Every fall, it’s the same story: pumpkin spice everything, school breaks, holiday chaos, and before you know it, it’s December 31. But in the rush to wrap up the year, many Jupiter residents miss out on hundreds of dollars in unused FSA funds or vision benefits they’ve already paid for.
The phrase “use it or lose it” gets thrown around a lot this time of year. But when it comes to your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and vision insurance, it’s not just a saying—it’s a financial reality. Most plans won’t carry over those dollars into January, which means you’ll lose valuable benefits you’ve already earned.
What Does ‘Use It or Lose It’ Actually Mean?
A Flexible Spending Account is a great way to save pre-tax money for qualified medical expenses, including eye care. But there’s a catch: most FSA funds expire at the end of the calendar year. While some plans may offer a short grace period or allow you to roll over a small portion, most of your balance will disappear on January 1 if it goes unused.
The same goes for vision insurance. Most vision plans include one comprehensive eye exam per year, plus a fixed allowance for glasses, contact lenses, or both. If you don’t use those benefits in time, you forfeit them. There's no reimbursement, no rollover, just lost value.
What Services Can Your Vision Benefits Cover?
The good news is that your FSA and vision plan likely cover more than you think on your visit to [account get='name']. Here’s what you might still be able to use your benefits for:
- Annual comprehensive eye exams (usually fully covered)
- Prescription glasses (single vision, progressives, readers)
- Prescription sunglasses, which are especially useful in the Florida sun
- Contact lenses and fitting fees
- Blue-light-blocking lenses for digital screen use
- Dry eye or allergy treatments (if your plan includes medical eye care)
- Lens upgrades such as anti-glare, photochromic lenses, or high-index materials
Why Late Fall Is the Best Time to Use Your Benefits at [account get='name']
Appointment calendars fill up fast in November and December, especially around school breaks and holiday travel. Booking now helps you avoid end-of-year crunches.
Parents often find this the ideal time to bring in their kids before the second half of the school year begins. And with Florida’s sunshine sticking around, upgrading your eyewear for outdoor use is always a smart move.
Overlooked Ways to Spend Your Benefits Before They Expire
- A second pair of glasses for computer work, hobbies, or driving
- Backup contacts for travel or emergencies
- Prescription sunglasses for Jupiter’s beaches and boating lifestyle
- Dry eye treatments or over-the-counter products covered by FSA
- Protective eyewear for sports, yard work, or outdoor recreation
How to Check Your Remaining Vision Benefits
- Log in to your FSA provider’s portal to check your balance
- Contact your vision insurance provider to see what allowances remain
- Confirm your plan’s expiration rules (most reset on December 31)
- Call the office if you need help understanding what’s covered
Book Your Appointment at [account get='name'] Before It’s Too Late
If you’ve paid into an FSA or vision plan this year, don’t let that money go unused. Book your eye exam now before appointments fill up, and take advantage of what your plan still offers. Whether it’s your annual exam, a new pair of glasses, or treatment you’ve been putting off, this is the time to act.
Reach out to the [account get='name'] in [location get='name'] to schedule your appointment or ask any questions about your coverage. Let’s make sure you use every benefit you’ve earned.