Are rubber gloves FSA eligible?

Asked by: Ransom Kuhic  |  Last update: December 12, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (28 votes)

To qualify for FSA reimbursement, the nitrile gloves must be primarily used for preventing the spread of COVID-19 or other medical purposes. They should not serve a general or cosmetic purpose unless medically necessary.

Are rubber gloves covered by HSA?

Gloves, latex - Expenses paid for latex gloves are reimbursable.

What hygiene products are 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.

What medical supplies are FSA-eligible?

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: For cough, cold, allergies, pain relief, and more.

Can I use nitrile gloves for food preparation?

Nitrile gloves for food prep are ideal on both fronts. These gloves are strong, durable and puncture-resistant to protect the food from contact with employees. Unlike latex, which has a high allergy rate, nitrile is almost totally allergy-safe and won't contaminate food with potentially harmful allergens or chemicals.

HSA vs FSA: Which One Should You Get?

43 related questions found

What type of gloves are not allowed in food preparation?

The four types of food-safe gloves include poly, latex, vinyl, and nitrile. They are named after the material from which they are made. Gloves that are made from neoprene — a synthetic rubber — are not designed for preparing or working with food.

When should you not use nitrile gloves?

They provide an excellent barrier against most water-based solutions and chemicals, as well as some oils and greases. However, they are not suitable for use with strong acids or bases, as these can break down the material. In addition, bacteria and viruses can actually penetrate through the material of nitrile gloves.

Are Apple watches 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.

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 sunglasses FSA eligible?

You can use FSA dollars on sunglasses, as long as they are prescription sunglasses. Some non-prescription sunglasses can be purchased with HSA or FSA dollars, but you will most likely need a prescription for the shades from your doctor.

Does toilet paper count for FSA?

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 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 gloves covered by FSA?

Yes, nitrile gloves are eligible for reimbursement under Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs). The IRS issued guidance in Announcement 2021-7, stating that personal protective equipment (PPE) that prevents the spread of COVID-19, including disposable gloves, is treated as a medical care expense.

Are rubber gloves considered PPE?

Personal protective equipment, commonly referred to as “PPE”, is equipment worn to minimize exposure to a variety of hazards. Examples of PPE include such items as gloves, foot and eye protection, protective hearing devices (earplugs, muffs) hard hats, respirators and full body suits.

Are car seats FSA eligible?

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

What is the biggest disadvantage of the FSAs?

While FSAs offer several benefits, they also have limitations. The 'use-it-or-lose-it' rule can lead to the loss of unspent funds. Additionally, there are restrictions regarding eligible expenses and contribution limits, which are determined by the IRS and can change annually.

Can I use FSA for massage?

Pay with Your FSA or HSA: Once you have the prescription, you can pay for your massage therapy directly with your FSA or HSA debit card. If your provider doesn't accept these cards, you can pay out of pocket and submit a claim for reimbursement.

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.

Can I use my FSA to buy a treadmill?

If you have a letter from a medical professional stating that exercise equipment is a medical necessity, your FSA can cover it.

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.”

Why do many schools no longer allow latex gloves?

Many school nurses have experience in the prevention and management of food allergies, but latex allergy puts susceptible children and staff at risk of an equally serious anaphylactic reaction.

What is the difference between latex and rubber gloves?

For precision and comfort, latex gloves are often the best choice, while rubber gloves provide stronger resistance to chemicals and punctures. Understanding the unique properties of each glove type will help you make an informed decision that ensures both safety and comfort in your work environment.

Why am I suddenly allergic to nitrile gloves?

What causes contact dermatitis to nitrile? Allergic contact dermatitis to nitrile is usually due to allergy to rubber accelerators used to manufacture nitrile rubber gloves [2]. These include thiurams, dithiocarbamates, and mercaptobenzothiazole [3].