA and HSA accounts. Hearing aids may also qualify as itemized medical deductions on your tax return if your total unreimbursed medical expenses exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income. Speak with a tax professional to understand which approach works best for your situation.
Why Waiting Costs You More Than Money
Many people delay addressing hearing loss for years, waiting for the "right time" to invest in hearing aids. If you have unused FSA funds, that decision has already cost you. Those dollars are earmarked for healthcare—use them or lose them.
Beyond the financial aspect, research consistently shows that untreated hearing loss affects cognitive health, social relationships, and overall quality of life. Each year you wait makes the adjustment process more challenging as your brain becomes less accustomed to processing sound.
How to Use Your FSA/HSA for Hearing Care
The process is straightforward:
- Schedule a comprehensive hearing evaluation with our practice
- If hearing aids are recommended, we'll provide a detailed invoice
- Pay using your FSA or HSA debit card, or submit a claim for reimbursement
- Keep all documentation for your records
We work with patients using FSA and HSA funds regularly and can provide the necessary documentation for your account administrator.
Schedule Before the Deadline
If you have FSA funds to use before March 15, contact us now. A comprehensive hearing evaluation typically takes about an hour, and if hearing aids are appropriate we use Real Ear Measurement to ensure they are precisely programmed to your unique hearing loss. We can help you maximize your pre-tax benefits while improving your hearing health.
We bring quality hearing care directly to you throughout Bucks and Montgomery counties. Whether you prefer an appointment at our New Britain clinic or the convenience of in-home service, we use Real Ear Measurement to ensure your hearing aids are precisely programmed to your unique hearing loss.
Don't let your healthcare dollars disappear. Call us at 267-669-1345 to schedule your appointment—whether at our New Britain office or in the comfort of your home—and use your FSA or HSA funds for better hearing before time runs out.
Sources
- Internal Revenue Service. "Publication 502 (2024), Medical and Dental Expenses." IRS.gov. https://www.irs.gov/publications/p502
- FSA Store. "Does My FSA Have a Grace Period or Rollover?" FSAstore.com. https://fsastore.com/articles/learn-fsa-grace-period-rollover.html
- Kiplinger. "New IRS Changes to FSA Contribution Limits for 2026: What to Know." December 9, 2025. https://www.kiplinger.com/taxes/new-fsa-contribution-limits
- GoodRx. "2026 HSA Contribution Limits: New Regulations Announced." October 31, 2025. https://www.goodrx.com/insurance/fsa-hsa/2026-hsa-contribution-limits
- HRWatchdog. "2026 FSA, HSA, Retirement Plan Contribution Limits." November 18, 2025. https://hrwatchdog.calchamber.com/2025/11/2026-fsa-hsa-retirement-plan-contribution-limits/
- FSA Store. "The March 15 Grace Period: What to Know & How to Spend Well." FSAstore.com. https://fsastore.com/articles/learn-grace-period-spend-well.html
- GoodRx. "Are Hearing Aids FSA Eligible?" February 12, 2024. https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/ear/are-hearing-aids-fsa-eligible
