Managing COPD means staying prepared—with reliable oxygen therapy, clean supplies, and the right equipment to keep you breathing comfortably day after day. Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) can make these essentials more affordable by allowing you to use pre-tax dollars for qualified medical purchases.

But as December approaches, many people overlook the importance of reviewing their account balances and understanding their deadlines. Some funds roll over, but others disappear if you don’t use them in time.

Before diving into what you should buy, let’s make sure you understand your program’s rules.

Important Disclaimer

Every HSA and FSA program is different.
Coverage rules, eligible items, reimbursement requirements, deadlines, and needed documentation vary from plan to plan and employer to employer.

Before making ANY purchase—especially major ones like portable oxygen concentrators or batteries—always check with your program administrator to verify:

• Eligible items
• Required prescriptions or documentation
• Whether a Letter of Medical Necessity is needed
• Your plan’s exact year-end deadline
• Whether you have a grace period
• If you have a carryover allowance and what it is
• Your plan’s rules for reimbursement 

This guide provides general information, but your individual plan is the final authority on what qualifies.

HSA vs. FSA: The Differences Made Clear

Many COPD patients have one of these accounts, but the two work very differently. Understanding the distinction will help you avoid losing money or missing important deadlines.

Health Savings Account (HSA)

The account where funds roll over and stay with you.

An HSA is a personal savings account for healthcare expenses. It is available only if you’re enrolled in a high-deductible health plan (HDHP), and it offers excellent flexibility.

Key features:

• Funds roll over every year — nothing expires.
• You OWN the account. If you change jobs or retire, the money stays with you.
• Contributions are tax-deductible.
• Funds can be invested and grow tax-free.
• Ideal for major COPD-related purchases: concentrators, accessories, supplies. 

HSAs do not require year-end spending, but this is still a good time to evaluate your needs, plan for the new year, and consider eligible upgrades before medical costs reset.

Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

With these accounts you must “use it or lose it.”

FSAs are employer-based accounts that allow you to use pre-tax money for eligible medical expenses.

The important part:

• Most FSA funds expire on December 31.
• Some plans offer ONE of the following: 
  • A carryover of a small amount (often around $640), OR
  • A grace period until March 15th. 
• If you don’t use the funds by the deadline, you lose them.
• FSAs cannot be invested and do not follow you if you leave your job. 

If you have an FSA, year-end planning is crucial. Don’t let your hard-earned dollars go to waste.

Why Year-End Planning Matters for COPD Patients

COPD requires ongoing care and supplies—especially during the winter when cold air, viruses, wood smoke, and indoor irritants can make symptoms worse.

The end of the year is the perfect time to:

• Replace aging or worn-out supplies
• Upgrade oxygen equipment
• Purchase backup batteries
• Restock cannulas, tubing, filters, and emergency items
• Prepare for holiday travel
• Make sure you’re ready for winter power outages
• Avoid losing unspent FSA funds
• Lower your taxable income with strategic purchases 

And that’s where your HSA or FSA can make a meaningful difference.

HSA/FSA-Eligible Purchases for COPD Patients

Here are the top items COPD patients should consider before year-end.

1. Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POCs)

Portable oxygen concentrators are often eligible for HSA use, and many FSA plans may allow them with a valid oxygen prescription or a Letter of Medical Necessity.

A POC provides:

• Freedom to travel
• Safer mobility
• Independence
• Reliable oxygen during outages or winter storms
• Confidence during errands and holiday events 

If your current system is heavy, outdated, or limiting your lifestyle, this is the ideal time to upgrade.

And if you’re wondering whether Medicare might help cover some or all of your oxygen needs—including portable concentrators—OxiMedical can check your eligibility for you.

2. Extra Batteries (When Medically Eligible)

Backup batteries may also be HSA- or FSA-eligible if your provider confirms they are medically necessary. This typically applies when you:

• Travel frequently
• Live in an area with outages
• Require continuous usage
• Need extended battery life for safety 

Extra batteries provide freedom and peace of mind—especially during unpredictable winter weather.

3. Cannulas, Tubing & Oxygen Accessories

These everyday supplies are fully eligible for both HSAs and FSAs and should be replaced regularly.

Recommended items to stock up on:

• Nasal cannulas
• Soft-touch cannulas for comfort
• Tubing and extension lines
• Swivel connectors
• Filters
• Humidifier bottles
• Oxygen masks
• Carry cases or backpacks
• Power cords and car chargers 

Since COPD patients typically replace their cannula every 2–4 weeks, this is a perfect way to use remaining FSA funds.

4. Pulse Oximeters

Pulse oximeters are essential to monitor oxygen saturation at home. They’re fully eligible and make a smart, practical end-of-year purchase—especially if your current one is older or less accurate.

5. Air Quality Items (With Documentation)

Depending on your plan, you may be able to use funds for home air-quality improvements if accompanied by a Letter of Medical Necessity.

These include:

• HEPA air purifiers
• Replacement filters
• Humidifiers
• Dehumidifiers 

These devices can make breathing easier by reducing irritants, dryness, and indoor triggers.

6. Travel Supplies

If you plan to travel during the holidays or early next year, consider purchasing:

• FAA-compliant batteries
• Travel carts
• Protective cases
• Car power adapters 

These are often eligible when tied to your oxygen prescription.

How OxiMedical Helps: Medicare Eligibility + Paperwork Assistance

Understanding whether Medicare will help cover your oxygen equipment can be confusing. That’s where we step in.

OxiMedical offers full assistance—not only reviewing your Medicare eligibility but also handling the documentation, communication, and red tape so you don’t have to.

Here’s how we help:

We verify your Medicare eligibility

Our Oxygen team will review your diagnosis, prescription, test results, and medical criteria to determine whether Medicare may cover stationary or portable oxygen systems.

We contact your doctor for all required paperwork

You don’t have to track down forms or physician notes. We handle:

• Prescriptions
• Testing documentation
• Medical necessity forms
• Chart notes 

We explain your portable oxygen options

Medicare coverage for portable concentrators can be complex. We help you understand your choices—whether Medicare covers the equipment or whether using HSA/FSA funds is more cost-effective.

We do the legwork so you don’t have to

COPD is exhausting enough. Let us handle the bureaucracy so you can focus on breathing easier.

Tips for Stress-Free Year-End Spending

Before the year runs out, be sure to:

• Check your FSA balance

Know exactly how much you need to spend before it expires.

• Confirm your HSA/FSA deadlines

Every plan is different—don’t assume yours ends on December 31.

• Keep all receipts and documentation

Your administrator may request them.

• Ask for required prescriptions or Letters of Medical Necessity early

Doctors’ offices get very busy during the holidays.

• Order supplies ahead of holiday shipping delays

December is always hectic for medical suppliers.

If you’re unsure whether an item qualifies, OxiMedical can help you choose the right eligible supplies.

Smart Year-End Purchases for COPD Patients

Whether you use an FSA or HSA, COPD-related medical supplies often qualify, and now is an ideal time to replenish or upgrade.

Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POCs)

If you’ve been considering more dependable oxygen therapy—especially during winter illness season—your account may help cover the cost of a portable oxygen concentrator.
POCs provide independence, mobility, and peace of mind for daily life and travel. They may be an eligible expense depending on your plan’s rules.

Additional Batteries for Your Concentrator

Extended-life batteries or backups keep your oxygen therapy going even during power outages, bad weather, or long days out.
Note: Some plans cover batteries; others do not. Check with your administrator before purchasing.

Nasal Cannulas and Tubing

Clean, fresh cannulas are essential. Using worn or discolored ones can affect oxygen flow and comfort—and increase the risk of irritation or infection. Stocking up ensures you always have clean spares.

Filters and Replacement Parts

Maintaining your concentrator helps keep it running efficiently. Filters should be replaced regularly, especially in winter when homes are closed up and indoor air quality can worsen.

Car Chargers, AC Power Cords, and Accessories

These practical items often qualify and can significantly improve your daily routine. Year-end is the perfect time to replace worn accessories or add convenience items you wish you had sooner.

How OxiMedical Makes the Process Easy

Navigating healthcare programs can be confusing—especially when you’re managing COPD on top of it. That’s why OxiMedical is committed to making the process simple and stress-free.

We Check Your Medicare Eligibility for You

Many COPD patients don’t realize they may qualify for Medicare coverage for oxygen equipment. We can quickly verify your eligibility and explain your options.

We Handle All the Paperwork

From documentation to red-tape legwork, OxiMedical takes care of it all.
You don’t have to track forms, follow up with providers, or decipher coverage requirements—we manage the entire process from start to finish.

We Help You Choose the Right Equipment

Our experts guide you through the differences between machines, battery options, and accessories—based on your lifestyle, oxygen prescription, and mobility needs.

We Ensure You Have Dependable, Well-Maintained Supplies

Consistent oxygen flow is essential for daily comfort and safety. We help you stay stocked with the clean cannulas, tubing, filters, and accessories you need so you’re never caught unprepared.

Winter Preparedness Matters

Cold weather increases the risk of exacerbations, power outages, and respiratory infections. Having reliable equipment and backup supplies on hand is crucial—and using your FSA or HSA funds can dramatically reduce your costs.

Now Is the Time to Act

As the end of the year approaches, reviewing your HSA or FSA balance is one of the most important—and cost-saving—steps you can take for your COPD care. You deserve dependable oxygen therapy and clean, well-maintained supplies, and OxiMedical is here to help make that happen.

Let OxiMedical Take Care of Everything for You

If you’re ready to make smart year-end decisions about your oxygen therapy, don’t wait.

👉 Call OxiMedical today.
We’ll:

• Help you determine what items your HSA or FSA covers
• Verify your Medicare eligibility
• Handle all the paperwork and red tape
• Make sure your oxygen therapy is reliable, safe, and winter-ready 

You focus on breathing easier—we’ll take care of the rest.

1-888-643-4921