FSA Grace Period Ends March 15: Can You Use It for Hearing Aids?
by Dr. Kevin Ivory
FSA grace periods typically end March 15, and hearing aids qualify as eligible expenses, allowing you to use pre-tax dollars before funds expire.
If you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) with leftover funds from 2025, you're facing a critical deadline. Most FSA plans include a grace period that extends through March 15, giving you one last chance to use those pre-tax dollars before they disappear. The question many people ask: can you use FSA funds for hearing aids?
The answer is yes—and this grace period might be the perfect opportunity to address your hearing health needs while maximizing your tax-advantaged benefits.
FSAs operate under a "use it or lose it" principle that makes them different from other healthcare savings accounts. For most people, the FSA plan year follows the calendar year, running from January 1 through December 31. However, many employers offer a 2.5-month grace period that extends through March 15 of the following year.
This grace period exists to give you additional time to incur eligible expenses and submit claims for reimbursement using the previous year's funds. Some employers may allow up to $640 to roll over into the next year, but this is less common than the grace period option. If your employer offers neither a grace period nor a rollover provision, any unused funds from 2025 are already gone.
It's worth understanding how FSAs differ from Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), as the two are often confused. While HSAs allow funds to roll over indefinitely with no expiration date, FSAs are far more restrictive. The money you contributed to your FSA in 2025 needs to be used by December 31, or during your grace period if your employer offers one.
This deadline-driven structure makes February and early March crucial months for FSA planning. If you're reading this article, chances are you've realized you have funds that need to be used soon—and hearing aids represent one of the most valuable ways to spend those dollars.
The IRS considers hearing aids to be qualified medical expenses, which means they're eligible for reimbursement through your FSA. This includes the devices themselves, as well as related expenses like batteries, maintenance supplies, and professional fitting services.
When you purchase hearing aids using FSA funds, you're paying with pre-tax dollars, which effectively gives you a discount based on your tax bracket. If you're in the 22% federal tax bracket, for example, using FSA funds means you're saving 22% on the purchase compared to paying with after-tax income.
This tax advantage becomes even more valuable when applied to hearing aids, which can represent a significant investment in your health. Whether you're purchasing devices at a premium technology level or opting for a more standard option, using FSA funds makes that investment more affordable.
Your FSA can cover a wide range of hearing-related expenses beyond just the devices themselves. Eligible expenses typically include:
At Glendora Hearing Aids & Audiology, we provide comprehensive documentation of all services and products, making it straightforward to submit claims to your FSA administrator. We understand that navigating healthcare benefits can be confusing, and we're here to help ensure you receive maximum value from your FSA funds.
If you have unused FSA funds and have been considering hearing aids, the March 15 deadline creates a natural window to move forward. Waiting until after this date means losing access to those pre-tax dollars—money you've already set aside specifically for healthcare expenses.
Many people delay addressing hearing loss for years, waiting for the "right time" to seek treatment. Research shows that people typically wait seven years from when they first notice changes in their hearing until they pursue professional help. The FSA grace period eliminates one common barrier—the financial aspect—by providing immediate access to funds you've already allocated.
While over-the-counter hearing devices have become available in recent years, working with an experienced audiologist offers distinct advantages that maximize the value of your FSA investment. Professional care includes comprehensive diagnostic testing, Real Ear Measurements to verify proper programming, ongoing adjustments, and long-term support.
At our practice, Dr. Kevin Ivory uses Real Ear Measurements during every hearing aid fitting. This verification procedure ensures your devices are programmed precisely to your hearing loss prescription, rather than relying on manufacturer estimates. Studies show that hearing aids fitted with Real Ear Measurements result in higher patient satisfaction, better long-term usage, and improved benefit in both quiet and noisy environments.
This level of professional care—combined with follow-up appointments, adjustments, and ongoing support—represents exactly the kind of comprehensive healthcare expense your FSA was designed to cover.
The hearing aid industry has advanced significantly in recent years, with manufacturers introducing devices that incorporate artificial intelligence, advanced noise reduction, and seamless connectivity to smartphones and other devices. Modern hearing aids can stream phone calls, music, and other audio directly to your ears, while automatically adjusting to different listening environments.
Using your FSA funds allows you to access this advanced technology without the out-of-pocket impact that might otherwise make premium options feel out of reach. Whether you're interested in rechargeable devices, water-resistant models, or the latest AI-powered processing, your FSA dollars can be applied toward any hearing aid that's appropriate for your hearing loss and lifestyle needs.
The process of using FSA funds for hearing aids is straightforward. You can typically pay for services and products directly using your FSA debit card, or you can pay out of pocket and submit a claim for reimbursement afterward. We provide detailed receipts and documentation that clearly outline the services provided and costs incurred.
If you're unsure whether your FSA includes a grace period or how much you have available, contact your FSA administrator or check your online account portal. Most people can access this information quickly and confirm their available balance within minutes.
If you have unused FSA funds and have been considering addressing your hearing health, the March 15 grace period deadline creates a clear timeframe for action. Comprehensive hearing evaluations typically take about an hour, and many people can be fitted with hearing aids during a follow-up appointment within days of their initial assessment.
At Glendora Hearing Aids & Audiology, Dr. Kevin Ivory provides thorough hearing evaluations, personalized technology recommendations, and expert fitting services using best-practice verification procedures. Our office is located at 130 West Route 66, Suite 210, Glendora, CA 91740, and we're open Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm.
Don't let your FSA funds go to waste. Call us at (626) 963-7200 to schedule your hearing evaluation and learn how we can help you maximize your healthcare benefits while improving your hearing health. Your FSA deadline is approaching—but your opportunity to hear better is available right now.
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