Are vitamin C supplements FSA eligible?

Asked by: Daisy Vandervort  |  Last update: October 14, 2023
Score: 4.4/5 (61 votes)

Vitamins or nutritional supplements (herbal or natural medicines) will not qualify as FSA-eligible if used to maintain general good health.

Is vitamin C 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.

Can FSA be used for nutritional supplements?

Certain vitamins, such as glucosamine, chondroitin and prenatal vitamins are eligible for FSA, HSA and HRA reimbursement. From the IRS Publication 502: "You can't include in medical expenses the cost of nutritional supplements, vitamins, herbal supplements, "natural medicines," etc.

Are vitamin C supplements HSA eligible?

According to the IRS, you cannot use your HSA to pay for vitamins or supplements that are taken for general health. However, you can use your HSA to pay for vitamins or supplements that have been recommended by a health professional to treat or prevent a specific condition.

Are OTC supplements FSA eligible?

If your doctor has prescribed you specific supplements, you will need to fill out a letter of medical necessity (LMN) in order to use your FSA to make this purchase. Otherwise, vitamins and supplements are not considered an eligible expense and your card will be rejected.

You Need To Know - How to choose Vitamin C supplement

21 related questions found

Why are vitamins not FSA eligible?

While one could make the argument that taking daily multivitamins can help ward off future health problems, they generally fall outside IRS regulations for FSA eligibility as they are products used to support one's "general health," and not used to diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat or prevent a legitimate medical ...

Are vitamins and probiotics FSA eligible?

How are probiotics eligible for reimbursement? If a medical professional recommends probiotic supplements as a means of treating a specific medical condition, a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) is required to reimburse the amount under an FSA, HSA, or HRA.

Are protein shakes FSA eligible?

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 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.

Is deodorant FSA eligible?

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).

Are zinc supplements FSA eligible?

Zinc supplements 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).

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).

Are herbal supplements covered by FSA?

Regarding nutritional supplements, the IRS states, “you can't include in medical expenses the cost of nutritional supplements, vitamins, herbal supplements, “natural medicines,” etc., unless they are recommended by a medical practitioner as treatment for a specific medical condition diagnosed by a physician.

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.

Is dental floss FSA eligible?

While it seems like they would fit under the dental care umbrella, general self-care items like toothpaste, toothbrushes, and floss are not FSA or HSA eligible. Same goes for specialized or medicated toothpastes.

Can I use my FSA for sunscreen?

Sunscreen is eligible for reimbursement with flexible spending accounts (FSA), health savings accounts (HSA), and health reimbursement accounts (HRA). They are not eligible for reimbursement with dependent care flexible spending accounts and limited-purpose flexible spending accounts (LPFSA).

Why is toothpaste not 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).

Does mouthwash count towards FSA?

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 you use FSA for air purifier?

The tax-exempt dollars that go into a Flexible Spending Account, or FSA, can be used to buy FSA eligible air purifiers and the filters they need, as long as a doctor writes a letter of medical necessity.

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)

Are vaccines FSA eligible?

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

Is Gatorade FSA eligible?

Rehydration solution reimbursement is not eligible with a limited-purpose flexible spending account (LPFSA) or a dependent care flexible spending account (DCFSA). Rehydration sports drinks, such as Gatorade, and solution with dietary supplements other than electrolytes are not eligible.

Are shoe inserts FSA eligible?

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

Are tampons FSA eligible?

Feminine hygiene products: Pads, liners, and tampons all qualify as FSA-eligible expenses.

How do I know if something is FSA eligible?

Check out IRS Publication 502 or our FSA eligibility list to understand what is covered. In order for something to be considered a “qualified" medical expense, it must be for the primary purpose of diagnosing, treating, curing, mitigating, or preventing a medical condition.