Can I buy food with my health savings card?

Asked by: Maida Spinka Jr.  |  Last update: August 22, 2023
Score: 4.1/5 (58 votes)

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 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.

Can I use my health savings account for gas?

Fuel is eligible for transportation to and from medical care, up to the allowed mileage rate. Fuel, gasoline for medical care reimbursement is eligible with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA) or a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA).

Can I use my HSA card to buy vitamins?

Prescriptions are not strictly required, but it's a good idea to get the recommendation in writing from the provider. Vitamins and supplements are not HSA-qualified if they are taken only to promote general well-being.

How do I spend my HSA money?

You can use it just like a regular debit card for transactions in-store, online, at the doctor, and at other medical merchants. Digital Wallet - Use your card through your preferred mobile wallet: Apple Pay®, Samsung Pay, or Google Pay™.

Where can you use your HSA debit card?

26 related questions found

Can I take money out of HSA for non medical?

Yes. You can withdraw funds from your HSA anytime. But keep in mind that if you use HSA funds for any reason other than to pay for a qualified medical expense, those funds will be taxed as ordinary income, and the IRS will impose a 20% penalty.

Can you withdraw HSA money for anything?

Yes. You can take money out any time tax-free and without penalty as long as it is used to pay for qualified medical expenses. If you take money out for other purposes, however, you will pay income taxes on the withdrawal plus a 20% tax penalty.

What can I not use my HSA card to buy?

Examples of no-nos from the IRS include vacations and vitamins. Other items that aren't eligible include maternity clothes, funeral costs, child care for healthy babies, toiletries, over-the-counter medicine, swimming lessons and elective cosmetic procedures.

Can you use HSA for toothpaste?

Toothpaste: HSA Eligibility

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 you use 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 HSA card at an ATM?

Can I use my HSA Bank Health Benefit Debit Card at an ATM? You can use your HSA card at an ATM to reimburse yourself for eligible expenses paid out-of-pocket. (A transaction fee may apply. See your HSA Bank Fee and Interest Rate Schedule.)

Can I use my HSA for Uber?

HSA Funds & Medically Necessary Transportation Expenses

Examples of medically necessary transportation costs include: Taking a cab, Uber, or Lyft to medical appointments (round trip) Ambulance services.

Can I use my HSA for car repair?

What's Next. So now you withdraw the money you need — still tax-free — from your HSA and use the money to pay the repair shop. This is perfectly legal under HSA rules.

Can I buy toilet paper with my HSA card?

Toiletries are 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 you use HSA card at Walmart?

Does Walmart.com accept FSA or HSA cards? If you are looking to use your FSA or HSA card online or in-store on FSA-eligible product, you will likely have a hard time depending on your card issuer. That is because Walmart.com does not accept FSA or HSA cards at this time. This is listed in their FSA & HSA Shop FAQ.

Why is my HSA card being declined when I have money?

The decline may be due to the following reasons: Your purchase wasn't considered a qualified medical expense under your HSA plan. Your HSA balance was too low to cover the transaction.

Can you use HSA for Apple Watch?

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.

Is deodorant on HSA?

Preventative care that is not doctor prescribed is not always HSA eligible. Some examples of common healthcare expenses that fall into this category are: Vitamins, nutritional, and herbal supplements for general health. Personal hygiene items such as toothpaste and deodorant.

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…”

Does HSA money expire?

Your HSA contributions don't expire. The money stays in the HSA until you use it. expenses for your spouse and dependents, even if your high deductible health plan doesn't cover them. ∎ HSA doesn't go away if job changes.

Are HSA cards accepted everywhere?

Employees can use their HSA, FSA or HRA cards to pay for qualified medical expenses wherever Visa Debit cards are accepted.

Can I transfer money from HSA to bank account?

Online Transfers – On HSA Bank's member website, you can reimburse yourself for out-of-pocket expenses by making a one-time or reoccurring online transfer from your HSA to your personal checking or savings account.

Can you use HSA 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.

What happens to HSA funds not used?

HSA money is yours to keep. Unlike a flexible spending account (FSA), unused money in your HSA isn't forfeited at the end of the year; it continues to grow, tax-deferred. What happens if my employment is terminated? HSAs are portable and move with you if you change employment.

Can I use my health savings account on Amazon?

Amazon has stepped up its game and is now accepting FSA and HSA cards as a payment method for eligible products.