Can I pay for pads with HSA?

Asked by: Randall Wisoky III  |  Last update: December 28, 2023
Score: 5/5 (61 votes)

Yes! Alongside menstrual pads, incontinence pads are now classified as a “medical expense,” so they're HSA eligible. More questions?

Can I buy menstrual pads with HSA?

This amendment to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 says that money spent on menstrual products—defined as tampons, pads, liners, cups, sponges, or similar products used for menstruation—counts as expenses incurred for medical care, meaning you can use funds in your HSA account or FSA to purchase these essentials.

Can I buy feminine hygiene products with my HSA?

Feminine hygiene products

You can pay for OTC feminine hygiene products, such as yeast infection treatments, using your FSA/HSA.

Can you use HSA money to buy tampons?

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?

How do I get reimbursed for menstrual products?

PayFlex accountholders with debit cards can use their card to purchase period products from drugstores like CVS or they can purchase the items and submit the receipt for reimbursement. Employers may offer an FSA and an HSA for you to enroll in. Or you can open an HSA on your own — like the PayFlex Individual HSA.

Period Shopping How To | What to Buy: Pads, Tampons, etc.

18 related questions found

How can I get free pads and tampons?

Food banks, diaper banks, and shelters typically offer free menstrual products. Alliance for Period Supplies is an organization sponsored by U by Kotex. If you or someone you know needs period supplies, text 211 or visit 211.org to find a location near you that offers free tampons and pads.

What to do if you can't afford pads?

Around 80% of those who struggle to afford period products have used toilet paper as a substitute, according to Plan International. Others have used makeshift options including fabric, newspapers, and socks. Of those who struggle to buy period products, half report cutting back on food in order to buy them.

Can I purchase toothbrush with HSA?

Toothbrushes are not eligible for reimbursement with flexible spending accounts (FSA), health savings accounts (HSA), health reimbursement accounts (HRA), dependent care flexible spending accounts and limited-purpose flexible spending accounts (LPFSA) because they are general health products.

Can I spend HSA money on anything?

If you have money in your HSA when you turn 65, you can spend it on anything you want — but if you aren't spending it for a qualified medical expense it will be taxed as income at your then current tax rate. You can use HSA funds to pay for deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, and other qualified medical expenses.

Can you buy toothpaste with HSA?

You can't use your HSA for common items such as toothpaste, dental floss, or over-the-counter mouthwash. Cosmetic procedures, such as teeth whitening, also aren't covered.

Can you buy diapers and wipes with HSA?

If the medical issue has symptoms that require diapers to treat the condition, these items may be eligible for reimbursement with a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) from a medical professional.

Can I buy sunscreen with HSA?

If you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Health Saving Account (HSA) or Health Reimbursement Account (HRA), you can use it to pay for a wide variety of health care products and services. The IRS determines which expenses can be reimbursed. Sunscreen is considered one of those eligible expenses.

Can I buy moisturizer with my HSA?

Moisturizer is an Over-the-Counter (OTC) product, but is not eligible for reimbursement with any consumer-directed healthcare account. Moisturizer on its own does not treat, alleviate or prevent a medical condition or disease, and is usually considered cosmetic in purpose, and therefore is not eligible.

Can you use HSA for bras?

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

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.

What if I accidentally used my HSA card?

If you realize you've made a mistake and want to correct it, simply return the money to your HSA and you will avoid the additional penalty. If you do not return the money to your HSA, it will be counted as taxable income, and even worse, you'll have to pay a 20% penalty.

Can I withdraw my HSA as cash?

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.

Why is toothpaste not HSA eligible?

Toothpaste is considered to be a “general health” item by the IRS, and items that are used to maintain general good health do not qualify.

Can you buy melatonin with HSA?

Melatonin: HSA Eligibility

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).

How many pads is too many to go through?

Typically, if a woman saturates more than 1 -2 pads or tampons per hour for several hours, it is considered too much bleeding. However, this definition can be a little vague. Some women change pads/tampons frequently through out the day regardless of the amount of bleeding.

How many pads is too many?

Heavy periods aren't usually life-threatening, but they can be if you lose too much blood. Bleeding through two or more tampons or pads each hour for two hours in a row is a sign that you should see your provider or seek emergency care immediately.

How many pads a day is too much?

If your flow is long-lasting and heavy (say, more than six maxi pads a day), and that's not typical for you, you should consult a doctor.

Is it cheaper to use pads or tampons?

In the US, the upfront cost is cheapest for pads, followed by tampons — though the prices for these products increased by almost 10% in the last year. Reusable period cups and period panties are more expensive to start. Cups begin to offer cost savings by around a year.

Which states have free period products?

California – Before the 2022-2023 school year, all California public schools that teach grades 6 – 12 are required to provide period products, free of charge, in all women's and all-gender restrooms, and at least one men's restroom. California public universities are required to provide period products at no fewer than ...

What country has free pads and tampons?

Scotland is the first country to offer period products free of charge on a national scale. Others, including New Zealand and Kenya, distribute products for free in public schools. In the U.S., a package of tampons or menstrual pads costs around $7 to $10 for a supply that may last a month or two.