The "Use It or Lose It" Guide: Maximizing Your Deductible and FSA for Neurological Health

The "Use It or Lose It" Guide: Maximizing Your Deductible and FSA for Neurological Health
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With insurance deductibles resetting on January 1st, and FSA funds set to expire on December 31st, the next few weeks are a critical window for your neurological care.

You likely have funds that will disappear if unspent. Here is how to invest those dollars in your brain health before the ball drops.

Understanding your expiring benefits

Insurance deductible

Right now, you've likely met your annual insurance deductible (that initial amount you pay before insurance starts covering costs). Once met, your insurance covers most or all of your medical expenses.

On January 1st, for most people, this resets to zero, meaning you'll pay full price again until you meet next year's deductible. A neurology visit that costs you just a small copay this month could cost hundreds of dollars in January.

FSA balance

Separately, your Flexible Spending Account holds pre-tax dollars you've set aside for medical expenses. For most plans, any unused FSA dollars are forfeited on December 31st (the money simply disappears and goes back to your employer).

These are two different pots of money with two different deadlines, but both reset around the same time, creating a unique opportunity in December.

Use your expiring FSA funds to purchase a Neura Health membership now and book a video visit with board-certified neurologists* who can write prescriptions, provide LMN for medical devices, and manage your care.

*Neura Health membership fees are qualifying expenses for many FSA plans. Check with your plan's administrator for more details about how your plan works.

FSA-eligible essentials for neurological health

Once you've secured your Neura membership, use the remaining FSA funds for these neurological-specific items:

AUTOMATICALLY ELIGIBLE (No prescription needed)

These items are coded as "medical/first-aid" and typically work instantly with your FSA card. You can buy them today.

Pain & symptom management

  • Cefaly: The FDA-cleared migraine device is now OTC and fully eligible.
  • TENS Units: (e.g., Omron, iReliev) For general nerve and muscle pain relief.
  • Replacement Electrodes: Stock up on sticky pads for Cefaly or TENS units.
  • Hot/Cold Therapy: TheraICE caps, headache hats, and clay heating pads.

Mobility & daily living

  • Canes & walkers: Standard walking aids.
  • Orthopedic inserts: (e.g., Dr. Scholl’s Custom Fit) Arch supports.
  • Pill organizers: For managing daily medication.
  • Reading glasses: Standard non-prescription readers.

REQUIRES ACTION (Prescription or "Letter of Medical Necessity")

These items are eligible, but because they have "dual uses" (like general wellness or comfort), you must have a healthcare provider's note on file to avoid a denied claim. A Neura provider can provide these if you are diagnosed with certain conditions.

Advanced devices & wearables

  • Neuromodulation (Rx Only): GammaCore, Nerivio, Savi Dual, Relivion.
  • Avulux Glasses: Precision-tinted lenses for photophobia/migraine.
  • Massage Guns: (e.g., Theragun) Eligible when prescribed for muscle spasm, dystonia, or neuropathic pain.

Sensory & sleep regulation

  • Truvaga: A handheld vagus nerve stimulator (tVNS) for stress and sleep.
  • Weighted blankets: Eligible when prescribed for anxiety, insomnia, or sensory processing.
  • Noise-canceling headphones: (e.g., Bose, Sony) Eligible when prescribed for hyperacusis or sensory overload.
  • White noise machines: Eligible for diagnosed sleep disorders.

Home safety & rehab

  • Wheelchairs & transport chairs: For mobility deficits.
  • Cooling vests: (e.g., ThermApparel) For heat intolerance (MS/POTS).
  • Adaptive utensils: (e.g., Liftware) For essential tremor.
  • Shower chairs & grab bars: For fall prevention/ataxia.

Supplements

  • Magnesium, CoQ10, Riboflavin: Eligible only when prescribed for a specific deficiency or condition.

Note: Neura Health memberships include a ($1) 7-day trial. The full annual or quarterly membership fee is not charged until after the trial ends.

Sign up by December 23rd to ensure your trial clears and the full membership fee is billed before the December 31st deadline. We still have appointment slots available through the end of the year, but they are filling fast as patients rush to use their remaining benefits. Get started today.

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Shruti Shivaramakrishnan
Content & Social Media Manager
About the Author
Shruti is a chronic and mental illness advocate, sharing relatable insights as ChronicallyMeh on Instagram and her blog. With a global perspective, she candidly discusses the challenges of invisible illness, tackling topics like stigma, career breaks, and parenting with migraine. Shruti combines her empathy-driven marketing expertise with her passion for storytelling to help others feel less alone.

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