A potential drawback is that the money must be spent "within the coverage period" as defined by the benefits cafeteria plan coverage definition. This coverage period is usually defined as the "period that you are covered" under the cafeteria plan during the "plan year." The "plan year" is commonly defined as the calendar year, but could also include the grace period of Jan 1 – March 15 of the following year. For example, the "plan year" (or "benefit year") of 2016 would run from Jan 1, 2016, until March 15, 2017, if the employer offered the grace period.