Can I buy Benadryl with HSA?
Asked by: Nicole Swift | Last update: January 1, 2026Score: 4.8/5 (15 votes)
Can I buy allergy medicine with my HSA?
Until recently, OTC medications only qualified for reimbursement with a note or prescription from a doctor. The March 2020 CARES Act removed this requirement. Now, HSA and FSA cards can be used to buy non-prescription allergy medications and other OTC drugs without a prescription.
What OTC medications are HSA eligible?
- Cold, cough, and flu medicine.
- Heartburn medications.
- Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications.
- Allergy and sinus medicine.
- Digestive aids and laxatives.
- Baby rash ointments and creams.
- Baby electrolytes.
- Sleep aids.
Can you use HSA to buy cold medicine?
Earlier this year, the CARES Act was passed, which made over-the-counter medication HSA-eligible medical expenses. These include things like pain relievers, fever reducers, cough meds, antihistamines, decongestants, nasal sprays, nasal rinses, humidifiers, and more.
What can I not buy with HSA?
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 Can the HSA Debit Card Buy? (What Can You Purchase with HSA Funds?)
Will HSA pay for gym membership?
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.
Is it illegal to use HSA money for anything?
You generally can't use HSA funds to pay premiums. 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.
Is Benadryl FSA 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.
Is Zyrtec HSA-eligible?
Antihistamines are over-the-counter (OTC) medicines that are eligible for reimbursement with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA) or a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA).
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 for NyQuil?
Q: Can I use my HSA to purchase over-the-counter medications? A: Yes, you can.
What vitamins can I buy with my HSA?
Prenatal vitamins are eligible to prevent birth defects and boost fetal development in ways that most modern diets can't quite seem to achieve. Likewise, glucosamine/chondroitin supplements are extremely popular at HSA Store because of their proven benefits for treating arthritis.
Is allergy medicine FSA-eligible?
Monthly Eligible Expense Highlight - Allergy Medicine
Your HCFSA can also cover a visit to a doctor's office for allergy diagnosis. See what else is FSA-eligible at Eligible Expenses. Eligible Expenses: Allergy & Sinus Medicine (Over-the-Counter)
Is Benadryl covered under HSA?
HSA funds can be used to purchase allergy medicines, such as: Allegra. Benadryl. Claritin-D.
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…”
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.
Which is better, claritin or zyrtec?
Zyrtec (cetirizine) and Claritin (loratadine) are two popular brands. They contain different compounds but appear to be equally effective. Antihistamines can reduce allergy symptoms, such as watering eyes, itchy skin, hives, and swelling.
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).
Is melatonin HSA eligible?
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).
Can I use my HSA for allergy drops?
FSAs and HSAs can help you pay for qualified medical expenses with tax-free dollars. Qualified expenses include prescription medications and medical supplies used to treat allergies.
How much does Benadryl cost?
The cost for Benadryl 25 mg oral tablet is around $11 for a supply of 24 tablets, depending on the pharmacy you visit. Quoted prices are for cash-paying customers and are not valid with insurance plans. This price guide is based on using the Drugs.com discount card which is accepted at most U.S. pharmacies.
Can I use my HSA to buy Zyrtec?
Allergy products
Those who do have allergies can now find relief with their HSA and FSA funds in the form of over-the-counter antihistamines and decongestants.
How does IRS know what you spend HSA on?
Verification of expenses is not required for HSAs. However, total withdrawals from your HSA are reported to the IRS on Form 1099-SA. You are responsible for reporting qualified and non-qualified withdrawals when completing your taxes.
Can HSA pay for gym membership?
Gym memberships are generally not considered qualified medical expenses under IRS guidelines. While physical fitness is important, gym memberships are typically viewed as personal or recreational expenses rather than a medical necessity. So using HSA funds for them could result in taxes and penalties.
What if I accidentally bought food on my HSA?
Yes, you read that correctly—even if you accidentally paid for a burger with your HSA debit card, you will have to report it on your annual income tax return and pay taxes on it. If you're under 65 and spend the money on unqualified purchases, you must also pay a 20% penalty on top of the income tax.