Plan flexible spending account use.
A health flexible spending account is funded by an election you cannot change mid-year and is governed by a use-or-lose rule softened only by whatever carryover or grace period your employer adopts. The balance that matters is therefore not what is left but what is left above the carryover limit, because that slice disappears at plan-year end. Dividing it by the months remaining gives the monthly pace of eligible spending needed to rescue it.
Remaining balance
Remaining = annual election - claims reimbursed to date
Forfeit risk
At risk = max(0, remaining - permitted carryover); monthly pace = at risk / months left
Estimate only, not tax advice. Contribution limits and tax treatment change annually and vary by jurisdiction — confirm with a tax professional.
Anything above the plan's carryover allowance is forfeited to the employer at plan-year end, subject to any run-out period for submitting claims for expenses already incurred.
Generally only after a qualifying life event such as marriage, birth or a change in employment status. Ordinary changes of mind do not qualify.