Can I use FSA to buy protein powder?
Asked by: Prof. Dasia Wunsch | Last update: September 17, 2025Score: 4.4/5 (64 votes)
Do protein powders qualify for FSA?
Even though protein powder isn't generally an FSA eligible expense, there are other eligible items that can help you manage pain during and after your next workout! Consider this list of FSA eligible products: Knee and ankle braces. Elastics and bandages.
Can I use my FSA to buy supplements?
Today, the only vitamin supplements covered by FSAs and health savings accounts (HSAs) are glucosamine and chondroitin supplements for joint pain issues, and prenatal vitamins to help prevent birth defects and complications.
Can I use my FSA to pay for a gym?
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 protein powder be covered by HSA?
These guidelines state that eligible expenses must be for the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease. This means that supplements that are used for general health and wellness purposes may not be eligible for reimbursement.
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Are nutritional drinks FSA eligible?
Regarding nutritional supplements, the IRS states, “you can't include in medical expenses the cost of nutritional supplements, vitamins, herbal supplements, “natural medicines,” etc., unless they are recommended by a medical practitioner as treatment for a specific medical condition diagnosed by a physician.
Is toothpaste FSA eligible?
For example, daily care products, like Vaseline, toothpaste, and deodorant, are not FSA-eligible expenses. Gym memberships and health insurance premiums aren't eligible either.
Are Apple watches FSA eligible?
Likely not. While your Apple Watch, Garmin, or other tracker may offer you some insight—and maybe even some encouragement—to stay on top of your fitness routine, they are not typically considered medical devices for purposes of FSA and HSA funds.
Is Planet fitness FSA eligible?
Can you use flexible spending account (FSA) funds to pay for a gym membership or exercise classes? Typically, no. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) usually doesn't allow funds from an FSA to pay for membership dues at health clubs or gyms.
Can FSA pay for massage?
Massage Therapy may be eligible for reimbursement with a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) with flexible spending accounts (FSA), health savings accounts (HSA) and health reimbursement arrangements (HRA).
Are tampons FSA eligible?
Feminine hygiene products: Pads, liners, and tampons all qualify as FSA-eligible expenses. The end of the year is a good chance to stock up if you need to. Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain medications such as Aleve, Tylenol, and generic versions of the drugs are available for purchase through FSA funds.
Is Tylenol FSA eligible?
Can I buy OTC medicine such as Tylenol and Tums with my FSA or HSA? Yes. You can buy OTC medicine such as Tylenol and Tums with your FSA or HSA.
Are toothbrushes FSA eligible?
Brush-Up on FSAs and HSAs
However, current law does not recognize certain oral healthcare products — such as manual toothbrushes, electric toothbrushes, water flossers, mouthwash, or OTC anti-cavity toothpaste — as “qualified medical expenses.”
Is deodorant on FSA?
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 protein powder EBT approved?
It depends. If the item has a "Nutrition Facts" label, it is considered a food item by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and is eligible for purchase with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
Can you use FSA to buy weights?
The majority of fitness equipment and gym memberships and fitness classes can be covered by your FSA/HSA funds, but you'll need your doctor to fill out a Letter of Medical Necessity to use the funds to purchase them.
Can I put my gym membership on my FSA?
So, can you use your HSA or FSA to pay for gym memberships or health club dues? The short answer is yes, but you need a Letter of Medical Necessity.
Are sunglasses FSA eligible?
You can use FSA dollars on sunglasses, as long as they are prescription sunglasses. Some non-prescription sunglasses can be purchased with HSA or FSA dollars, but you will most likely need a prescription for the shades from your doctor.
Does FSA cover teeth whitening?
Elective cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening, for example, are not eligible for FSA funds. Here are examples of medically necessary procedures that are typically covered by FSA funds. 2) Fillings are typically covered. 3) Major Oral Surgery: dental reconstruction, root canals, implants, and tooth removal.
Can I use my FSA to buy a treadmill?
If you have a letter from a medical professional stating that exercise equipment is a medical necessity, your FSA can cover it.
Are vitamins FSA eligible?
With this IRS definition in mind, while daily multivitamins are not FSA/HSA eligible, there are some types of vitamins that are eligible with consumer-directed healthcare accounts.
Are air purifiers FSA eligible?
Air purifiers are generally not eligible for reimbursement. An air purifier may be eligible for FSA reimbursement with a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) only if you are using it to relieve or alleviate a specific medical condition and you would not otherwise have purchased it.
Does FSA cover protein shakes?
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).
What happens if I use my FSA incorrectly?
If the Benefits Card is accidentally or intentionally utilized for ineligible expenses, you are responsible for reimbursing your account. You will be notified if you have an ineligible expense and your Benefits Card may be deactivated until your account is reimbursed.
Is ChapStick an FSA item?
You can use your FSA tax-preferred savings account to purchase OTC products including ChapStick® without a prescription. HSA/FSA eligibility is not applicable to products sold on the online ChapStick® store.