Can HSA be used for protein shakes?

Asked by: Nicklaus Boehm DVM  |  Last update: October 18, 2023
Score: 4.3/5 (52 votes)

Protein bars/powders/shakes 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 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.

Can you pay for nutritional supplements with HSA?

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.

Can I use my HSA for weight loss supplements?

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

Can HSA be used for gym membership?

Physical therapy is an approved medical expense. Can I use my HSA for a gym membership? Typically no. Unless you have a letter from your doctor stating that the membership is necessary to treat an injury or underlying health condition, such as obesity, a gym membership isn't a qualifying medical expense.

Does Protein Powder Work? (Spoiler: YES, but there's a catch)

22 related questions found

Is Apple Watch HSA eligible?

Unfortunately the answer to this question is usually no. This is because according to the IRS, fitness trackers are used to promote what the IRS terms “general health”. Expenses under this general health definition are not considered HSA eligible expenses.

Can I buy workout shoes with HSA?

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) can be great cost-savings tools. You can use them to reimburse yourself for eligible health care, medical aids, and even diabetic footwear or orthopedic shoes.

Can I buy a treadmill with my HSA?

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

What happens if I use HSA for food?

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.

Can I buy tampons with HSA?

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…”

Can I use my HSA card on Amazon for supplements?

Your HSA/FSA funds can be used to buy everything from traditional medical supplies to personal care items, including blood pressure monitors, condoms, contact lens solution, wet wipes, air purifiers, multivitamins, antacids, band-aids, supplements, and more.

Why does HSA not cover vitamins?

They are not always deemed a qualified expense. If your vitamins are not prescribed by a doctor or used to treat a specific condition, your purchase most likely won't be FSA or HSA eligible.

Can I use my HSA at Costco?

Costco accepts a limited number of cards at the main checkout lanes, but they'll let you pay for eligible items with your HSA/FSA card at the Pharmacy or Optical counters. So to use your FSA or HSA cards at Costco, just bypass the regular checkout lines and visit the Pharmacy or Optical department instead.

Can I use my FSA to buy a gym membership?

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) typically does not allow funds from a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to pay for membership dues at health clubs or gyms.

Does HSA cover Weight Watchers?

If eligible, you may use FSA and HSA dollars for any WW membership—Digital, Workshop + Digital, or Coaching + Digital. By taking advantage of this benefit, you'll use pre-tax dollars that have been set away in your FSA or HSA account to pay for your WW membership.

Are nutritional drinks FSA eligible?

Dietary supplements are not eligible with a limited purpose flexible spending account (LPFSA) or dependent care flexible spending account (DCFSA). Dietary supplements are typically not eligible.

What happens if you swipe HSA card for groceries?

If you use your HSA for an expense other than eligible medical expenses you can subject yourself to significant IRS penalties. Inappropriate use of your HSA funds may also leave you without money to pay for your eligible medical expenses in the future.

What can I not spend HSA on?

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.

What if I never use the money in my HSA?

If you don't spend the money in your account, it will carryover year after year. Your HSA can be used now, next year or even when you're retired. Saving in your HSA can help you plan for health expenses you anticipate in the coming years, such as laser eye surgery, braces for your child, or paying Medicare premiums.

Can I use HSA for Botox?

Botox: HSA Eligibility

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).

Can you use HSA for Lasik?

You can use an HSA for LASIK and other laser vision correction procedures. Like the FSA, the IRS sets limits on what procedures can be covered by an HSA. Laser vision correction procedures including LASIK, SMILE, and PRK are eligible expenses.

What can I use HSA funds for?

You can use HSA funds to pay for deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, and other qualified medical expenses. Withdrawals to pay eligible medical expenses are tax-free. Unspent HSA funds roll over from year to year, allowing you to build tax-free savings to pay for medical care later.

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).

Can you use HSA on sunscreen?

Sunscreen: HSA Eligibility. 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) ...

Can you use HSA at Sephora?

No, Sephora does not accept FSA or HSA cards in-store or online at Sephora.com. However, if you happened to buy FSA eligible sunscreen from Sephora, save your receipt and reimburse yourself!