Everything you need to know about FSA/HSA dollars and how to spend them on Willow pumps and products. 

Did you know that if you have an FSA or HSA account as part of your employee benefits program, you can use these pre-tax dollars towards breast pumps and feeding essentials? It’s true! 

The end of the year is the best time to make the most of these funds. For starters, they’re a great way to stock up on gifts for yourself or others — and depending on which sort of account you have, you may need to “use them or lose them” before they expire on Dec 31! 

In this article, we’ll dive into the benefits of FSA and HSA accounts, provide an overview of what they’re most commonly used for, and share the importance of spending your pre-tax dollars before the end of the calendar year.  

What Are FSA and HSA Accounts?

FSA and HSA funds are pre-tax dollars that employees can use to pay for a wide variety of medical expenses and supplies. (This means that they are taken from the employees’ paychecks before they’re taxed, reducing their total taxable income.) FSA stands for “flexible spending account;” HSA stands for “health savings account.” 

While both accounts allow employees to pay for essential items such as prescription drugs, eyeglasses, equipment and supplies (think: bandaids!), doctor visits, hospital stays, and over-the-counter medications, there are a few key differences in the way they are structured.  

• HSAs are owned by employees, and require them to be enrolled in a health insurance plan. 
• Employees choose how much to contribute from their paychecks to their HSA, and these accounts are portable — meaning you can keep them if you change jobs. 
• FSAs are owned by employers, who can choose to limit employees’ contributions to their accounts, or make their own contributions to employees’ accounts.
• FSA accounts aren't portable, so you'll lose them if you leave your job. 

FSA (Flexible Spending Account)

Employees with FSA benefits usually choose how much to contribute to their account at the beginning of the year, and can only change that amount if they experience a qualifying life-changing event. They have to “use or lose” these dollars throughout the year — they won’t roll over, although certain employers may allow for a short “grace period.”

To make purchases with these funds, employees can use an FSA debit card in stores or online, or submit receipts to their employer for reimbursement. There are so many surprising FSA-eligible expenses, from baby monitors to red light therapy machines to message guns!

HSA (Flexible Spending Account)

Employees with HSA benefits get to decide how much of their salary they’d like to put towards these accounts, usually up to a limit that has been set by their employers. Each month, these pre-tax dollars are automatically deducted from their pay, and deposited into their account.

Like FSA funds, HSA dollars can be applied by using an HSA debit card in stores or online, or by submitting receipts for reimbursement. Unused funds will automatically carry over into the next year, and that money can even be invested in things like stocks and bonds. 

You’ll also be surprised by how many items are HSA-eligible — menstrual care, skin care, compression therapy products, and the list goes on. 

What Breastfeeding Products Are Eligible for FSA/HSA Funds?

Breast Pumps

A variety of breast pumps are FSA and HSA eligible, from traditional wall pumps and manual pumps to double electric wearable pumps like the Willow 360 and Willow Go. These funds can be especially game changing when investing in a wearable, as they are usually not entirely covered by insurance. Don’t know which type of pump is best for you and your coverage? Check out our guide on How to Pick a Breast Pump to compare models, benefits, and key takeaways for each type.

Learn more about how to find the wearable pump that’s right for you, what to avoid when choosing a wearable pump, and what makes Willow pumps different.  

Pump Accessories

If you’ve already purchased your pump, you can use your FSA or HSA funds to stock up on pump parts and accessories such as flanges, sizing inserts, diaphragms, duckbills, milk containers, milk storage bags, and more. Most of these parts should be replaced every 90 days — or sooner if you notice signs of wear and tear or a change in your comfort or milk output. (Plus, having an extra set on hand means less time cleaning in between sessions!) 

Explore FSA and HSA-eligible accessories for Willow 360 and Willow Go.

Breastfeeding Essentials 

Beyond pumps and accessories, many breastfeeding essentials that moms depend on for comfort, convenience, and establishing their milk supply are FSA and HSA-eligible. These include breast care products such as silver nursing cups, milk storage must-haves like coolers, lactation massagers, and more. 

Learn more about some of the FSA and HSA-eligible essentials from Willow in the Find Your Flow Feeding Kit.

Tips for Maximizing Your FSA/HSA Funds Before Year-End

Plan Your Purchases

Make a list of the medical expenses you anticipate popping up and the purchases you’d like to make before the end of the year. If you’re not sure what’s eligible for FSA or HSA coverage, you can visit the FSA Store or HSA Store and search for what you need! 

Purchase Willow Products with FSA/HSA Funds

If you’re planning to purchase a Willow pump or product with your FSA or HSA funds, here are your options: 

• Shop online at onewillow.com, Amazon, or Target, and use your FSA or HSA card at checkout just like you would your regular credit card. You can also use your card and then submit your digital receipt to your employer for purchase. If you’re not sure what to do, reach out to your HR team or benefits specialist! 
• You can also use your FSA or HSA card in a retail store or submit your physical receipt for reimbursement. 

Here’s a full list of Willow-eligible items: 

• Willow 360 Pump Kit
• Willow 360 Container Kit
• Willow 360 Milk Bags
• Willow 360 Flextubes
• Willow 360 Flange Set
• Willow 360 Charger
• Willow 360 Container Inserts
• Willow Go Pump Kit
• Willow Go Single Pump
• Willow Go Container Kit
• Willow Go Flange Set
• Willow Go Diaphragms
• Willow Go Duckbill
• Willow Go Charging Cables
• Willow Go Dual Port USB Charger
• Sizing Inserts
• Portable Breast Milk Cooler
• Portable Breast Milk Cooler Replacement Ice Pack
• Find Your Flow Feeding Kit
• Soothing Silver Nursing Cups 
• Catch All Milk Cups
• Cooling Gel Nipple Pads
• Reusable Breast Pads 

Read Up on Documentation Requirements

Make sure you keep your receipts if you plan on submitting a purchase for FSA or HSA reimbursement, and read up on what’s required by your employer for these submissions. Don’t get caught without the documentation you need to get paid back! 

Don’t Forget to Use Your FSA and HSA Funds This Season! 

Whether or not your pre-tax dollars will expire at the end of this year, it’s the perfect time to use your FSA or HSA accounts to invest in a wearable pump, stock up on accessories and breast care essentials, or simply cover the cost of everyday essentials from the pharmacy.

Visit our blog and YouTube for more expert-backed tips on pumping and breastfeeding during the holidays and beyond, and find Willow pumps, accessories, and breast care products on onewillow.com. 

FAQs

• Yes, you can use your FSA or HSA funds to purchase a breast pump, including wearable options like the Willow Go®. Breast pumps are considered eligible medical expenses under both FSA and HSA guidelines.

• Many breast pump accessories, such as flanges, breast milk storage bags, and spare parts, are eligible for FSA/HSA reimbursement. These accessories can enhance your pumping experience and are important investments for breastfeeding mothers.

• You can use your FSA/HSA dollars to purchase Willow products online or in-store. Simply use your FSA/HSA card at checkout, or keep your receipt for reimbursement if you pay out of pocket.

• FSA funds typically expire at the end of the year, meaning you’ll lose any remaining balance if you don’t use it. Some plans offer a grace period or allow a small amount to roll over, but it’s important to check your plan details and spend your funds before the deadline.

• To get reimbursed for FSA/HSA-eligible purchases, you’ll need to keep your receipts and provide documentation that shows the items were medically necessary. It’s a good idea to save all purchase receipts and any relevant product information.

• Willow 360 Pump Kit
• Willow 360 Container Kit
• Willow 360 Milk Bags
• Willow 360 Flextubes
• Willow 360 Flange Set
• Willow 360 Charger
• Willow 360 Container Inserts
• Willow Go Pump Kit
• Willow Go Single Pump
• Willow Go Container Kit
• Willow Go Flange Set
• Willow Go Diaphragms
• Willow Go Duckbill
• Willow Go Charging Cables
• Willow Go Dual Port USB Charger
• Sizing Inserts
• Portable Breast Milk Cooler
• Portable Breast Milk Cooler Replacement Ice Pack
• Find Your Flow Feeding Kit
• Soothing Silver Nursing Cups 
• Catch All Milk Cups
• Cooling Gel Nipple Pads
• Reusable Breast Pads

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