Are over-the-counter medications FSA eligible?

Asked by: Mr. Jacinto Kunde  |  Last update: July 5, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (10 votes)

All over-the-counter (OTC) medicines or drugs (including insulin) are eligible for reimbursement through a HCFSA. OTC products that are not medicines or drugs (such as sunscreen, bandages or contact lens solution), and are purchased to alleviate or treat a medical condition are also eligible items for reimbursement.

Can I use my FSA for OTC meds?

Thousands of over-the-counter (OTC) products are FSA eligible and can be purchased using your FSA card, including first aid kits, sunscreen, Band-Aids and so much more. Note that OTC medicines (those containing an active medical ingredient) such as Tylenol or Claritin, etc., require a prescription to be eligible.

Can Tylenol be purchased with FSA?

Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain medications such as Aleve, Tylenol, and generic versions of the drugs are available for purchase through FSA funds.

Is OTC Cold Medicine FSA eligible?

Cold medicine is an eligible over-the-counter (OTC) drug with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA) or a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA).

Can I buy Benadryl with FSA?

Benadryl is an over-the-counter (OTC) medication eligible for reimbursement with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA) and a health reimbursement arrangement.

DWYM: Last two days to buy over the counter meds with HSA

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Are OTC allergy meds FSA eligible?

Until recently, OTC medications only qualified for reimbursement with a note or prescription from a doctor. The March 2020 CARES Act removed this requirement. Now, HSA and FSA cards can be used to buy non-prescription allergy medications and other OTC drugs without a prescription.

Can you buy deodorant with FSA?

For example, daily care products, like Vaseline, toothpaste, and deodorant, are not FSA-eligible expenses. Gym memberships and health insurance premiums aren't eligible either. It's possible that you may accidentally purchase a nonqualifying expense with your FSA funds.

Is toilet paper FSA eligible?

Here are examples of items and expenses that are not FSA-eligible for 2024: General health items: toiletries like toothpaste, toilet paper, or shampoo, cosmetic products, vitamins and supplements (without a prescription) Non-medical equipment: car seats, strollers, non-medical exercise equipment.

Is a gym membership FSA eligible?

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) usually doesn't allow funds from an FSA to pay for membership dues at health clubs or gyms. However, the IRS allows FSA funds to be used for paying separate fees charged at health clinics or physical therapy centers for specific activities prescribed by doctors for an individual.

Is mouthwash FSA eligible?

Over-the-counter items (OTC) items are not eligible for reimbursement if they are normally used for general health or are used even when there is not a medical condition being treated (such as toothpaste, mouthwash, shampoo, lotion or moisturizer that also contains sunscreen) or are cosmetic in nature (teeth whitening ...

Can I buy tampons with FSA?

Are Tampons FSA Eligible? Yes! Tampons are now classified as a “medical expense,” making them FSA eligible.

What happens if I use my FSA incorrectly?

If the Benefits Card is accidentally or intentionally utilized for ineligible expenses, you are responsible for reimbursing your account. You will be notified if you have an ineligible expense and your Benefits Card may be deactivated until your account is reimbursed.

Are vitamins FSA eligible?

With this IRS definition in mind, while daily multivitamins are not FSA/HSA eligible, there are some types of vitamins that are eligible with consumer-directed healthcare accounts.

Are toothbrushes FSA eligible?

Brush-Up on FSAs and HSAs

However, current law does not recognize certain oral healthcare products — such as manual toothbrushes, electric toothbrushes, water flossers, mouthwash, or OTC anti-cavity toothpaste — as “qualified medical expenses.”

Are Tums FSA eligible?

You can use your FSA tax-preferred savings account to purchase antacid products including TUMS without a prescription.

Are diapers FSA eligible?

Regular diapers for newborns and infants are not FSA eligible because they do not treat a medical condition, but rather aid a healthy function of the body. There are some ways to save, however, including sales, coupons, buying in bulk or joining rewards programs.

Is the Apple Watch FSA eligible?

Likely not. While your Apple Watch, Garmin, or other tracker may offer you some insight—and maybe even some encouragement—to stay on top of your fitness routine, they are not typically considered medical devices for purposes of FSA and HSA funds.

Can I use FSA for glasses?

You can use your FSA funds for eye exams and prescription glasses. You can also use them for prescription contact lenses. And prescription sunglasses are FSA-eligible, too.

Can FSA pay for massage?

Massage Therapy may be eligible for reimbursement with a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) with flexible spending accounts (FSA), health savings accounts (HSA) and health reimbursement arrangements (HRA).

Is deodorant on FSA?

Deodorant reimbursement is not eligible with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), health reimbursement arrangement (HRA), limited-purpose flexible spending account (LPFSA) or a dependent care flexible spending account (DCFSA).

Is toothpaste FSA eligible?

Toothpaste is considered to be a “general health” item by the IRS, and items that are used to maintain general good health do not qualify. (Dental Health Foundation).

Is ChapStick FSA eligible?

You can use your FSA tax-preferred savings account to purchase OTC products including ChapStick® without a prescription. HSA/FSA eligibility is not applicable to products sold on the online ChapStick® store.

Is Vicks vapor rub covered by FSA?

Vapor rub is eligible for reimbursement with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), or a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA). Vapor rub is not eligible with a dependent care flexible spending account (DCFSA) or a limited-purpose flexible spending account (LPFSA).

Can I use FSA for dental?

You can use funds in your FSA to pay for certain medical and dental expenses for you, your spouse if you're married, and your dependents. You can spend FSA funds to pay deductibles and copayments, but not for insurance premiums.

Are tampons reimbursed by FSA?

Tampons are eligible for reimbursement with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), and a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA). Tampons are not eligible with a limited-purpose flexible spending account (LPFSA) or a dependent care flexible spending account (DCFSA).