Can HSA pay for over the counter drugs?
Asked by: Richie Bernier | Last update: November 22, 2025Score: 5/5 (56 votes)
Can I use HSA for over-the-counter medication?
Health savings accounts (HSAs) allow qualified individuals to use pretax dollars to buy over-the-counter (OTC) medications that they would normally pay for out of pocket. If you don't have an HSA, you can also use a flexible spending account (FSA) to purchase qualified OTC medications.
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 you buy cough drops with HSA?
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 can HSA not pay 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.
DWYM: Last two days to buy over the counter meds with HSA
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 pay for my gym membership with my HSA?
Generally, the IRS doesn't allow pretax dollars in HSAs or FSAs for gym memberships. This is because they see them as expenses for general well-being rather than medical necessity. However, with a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN), your HSA or FSA could be used to fund those expenses.
Can you buy shampoo with HSA?
Over-the-counter toiletries or personal hygiene items which may include, but are not limited to shampoo, toothpaste, conditioners, hand creams, deodorant, shaving cream, razors, dental floss, body powders, hair gels/sprays, make-up, nail polish accessories, soap, mouthwash, etc., are not reimbursable.
Is the Apple Watch HSA eligible?
Why other fitness trackers don't qualify. 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 I use my HSA for chapstick?
Lip balm with an SPF of 15 or greater is an eligible over-the-counter (OTC) product with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA) or a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA).
Can I buy vitamins with HSA?
In general, vitamins are not considered an HSA eligible expense unless they are prescribed by a doctor for a specific medical condition.
Are tampons HSA?
Yes! Thanks to the CARES Act, tampons are now considered a “medical expense.” That means you can use pre-tax income to pay for them through your HSA. More questions about tampons?
Can HSA be used for dental?
Yes, you can use a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA) for dental expenses.
Can I buy NyQuil with HSA?
Q: Can I use my HSA to purchase over-the-counter medications? A: Yes, you can.
Is Benadryl HSA eligible?
Benadryl is an over-the-counter (OTC) medication eligible for reimbursement with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA) and a health reimbursement arrangement.
Are massages HSA eligible?
Your HSA can pay for massage therapy, though you'll likely need a letter of medical necessity (LMN) from your doctor. An LMN states what condition the treatment is for, how many sessions you need, and any other relevant details. An HSA may also be used on alternative or holistic treatments, such as: Massage therapy.
Can I use my HSA for YMCA membership?
Using HSA or FSA Dollars
If you have a health insurance plan with a Health Savings Account or you use a Flexible Savings Account, you may be able to use money from those accounts to pay for your YMCA membership!
Can I buy Gatorade with HSA?
You can grab a pack of ORS using your HSA or FSA funds without a prescription. However, rehydration sports drinks (think Gatorade) and electrolyte solutions containing additional additives (such as caffeine, immunity boosters, or the like) are not eligible.
What is not eligible for HSA?
If you or your spouse participates in a Healthcare Flexible Spending Account (Healthcare FSA) or a Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) that allows for reimbursement of your medical expenses, you are not eligible to establish a new HSA or make contributions to a current HSA.
Can I buy deodorant with my HSA?
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).
What happens if you accidentally use your HSA account by mistake?
After you report the mistake to the custodian, the custodian reports it to the IRS. Reimburse the HSA. If you've mistakenly used HSA funds for nonqualified expenses, you must repay the distribution amount back into your HSA by the tax filing deadline for the year in which the distribution occurred.
Is gym membership HSA eligible?
Gym memberships. While some companies and private insurers may offer discounts on gym memberships, you generally can't use your FSA or HSA account to pay for gym or health club memberships. An exception to that rule would be if your doctor deems fitness medically necessary for your recovery or treatment.
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 vitamins?
You want to be careful when trying to buy vitamins with your FSA or HSA. They are not always deemed a qualified expense. If your vitamins are not prescribed by a healthcare professional or used to treat a specific condition, your purchase most likely won't be FSA or HSA eligible.
Can you use HSA for vet bills?
The short answer is yes, you can use your HSA for veterinary expenses. Under current IRS guidelines, eligible medical expenses include those that are primarily for the prevention or alleviation of a physical or mental defect or illness.