HSA/FSA
What Can You Use Your HSA and FSA For? A Comprehensive Guide
How to guide: Learn to use your HSA and FSA for better health! Discover smart ways to spend your health savings account on medical and wellness products.
December 6, 2023
Sam O'Keefe
Co-founder & CEO of Flex
Common Questions About What You Can Use Your HSA and FSA For:
Can I use my HSA card for groceries?
No, groceries and food are not eligible for reimbursement with an HSA or FSA. These are not eligible medical expenses and may subject you to penalties from the IRS.
Can I use HSA for dental?
Yes. Your dental insurance will pay for many things, however sometimes you need to cover out of pocket expenses. Examples of medically necessary dental costs include root canals, crowns and fillings, x-rays, sealants, braces, dentures and dental implants. Cosmetic costs, such as teeth whitening, are not covered. Along those lines, is toothpaste HSA eligible? No, this is considered a general health item, along with brushes, floss, mouthwash, etc.
Can I use my HSA for vision?
Yes, items and services that are deemed medically necessary, such as prescription glasses and sunglasses, contact lenses, eye allergy itch relief, eye exams, LASIK and other vision correction surgeries, reading glasses, sports masks and goggles with prescription lenses, are covered.
Are vitamins and supplements HSA or FSA eligible?
In general, over-the-counter vitamins and nutritional supplements are not covered by an HSA or FSA. However, some supplements do qualify because they treat medical conditions, such as prenatal vitamins (which help support fetal development) and glucosamine/chondroitin supplements (which can treat joint conditions, such as arthritis). In other cases, doctors may prescribe a specific dietary supplement to treat a medical condition, such as iron supplementation for iron deficiency anemia.
Is sunscreen HSA eligible?
Yes, sunscreens with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15+ and which offer “broad spectrum” protection (UAB and UAV rays), are eligible. This is because sunscreen can help reduce the risk of skin cancer, which roughly one in five Americans will develop in their lifetime.
Are probiotics HSA eligible?
Yes and no. If you are taking probiotics for general gut health, they are not HSA qualified. However, if your doctor or gastroenterologist recommends probiotic supplementation to treat a medical condition, they may be eligible with a LOMN.
Are diapers HSA eligible?
It depends. Unfortunately, diapers for infants are not considered HSA and FSA-eligible baby products (which include items like breast pumps, baby monitors, and diaper rash cream). However, incontinence supplies, such as adult diapers, generally are covered.
Are humidifiers HSA eligible?
Yes, humidifiers that are prescribed to treat or mitigate a medical condition (which means you need a LOMN) are HSA eligible.
Are tampons HSA eligible?
Yes, menstrual products, such as tampons, are eligible thanks to the CARES Act. Other items include pads, panty liners, menstrual cups, and sanitary wipes.
Are condoms HSA eligible?
Yes, condoms and other contraceptives are considered “family planning” and are covered by your HSA or FSA. Items under this bucket are meant to help you plan for or prevent pregnancy, such as birth control, day-after pills, pregnancy tests, and fertility treatments.