Flexible spending accounts have always been an attractive option for those on employer-sponsored health plans. But one provision has traditionally soured the deal for some.

FSAs "use it or lose it" rules have required enrollees to use all of the tax-free money they put into FSAs by the end of the year (sometimes with a grace period), or they lose the money. Many unnecessary pairs of glasses have been bought as consumers try to get something of value with their lingering account balances.

But "use it or lose it" has changed. In 2013, the Treasury Department amended the FSA rules, allowing consumers to roll over $500 from one year to the next. With an estimated 35 million Americans using FSAs, the new rule could have a huge impact.

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