Can health savings accounts HSAS can now be used to cover over-the-counter medicines not prescribed by a doctor?
Asked by: Jailyn Gusikowski | Last update: November 24, 2025Score: 4.3/5 (29 votes)
Can I use my HSA for over-the-counter medication?
Thanks to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, you can use your FSA or HSA funds to buy OTC medications. Those types of medications include: Cold, cough, and flu medicine. Heartburn medications.
What can an HSA not be used for?
Generally, you can't use your HSA to pay for expenses that don't meaningfully promote the proper function of the body or prevent or treat illness or disease. Nutritional supplements and weight loss programs not prescribed by a physician are examples of expenses that would not be covered by your HSA.
When did OTC meds become HSA-eligible?
The FSA/HSA eligibility of OTC medicines and menstrual care products was included within the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Securities (CARES) Act passed in March 2020. View our FAQs for more background.
Can I use my HSA for over-the-counter vitamins?
Vitamins and other supplements are allowable if they are recommended by a medical provider to treat a specific disease or condition (a prescription is not necessary, but the recommendation should be documented in a way that you could show it if you were audited).
The Real TRUTH About An HSA - Health Savings Account Insane Benefits
Can I buy toothpaste with HSA?
Toothpaste is 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).
Can I buy vitamin D with my HSA card?
Currently, the only way to use a consumer-directed healthcare account to pay for most vitamins and supplements is if a specific vitamin or supplement is recommended by a medical professional to treat or mitigate a medical condition with a letter of medical necessity.
Can you use HSA for OTC meds 2024?
In conclusion, utilizing an HSA for OTC medicine is indeed possible, but with the requirement of a prescription starting in 2024. By understanding the benefits, downsides, and distinctions between HSAs and FSAs, individuals can make informed choices to maximize their healthcare savings.
Can you use HSA for dental?
Your HSA also covers expenses for standard dental cleanings and dental check-ups. One thing to keep in mind is that some of these procedures may have a co-payment, so it's important that you check with your dental insurance provider to find out exactly what you'll have to pay out of pocket.
Can I use HSA for cough drops?
Cough drops are 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).
What is the downside of an HSA?
Drawbacks of HSAs include tax penalties for nonmedical expenses before age 65, and contributions made to the HSA within six months of applying for Social Security benefits may be subject to penalties. HSAs have fewer limitations and more tax advantages than flexible spending accounts (FSAs).
Can I use HSA for glasses?
Yes! You can definitely use funds from your flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA) to purchase prescription glasses. (FSAs and HSAs can be used for many other vision- and eye health-related expenses, too, but we'll discuss that more in a bit.)
Can I use HSA for groceries?
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 if I accidentally used my HSA card for groceries?
If you catch the transaction early enough, you might even be able to contact the retailer and ask them to reverse the charge and fill it on a new card. If you bought something in person, you can also return it to the store and then buy it again with a different card.
Can I use HSA for Tylenol?
Yes. You can buy OTC medicine such as Tylenol and Tums with your FSA or HSA. But this hasn't always been the case. OTC medications previously did not count as qualified medical expenses for HSAs unless you had a prescription.
Are electric toothbrushes HSA-eligible?
Routine electric toothbrushes for general oral hygiene are usually not eligible.
Is deodorant HSA-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).
Can HSA be used for prescriptions?
You can use an HSA to pay for qualified medical expenses, including prescription medications. You can also use prescription discount cards with your HSA to ensure the best possible price for your medication. If you have a health savings account (HSA), you can use it to buy prescription medications.
Are vitamins HSA-eligible?
In general, vitamins are not considered an HSA eligible expense unless they are prescribed by a doctor for a specific medical condition. For example, if your doctor prescribes prenatal vitamins during pregnancy or recommends vitamin D supplements to treat a deficiency, those could be eligible expenses under your HSA.
Is teeth cleaning covered by HSA?
You can also use HSAs to help pay for some dental care. While dental insurance can help cover costs, an HSA can also help cover certain out-of-pocket expenses resulting from dental care and procedures.
Is the Apple Watch HSA-eligible?
Even though Fitbits and Apple Watches measure important health data, they currently do not qualify for HSA reimbursement, as they are considered for general health use and not intended to treat or manage a specific medical condition.
Can you use HSA after age 65?
Once you turn 65, you can use the money in your HSA for anything you want. If you don't use it for qualified medical expenses, it counts as income when you file your taxes. Six months before you retire or get Medicare benefits, you must stop contributing to your HSA.
Can I buy bandaids with HSA?
Bandages: HSA Eligibility. Bandages are over-the-counter (OTC) items that are eligible for reimbursement with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA) or a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA).
Can I buy probiotics with HSA?
Example 2: Probiotics.
Probiotic supplements taken for general gut health: Not HSA qualified. Probiotic supplements that are recommended to you by a gastroenterologist or health coach to treat a direct condition: HSA qualified.
Are tampons HSA eligible?
With the passage of the CARES Act in March 2020, tampons and other menstrual care products are now fully FSA-/HSA-eligible. According to the text of the bill, menstrual care products include, “tampon, pad, liner, cup, sponge, or similar product used by individuals with respect to menstruation…”