2020 is almost over.  Don’t let your FSA money go to waste!  

Due to the pandemic, many people are finding themselves with a higher-than-usual balance in their flexible spending accounts (FSA) at this point in the year.

The coronavirus has turned 2020 upside-down. Fewer people have been visiting doctors’ offices. Elective surgeries were postponed. Other services, including daycares, which are eligible for FSA dollars, closed down.  This has many worried about the tax-free dollars they haven’t used and stand to lose.

For example, during last year’s open enrollment, a parent may have put aside $2,500 in pre-tax income in a flexible spending account to help pay for childcare for the year ahead. When daycares closed due to the pandemic, that money wasn’t spent. Even if the daycare reopened, it is likely the parent is concerned about how to spend the money by the end of the year so as not to lose it.

There are plenty of ways to spend your money wisely and still meet the deadline for flexible spending accounts while gathering some vital information that will help you take control of your health. We are talking about lab tests, which are covered under your FSA.

Here are five tests from Any Lab Test Now you could take that would show a baseline you could share with your physician.

Annual Check-Up Panel

If you weren’t able to make it to your doctor for an annual physical and blood work due to COVID concerns, this is the test for you. The Annual Check-Up Panel evaluates your overall health by establishing a baseline for a number of very important tests, including your blood counts, kidney function, liver function, electrolytes, total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL and thyroid function. Fluctuations in these could signal problems.

Cholesterol Tests

The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends all adults get their cholesterol checked every four to six years. If you have a family history of high cholesterol, it is a good idea to get tested annually.  If untested, high cholesterol can go completely undetected until an emergency event such as a heart attack or stroke. High cholesterol can lead to plaque building up in your arteries, which will eventually cause damage to your body. If you do have high cholesterol, you can get started on medication or a diet plan to help reverse it.

Basic Nutritional Panel

Dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan, keto – the list of alternative eating lifestyles is growing. Many people choose diets that avoid specific foods. While it’s possible to get a wide variety of nutrients when eating this way, removing a food group from your diet can result in deficiencies of necessary nutrients. This panel will test for a variety of nutrients and vitamins, including iron and vitamins B12 and D, three of the most common deficiencies in the United States.

Vitamins, Minerals and Nutrition Lab Tests

Most of us realize we need vitamins and minerals to keep our bodies healthy. But, unless you know the specific and sometimes unusual signs, you may not realize is what vitamins and minerals your body is deficient in. Signs can include hair loss, lack of energy and slow wound healing. The qualified professionals at Any Lab Test Now can help you determine which test is most appropriate for your diet and lifestyle.

Allergy Tests

Allergies can develop at any point in your life. Allergies usually first appear early in life and become a lifelong issue. However, allergies can start unexpectedly as an adult. A family history of allergies puts you at a higher risk of developing allergies at some point in your life. At Any Lab Test Now, you can get tested and determine what is causing your allergies to act up.

Be at Ease

With all the options we have to offer, you’ll get the most out of your FSA dollars! And with your test results in hand, you can get the proper medications and start making lifestyle changes to ease your symptoms.

You can also be at ease when it comes to seeking out any type of lab work at Any Lab Test Now.

We provide you a safe and clean alternative location for lab work. Each of our 185+ stores is sanitized several times a day, in accordance with the CDC’s protocols. Any Lab Test Now is a committed partner in helping you manage your family’s healthcare so you can make educated decisions that will directly affect your quality of life. We want to put you at ease during the coronavirus outbreak. We are here to help.

Find your closest Any Lab Test Now store at www.anylabtestnow.com.