It’s that time of the year, open enrollment, driving around looking at Christmas lights and trying to figure out where you are going to spend the remaining balance of your FSA or HSA balances.
To help you figure out where to spend your remaining balance, I have put together the following places that you can use it before you lose it.
One tip to keep in mind is to always ask for a detailed receipt or paid invoice statement for your purchase.
Let’s get into the list.
StayPut Medical
StayPutMedical.com has a line of adhesives that I’ve personally used for my Dexcom to stay on the full duration. I like these because they are not like other adhesives that I’ve used. I can easily trim them and make them the exact size that I want them to be. They bend with my skin, which may not make sense, but when I put them on my arm and I move my arm in different directions, the adhesive doesn’t pull like majority of other brands that I’ve tried in the past.
TotalyDiabetesSupply.com
TotalyDiabetesSupply.com is known as “Your Trusted Source for Discounted Diabetes Supplies”. Located in South Florida, TotalDiabetesSupply.com has a large selection of diabetic and other medical supplies available to ship right to your door. From test strips and pump supplies to syringes and pen needles as well as wound care related items. I recommend them for your extra balance on your FSA card, so why not stock up on your testing essentials at a great value and friendly service.
OrthoFeet
I never really was into wearing socks specifically for people with diabetes, because I just wore regular athletic socks, however, I was given samples one time and I decided to wear them when I knew I was going to be walking a lot (hiking trip).
I don’t know exactly how these work the way that they do, but I know that when my feet get sweaty, they still stay dry, which is important for me when I have socks on all day. I’ve gotten blisters in the past and they are extremely painful. Here is how OrthoFeet describes the bamboo socks on their site:
OrthoFeet’s BioSoft™ innovative bamboo men’s and women’s circulatory and diabetic socks feature a loose and non-constricting fit, unique seam-free design, excellent moisture wicking system along with softness and extra cushioning that provide the ultimate comfort and protection for sensitive feet and for persons with diabetes, neuropathy, arthritis, circulation problems, and edema.
https://www.orthofeet.com/collections/socks
OrthoFeet offers not only socks but insoles and other items to help people with diabetes, neuropathy, arthritis and more. This is another site that you can use your FSA balance on. Just remember to be sure to ask for a detailed receipt in case you need to submit something to your insurance company.
Since I was in high school, I have worn insoles to help with my shin-splints and to help take some of the pounding off of my knees, especially while playing basketball. The technology they have developed intrigued me and once I tried it, I won’t recommend anything else.
The Orth-Cushion System that has built in air pockets to help with the cushioning and impact is a game changer for me. I will not do the technology justice, so I recommend checking them out – https://www.orthofeet.com/pages/reviews
American Medical ID
I used to not wear a medical ID bracelet or necklace or anything until I realized how important they really are and also how cool they can look. I never wanted something that would stand out on just a normal occasion, and then I came across American Medical ID.
A medical ID is recommended to anyone living with medical conditions and you can use your FSA to buy medical alert jewelry. American Medical ID offers stylish medical alert jewelry from bracelets, necklaces, and recently, medical IDs that you can attach to your mobile phone case and Fitbit device. Prices start at $24.99 and they offer unlimited custom engraving.
Did you know? 95% of emergency responders check for medical identification. Make this new year the year you finally wear a medical ID for added safety and peace of mind. Use your FSA or HSA balance to purchase one from American Medical ID.
Glucose Tablets
Everybody has their own favorite brand that they like to use, but go stock up on Glucose Tablets. These may require some sort of detailed receipt for reimbursement, but should be eligible for purchase in most cases.
This is my list of necessities. Obviously you can reach out to your current meter and pump company, but these are a bit more unique ways to utilize your end of the year balance.
FSA balances are a strictly use or lose deal. I know I used to money back at a previous employer. I would send out notices in November to please remember to use these, and invariability people would come by in January and say hey how do I get that money? Yeah, well I was always sorry but the law is the law. So yes, please use that up. And for goodness sake keep the receipt. Remember spending has to be done by the last day of December. But the claim can be made in the first quarter of 2019.
How would I come across a free medical ID bracelet for type 2 diabetes
Dwayne,
I’m not sure where you can get a free one, but if you sign up for my newsletter (https://thelifeofadiabetic.com/diabetes-newsletter/) and like the Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/thelifeofadiabetic), I will be doing a giveaway with American Medical ID later this month.