Quick answer: If you have money left in a health flexible spending account (FSA), you may lose it if you don’t spend it by your plan’s deadline, which is often December 31. Some plans let you carry over up to $680 into 2027 or give you a short grace period, so check with your employer. Health savings account (HSA) money doesn’t expire. Either way, the end of the year is a smart time to take care of visits you’ve been putting off, like physicals, lab work and nagging health issues. Urgent care visits are qualified medical expenses, so you can usually pay with your FSA or HSA card.
December is busy, but a few minutes of planning can stretch your health dollars further. Here’s what to know.
FSA vs. HSA: what happens at year-end?
Flexible spending account (FSA)
- FSAs are “use it or lose it.” Money you don’t spend by your plan’s deadline may be forfeited.
- For 2026, the IRS lets employers offer either a carryover of up to $680 into the next year or a grace period of up to 2½ months. Some plans offer neither.
- Your HR department or FSA administrator can tell you your balance and your exact deadline.
Health savings account (HSA)
- HSA money is yours to keep. It rolls over every year, even if you change jobs.
- Still, if you’ve already met your deductible this year, getting care before your deductible resets in January can lower your out-of-pocket costs.
Have you met your deductible? Get care before it resets
Most health plans reset deductibles on January 1. If you’ve already hit your deductible or out-of-pocket maximum for 2026, care you get now may cost you much less than the same care in January. It’s a good time to schedule anything you’ve been delaying.
Care you can get at PACS Urgent Care before year-end
- Sick and injury visits for colds, flu, sinus infections, sore throats, sprains and cuts
- Physicals, including school, sports and DOT physicals
- Lab work and blood tests
- X-rays for that ankle or wrist that never quite healed
- EKGs
- Flu shots (often covered with no cost-sharing as preventive care)
- Confidential STD testing
- Telemedicine visits
Most copays, coinsurance and deductible payments for medical care are FSA- and HSA-eligible. If you’re unsure whether a specific service qualifies, check with your plan administrator.
Other smart ways to use leftover FSA money
Many everyday health items are FSA- and HSA-eligible too, such as over-the-counter pain and cold medicines, first aid supplies, thermometers, and prescription glasses or contacts. Stocking up before flu season is a practical way to use what’s left.
No insurance? Our self-pay prices are upfront
If you don’t have insurance, or you have a high deductible, our self-pay pricing shows what a visit costs before you come in. See also urgent care cost without insurance in Alexandria. Have insurance? Check the plans we accept.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use my FSA or HSA card at urgent care?
Usually, yes. Urgent care visits are qualified medical expenses, and most FSA and HSA cards work like a debit card at medical offices. Ask our front desk if you have questions about payment.
What’s the FSA carryover limit for 2026?
If your employer offers a carryover, you can roll over up to $680 of unused 2026 FSA funds into 2027. Amounts above that may be lost.
Do HSA funds expire at the end of the year?
No. HSA funds roll over every year and stay with you.
Is a physical FSA-eligible?
Medical exams are generally eligible expenses. Some exams required only for employment may be treated differently, so check with your plan administrator.
Where can I learn more?
See IRS rules for health FSAs and HSAs in IRS Publication 969.
Get care today at PACS Urgent Care
Walk in or check in online at our Alexandria urgent care (3481 N Beauregard St, open 7 days, 8 AM to 8 PM) or our Ruther Glen urgent care (17067 Merchants Dr, Monday to Friday 8 AM to 8 PM, Saturday and Sunday 9 AM to 5 PM). Planning a December visit? Check our holiday hours.
This article is general information, not tax, insurance or medical advice. Check with your plan administrator about your specific account rules.
