Last chance to act: Support employees before their FSA dollars disappear

For many organizations, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) are a valuable part of the total rewards strategy, helping employees manage out-of-pocket healthcare costs while maximizing tax savings. But each year, significant FSA dollars go unclaimed simply because participants miss the deadline to submit prior-year expenses, reducing the perceived value of the organization’s benefit plans. 

For most plans, March 31 is the final day to file claims for the previous plan year. This is an ideal moment for employers to remind their workforce to review their accounts and avoid unnecessary forfeitures.  

Why this reminder matters 

FSA timelines vary by plan, but one thing is consistent: if eligible expenses aren’t submitted by the applicable deadline, remaining funds may be forfeited. Plan features like runout periods, grace periods, or carryovers may extend certain deadlines, but they don’t eliminate the need for employees to act. Simple communication now can help employees keep the money they’ve already set aside for healthcare needs. 

Steps employees can take today 

1. Review pharmacy purchase history 

Most major pharmacies offer online accounts or mobile apps where employees can: 

• View past purchases 

• Download itemized receipts 

• Identify FSA-eligible items 

This is often the fastest way to uncover missed over-the-counter or prescription-related expenses. 

2. Check health and dental carrier portals 

Employees may have reimbursable expenses that weren’t paid with an FSA card. Encourage them to: 

• Download Explanation of Benefits (EOBs) for any out-of-pocket services 

• Look for lab fees, deductible payments, or post-care charges that may not have been submitted 

These documents can typically be uploaded directly to the FSA provider. 

3. Review patient portals, email receipts, and health apps 

Many healthcare providers store itemized visit summaries and receipts in: 

• Patient portals 

• Email confirmations 

• Mobile health apps 

Employees should look for expenses such as: 

• Therapy or chiropractic visits 

• Over-the-counter medications 

• Services not billed through insurance 

They may also be eligible to claim medical-related mileage, as allowed by IRS guidelines. 

4. Submit claims through the FSA provider’s website or app 

Once employees gather their documentation, they can file claims quickly online. Most FSA administrators allow: 

• Direct document upload 

• Mobile photo submission 

• Real-time claim tracking 

No printing, faxing, or mailing required. 

Support your employees with Via Benefits Accounts 

Via Benefits offers streamlined, user-friendly spending account solutions that make it easier for employees to manage their FSAs and easier for employers to support them. 

If you’re looking to enhance your organization’s spending account experience, connect with Via Benefits to learn how our spending accounts administration solution can help your people get the most from their benefits.