Are protein shakes FSA eligible?

Asked by: Dylan Cormier  |  Last update: December 5, 2023
Score: 4.6/5 (50 votes)

Protein shakes are considered nutritional supplements, and unfortunately you cannot use your flexible spending account (FSA) towards these. We get many questions about FSA eligibility at FSAstore.com, as people often wonder why protein powder is not considered an FSA eligible expense.

Are protein shakes covered under HSA?

Generally, protein powder or protein bars for general health and fitness purposes would not be eligible for HSA reimbursement. However, if a healthcare professional prescribes protein supplements to address a medical condition, such as muscle wasting or malnutrition, then they may be considered eligible expenses.

Are weight loss programs FSA eligible?

Some weight-loss programs are also HSA- and FSA-eligible if deemed necessary by your doctor. You will need to get an LOMN from them when they recommend weight loss for your medical condition. Once you have your LOMN, you may be able to sign up for some weight-loss programs.

Is vitamins covered by FSA?

FSA and HSAs won't cover a vitamin supplement geared toward general health and wellness. A vitamin is eligible for coverage by an FSA or HSA only if that vitamin has been recommended by a medical professional for the treatment or prevention of a specific disease or condition.

Are toothbrushes FSA eligible?

Toothbrushes are not eligible for reimbursement with flexible spending accounts (FSA), health savings accounts (HSA), health reimbursement accounts (HRA), dependent care flexible spending accounts and limited-purpose flexible spending accounts (LPFSA) because they are general health products.

Who Should Take Protein Shakes - (And How Safe Are They?)

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Are massages FSA eligible?

Did you know? Massage Therapy is eligible for reimbursement through most FSA's and HSA's. Some do require a Letter of Medical Necessity from your doctor, but this means you can potentially be reimbursed from your insurance for your massage from us! You just need a note from your primary care physician.

How do I get my gym covered by FSA?

For a gym membership to even be considered for reimbursement under a Health Care FSA, you must have:
  1. Approved Letter of Medical Necessity (PDF) on file for a medical condition that requires exercise at a gym.
  2. Individual gym membership contract on file (multi-person contracts will not be considered)

Is any food FSA eligible?

No, you can't use your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) for straight food purchases like meat, produce and dairy. But you can use them for some nutrition-related products and services. To review, tax-advantaged accounts have regulatory restrictions on eligible products and services.

What isn't covered by an FSA?

You can spend FSA funds to pay deductibles and copayments, but not for insurance premiums. You can spend FSA funds on prescription medications, as well as over-the-counter medicines with a doctor's prescription. Reimbursements for insulin are allowed without a prescription.

Is melatonin FSA eligible?

Melatonin: FSA Eligibility

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

Is hair loss treatment covered by FSA?

Expenses resulting from a separate medical condition that causes hair loss would qualify for HSA or FSA payment.

Can you buy a Fitbit with HSA?

A fitness tracker device, such as a Fitbit, is only eligible for reimbursement with a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA) or a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA).

Is toilet paper covered by FSA?

Toiletries are not eligible for reimbursement 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). What are toiletries?

Is tattoo removal FSA eligible?

Tattoo removal is the process of using medical or other tools to neutralize or remove the permanent ink that causes tattoo art to remain in the skin. Tattoo removal is a cosmetic expense and is not eligible for reimbursement with a consumer-directed healthcare account.

Do I have to pay back my FSA if I quit?

Employers are not allowed to ask for money back that you spent from your FSA if you quit or retire. This is due to the Uniform Coverage rule which ensures that your Flexible Spending Account funds are available to you in full as soon as your plan year starts. Any FSA amount you don't use is returned to your employer.

Can I use FSA card for gas?

Fuel - Gas costs for travel to and from a medical care facility are eligible for reimbursement, however you'll need to keep a mileage log and provide receipts for your gas purchase when you submit a claim.

Are water flossers FSA eligible?

Waterpiks are eligible for reimbursement with flexible spending accounts (FSA), health savings accounts (HSA), health reimbursement accounts (HRA) and limited-purpose flexible spending accounts with a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN).

What are eligible FSA items?

Categories of FSA-eligible items
  • Home healthcare: Thermometers, pain relief devices, blood pressure monitors, medical alert devices, blood sugar test kits, and more.
  • Over-the-counter (OTC) medications: Cough, cold, flu, allergy, asthma, pain relief, and more.

Can I buy an Apple watch with my FSA?

Understanding What's Eligible and What's Not

While fitness trackers such as an Apple Watch, Fitbit or Garmin aren't eligible expenses, medical devices that monitor, screen, or test for certain diseases or medical conditions may be eligible. These include items like blood pressure and heart-rate monitors.

Is Fitbit FSA eligible?

A fitness tracker device, such as a Fitbit, is only eligible for reimbursement with a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA) or a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA).

Does FSA cover peloton membership?

Can I buy a Peloton bike with my HSA? Can I use my HSA for a gym membership? Treadmills, gym memberships, and peloton bikes are not eligible HSA or FSA expenses. However, if you have a Letter of Medical Necessity from your doctor that requires you to exercise, you might be able to use HSA or FSA funds for those.

Can I use FSA for electric toothbrush?

Electric toothbrushes are not eligible for reimbursement with flexible spending accounts (FSA), health savings accounts (HSA), health reimbursement accounts (HRA), dependent care flexible spending accounts, and limited-purpose flexible spending accounts (LPFSA) because they are general health products.

Does Amazon take FSA?

Amazon has stepped up its game and is now accepting FSA and HSA cards as a payment method for eligible products. So, you can say goodbye to those last-minute trips to the store for medical supplies when you can have them conveniently delivered to your doorstep.

Does FSA cover Botox?

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

Why isn t toothpaste covered by FSA?

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).