Are probiotics covered by FSA?

Asked by: Shanel Ernser  |  Last update: December 21, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (38 votes)

Are probiotics and prebiotics covered for a specific medical condition? While most probiotics and prebiotics are not FSA-eligible, there are exceptions to the rule. Certain medically prescribed probiotics and prebiotics may qualify for FSA reimbursement with a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN).

Can I pay for probiotics with FSA?

Probiotics may be eligible with a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA) or health reimbursement arrangement (HRA).

Are any supplements FSA eligible?

However, there are two types of vitamins/supplements that qualify as an eligible expense with consumer-directed healthcare accounts due to their role in treating medical conditions: prenatal vitamins and glucosamine/chondroitin supplements.

Are probiotics eligible for HSA?

While probiotics have been shown to have positive effects on gut health and may help with certain conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome and diarrhea, their use is not currently considered an eligible expense for HSA funds.

Can I get probiotics covered by insurance?

Probiotics are considered dietary supplements; thus, they are not covered by medical insurance and their production is not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. As such, product quality, purity and viability have been reported to be variable.

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Why are probiotics not FSA eligible?

No, probiotics and prebiotics are not FSA-approved because they are considered food/ dietary supplements rather than a qualified medical expense. In fact, most supplements and vitamins are considered FSA-ineligible. The only exceptions are prental vitamins, glucosamine and fiber supplements.

Can a doctor write a prescription for a probiotic?

In the case of probiotics, you'll find far more over-the-counter (OTC) options than prescription options, but there are a couple of prescription probiotics you can only get through your doctor and some that have both a prescription or OTC option.

What items are eligible for FSA?

Allowed expenses include insurance copayments and deductibles, qualified prescription drugs, insulin, and medical devices. You decide how much to put in an FSA, up to a limit set by your employer. You aren't taxed on this money.

Is an HSA or FSA better?

Bottom line: Both HSAs and FSAs provide financial benefits for managing health care expenses. HSAs offer more flexibility and long-term growth potential, making them a valuable tool for future financial planning. Learn about HSA options from Aetna.

What is the difference between a prebiotic and a probiotic?

Probiotics are foods or supplements that contain live microorganisms intended to maintain or improve the "good" bacteria (normal microflora) in the body. Prebiotics are foods (typically high-fiber foods) that act as food for human microflora.

Is deodorant FSA eligible?

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.

Are tampons FSA eligible?

Feminine hygiene products: Pads, liners, and tampons all qualify as FSA-eligible expenses. The end of the year is a good chance to stock up if you need to. Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain medications such as Aleve, Tylenol, and generic versions of the drugs are available for purchase through FSA funds.

Are supplements eligible for FSA?

With sections to look up your member of Congress and issue-specific form letters on areas of FSA/HSA expansion, it's a quick and easy way to lend your support to this important debate. In 2021, most vitamins and supplements are still not covered by FSAs and HSAs.

What is the best probiotic?

Some of the most frequently studied and recommended probiotics include:
  • The Lactobacillus genus, including L. acidophilus, L. rhamnosus, L. casei and L. plantarum.
  • The Bifidobacterium genus, including Bifidobacterium longum and Bifidobacterium breve.

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.

What is the downside of FSA?

Flexible spending accounts offer several advantages to your company and your employees. However, there are also some disadvantages to be aware of. One of the best known is the “use it or lose it” feature. Any amounts contributed to an account and not spent by the end of the year are forfeited to the employer.

Can you 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.

What happens to unused FSA funds?

The IRS created the ""use or lose"" rule, which states that all money left in your FSA is forfeited after the benefit period ends . If you don't use all of your FSA funds during the benefit period, you risk losing money.

Is Tylenol FSA eligible?

Can I buy OTC medicine such as Tylenol and Tums with my FSA or HSA? Yes. You can buy OTC medicine such as Tylenol and Tums with your FSA or HSA.

Are gym memberships 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.

Are air purifiers FSA eligible?

Air purifiers are generally not eligible for reimbursement. An air purifier may be eligible for FSA reimbursement with a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) only if you are using it to relieve or alleviate a specific medical condition and you would not otherwise have purchased it.

What do gastroenterologists think of probiotics?

The American Gastroenterological Association recommends use of probiotics in three specific situations: (1) to prevent gut infections while taking antibiotics, (2) in preterm infants, and (3) in people with inflammatory bowel disease who have a condition called pouchitis.

Who Cannot take probiotics?

However, probiotics are not recommended for use in just a few serious medical conditions, which are listed below:
  • For those who are severely immunosuppressed. ...
  • For those who have pancreatitis. ...
  • For patients who are in the ICU. ...
  • For those that have melaena (dark blood in their faeces)
  • For those with a central venous catheter.