We’re past the halfway point of 2026. For many flexible spending account (FSA) participants, that means fewer than six months remain in the current plan year. 

Don’t let your plan year deadline sneak up on you. Now is a great time to review your remaining FSA balance, plan for upcoming expenses and take steps to use your funds before the plan year ends. 

Here are a few tips to help you complete your FSA midyear check. 

Review Your Plan Details 

Before planning how to use your remaining funds, review the specific terms of your FSA. Depending on your employer’s plan, it may include one of the following features: 

• Carryover: Your plan may allow you to carry over unused funds into the next plan year. For plan years beginning in 2026, the maximum permitted carryover is $680. Your employer’s plan may allow a smaller amount. 

• Run-out period: This gives you additional time after the plan year ends to submit claims for eligible expenses incurred during the previous plan year. For example, if your plan year ends December 31, 2026 and your plan includes a 90-day run-out period, you may have until March 31, 2027 to submit eligible 2026 claims. 

• Grace period: This gives you up to two and a half additional months to incur eligible expenses using funds from the previous plan year. For example, if your plan year ends December 31, 2026, the grace period may allow you to incur eligible expenses through March 15, 2027. 

Plans may offer a carryover or a grace period, but not both. Because plan features and deadlines vary, review your plan documents or contact your benefits administrator for details. 

Stock Up on Summer Essentials 

Warmer weather and longer days often mean spending more time outdoors. Many common summer health expenses may be FSA eligible, including: 

• Sunscreen with the required SPF 

• Medical cold packs 

• Prescription sunglasses 

• First-aid supplies 

• Allergy medications 

• Motion sickness products 

Before making a purchase, review the searchable eligible expense list to confirm whether an item qualifies. 

Schedule Appointments Now 

Healthcare appointments can fill up quickly toward the end of the year. Scheduling them now can help you avoid the year-end rush while making good use of your FSA funds. 

Consider scheduling: 

• Back-to-school checkups 

• Sports physicals 

• Dental or vision appointments 

• Follow-up visits 

• Eligible surgeries or procedures you postponed earlier in the year 

Copays, deductibles and other eligible out-of-pocket expenses for you, your spouse or eligible dependents may be reimbursable through your FSA. 

Create a Year-End Reminder 

Set a reminder on your phone or calendar for one or two months before your plan year ends. When the reminder appears, check your balance, review upcoming expenses and confirm your deadline for submitting claims. 

A simple reminder can help you avoid rushing to use your funds at the last minute. 

Download the Mobile App 

The Advantage Administrators mobile app makes it easy to manage your FSA wherever you are. You can: 

• Check your account balance 

• Submit claims 

• Upload documentation 

• Track expenses 

• Review account activity 

Download the app on your Apple or Android device to stay connected to your benefits throughout the year. 

Complete Your FSA Midyear Check Today 

A quick review now can help you make the most of your FSA funds and avoid surprises when the plan year ends. 

Ready to get started? Download our FSA midyear checklist and review your account today.