Can I use FSA to pay for probiotics?

Asked by: Mr. Sigrid Lehner  |  Last update: June 18, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (69 votes)

How are probiotics eligible for reimbursement? If a medical professional recommends probiotic supplements as a means of treating a specific medical condition, a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) is required to reimburse the amount under an FSA, HSA, or HRA.

Can I buy probiotics with my FSA card?

Probiotics may be eligible with a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA) or health reimbursement arrangement (HRA).

Can you use FSA for health supplements?

Vitamins and supplements bought over the counter for general health reasons are typically not a qualified medical expense under IRS rules. You may be eligible to buy certain vitamins with your health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA), if used to treat a medical condition.

Can I get probiotics covered by insurance?

Probiotics are considered dietary supplements; thus, they are not covered by medical insurance and their production is not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. As such, product quality, purity and viability have been reported to be variable.

How to tell if something is FSA eligible?

The IRS defines qualified medical expenses as amounts paid for the “diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, or for the purpose of affecting any structure or function of the body.” Qualified medical expenses are eligible for reimbursement through your FSA as long as they are not reimbursed ...

Should you pay for probiotics?

25 related questions found

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.

Are probiotics HSA eligible?

While probiotics have been shown to have positive effects on gut health and may help with certain conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome and diarrhea, their use is not currently considered an eligible expense for HSA funds.

Can a doctor write a prescription for a probiotic?

Most probiotics will be taken daily, and they are commonly available as over-the-counter supplements. But, there are some probiotics that you can only get with a prescription from your doctor, which begs several questions.

Is VSL 3 FSA eligible?

There's an added financial benefit for those seeking to integrate VSL#3 into their health regimen. Qualified customers can now save on their purchase of VSL#3 through Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) funds, thanks to a partnership with TrueMed.

What can I not use my FSA for?

You can spend FSA funds to pay deductibles and copayments, but not for insurance premiums. You can spend FSA funds on prescription medications, as well as over-the-counter medicines with a doctor's prescription.

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.

Can you use health FSA 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.

Why are probiotics not FSA eligible?

No, probiotics and prebiotics are not FSA-approved because they are considered food/ dietary supplements rather than a qualified medical expense. In fact, most supplements and vitamins are considered FSA-ineligible. The only exceptions are prental vitamins, glucosamine and fiber supplements.

Is toilet paper FSA eligible?

Here are examples of items and expenses that are not FSA-eligible for 2024: General health items: toiletries like toothpaste, toilet paper, or shampoo, cosmetic products, vitamins and supplements (without a prescription) Non-medical equipment: car seats, strollers, non-medical exercise equipment.

Can you use FSA to pay for supplements?

However, when it comes to FSA/HSA eligibility, most vitamins and nutritional supplements are not eligible, with a few notable exceptions.

What do gastroenterologists think of probiotics?

The American Gastroenterological Association recommends use of probiotics in three specific situations: (1) to prevent gut infections while taking antibiotics, (2) in preterm infants, and (3) in people with inflammatory bowel disease who have a condition called pouchitis.

How to get probiotics covered by insurance?

How are probiotics eligible for reimbursement? If a medical professional recommends probiotic supplements as a means of treating a specific medical condition, a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) is required to reimburse the amount under an FSA, HSA, or HRA.

What probiotic do doctors recommend most?

Some of the most frequently studied and recommended probiotics include:
  • The Lactobacillus genus, including L. acidophilus, L. rhamnosus, L. casei and L. plantarum.
  • The Bifidobacterium genus, including Bifidobacterium longum and Bifidobacterium breve.

What not to mix with probiotics?

FOODS TO AVOID WHEN YOU TAKE A PROBIOTIC SUPPLEMENT
  • Carbonated Drinks.
  • Processed Foods.
  • Genetically Modified GMO FOODS.
  • Red Meat.
  • Gluten-Rich Foods.
  • Refined Oils.
  • Dairy Foods.
  • Tap Water.

Is it better to take probiotics in the morning or at night?

Probiotics, like many other supplements, can be taken at any time of day, says Largeman-Roth. The best time to take probiotics depends on the person. Ideally, choose a time when you'll remember to take them and stick to it. Most research on the probiotics does not compare timing, the experts note.

How do I fix my gut health asap?

Gut health and diet
  1. Eat a high fibre diet. Fibre is important for our gut health for many reasons. ...
  2. Eat a diverse range of food. ...
  3. Limit ultra-processed foods. ...
  4. Drink water. ...
  5. Eat foods rich in polyphenols. ...
  6. Eat slowly. ...
  7. Eat fermented foods.

Can I pay for probiotics with FSA?

Probiotics may be eligible with a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA) or health reimbursement arrangement (HRA).

Is an HSA or FSA better?

Bottom line: Both HSAs and FSAs provide financial benefits for managing health care expenses. HSAs offer more flexibility and long-term growth potential, making them a valuable tool for future financial planning. Learn about HSA options from Aetna.

What items are eligible for FSA?

Allowed expenses include insurance copayments and deductibles, qualified prescription drugs, insulin, and medical devices. You decide how much to put in an FSA, up to a limit set by your employer. You aren't taxed on this money.