Can I use my FSA card to buy medicine?
Asked by: Jessie Mraz | Last update: July 17, 2025Score: 4.1/5 (41 votes)
Can you use FSA to buy medicine?
Key takeaways:
Health savings accounts (HSAs) allow qualified individuals to use pretax dollars to buy over-the-counter (OTC) medications that they would normally pay for out of pocket. If you don't have an HSA, you can also use a flexible spending account (FSA) to purchase qualified OTC medications.
Why does my FSA card not work at Walgreens?
Most Frequent Valid Decline Reasons
The card has no funds remaining, or the card has insufficient funds and the merchant does not support partial authorization. The cardholder is attempting to purchase only non-healthcare eligible items with a card that has only an FSA and/or HRA purse.
How to use FSA to pay for prescriptions?
When you fill the prescription, give the pharmacist your insurance card. They'll run the prescription and bill you for any leftover amount. You can pay for that directly with your FSA card or use a debit or credit card and then file a claim with your FSA provider.
Can you buy Tylenol with a FSA card?
Name-brand product equivalents such as Advil, Motrin, Nuprin, Tylenol and others are also considered eligible for reimbursement with a consumer-directed healthcare account as fever reducing medications so long as a doctor has prescribed them.
How To Use Your FSA & HSA on AMAZON (Easy)
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 I buy ibuprofen with my FSA?
Ibuprofen is eligible for reimbursement with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), or a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA). Ibuprofen is not eligible with a dependent care flexible spending account (DCFSA) or a limited-purpose flexible spending account (LPFSA).
Are diapers FSA eligible?
Regular diapers for newborns and infants are not FSA eligible because they do not treat a medical condition, but rather aid a healthy function of the body. There are some ways to save, however, including sales, coupons, buying in bulk or joining rewards programs.
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.
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.
Why does my FSA card keep getting declined?
This can happen if: You may be at an ineligible location. You may be asking for more money than what you have elected and/or contributed. Your card might have been temporarily suspended because your account is not in good standing OR because there is additional information required for previous transaction(s)
Can I use my FSA card for groceries?
Typically, you can use your FSA dollars on eligible expenses at places like drug stores, grocery stores, doctor offices, vision centers, dentists, hospitals, and other medical offices.
Is a gym membership FSA eligible?
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) usually doesn't allow funds from an FSA to pay for membership dues at health clubs or gyms. However, the IRS allows FSA funds to be used for paying separate fees charged at health clinics or physical therapy centers for specific activities prescribed by doctors for an individual.
How to use FSA at CVS?
If you use an FSA debit card for purchasing over-the-counter health-related products, or for your prescription co-payments, our FSA easy store register system will automatically charge FSA eligible items* to your FSA debit card. You can then choose an alternative form of payment to cover any remaining items.
Are electric toothbrushes FSA eligible?
Unfortunately, most products for oral health care are not currently eligible medical expenses for FSA and HSA spending.
What is the biggest disadvantage of the FSAs?
While FSAs offer several benefits, they also have limitations. The 'use-it-or-lose-it' rule can lead to the loss of unspent funds. Additionally, there are restrictions regarding eligible expenses and contribution limits, which are determined by the IRS and can change annually.
Can I use FSA for dental?
You can use funds in your FSA to pay for certain medical and dental expenses for you, your spouse if you're married, and your dependents. You can spend FSA funds to pay deductibles and copayments, but not for insurance premiums.
What happens to unused FSA money?
The IRS created the ""use or lose"" rule, which states that all money left in your FSA is forfeited after the benefit period ends . If you don't use all of your FSA funds during the benefit period, you risk losing money.
Is deodorant 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. It's possible that you may accidentally purchase a nonqualifying expense with your FSA funds.
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.
Are car seats FSA eligible?
Car seats are not eligible for reimbursement with a flexible spending account (FSA), limited-purpose flexible spending account (LPFSA), dependent care flexible spending account (DCFSA), health savings account (HSA) or a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA).
Can you buy vitamins with FSA?
However, when it comes to FSA/HSA eligibility, most vitamins and nutritional supplements are not eligible, with a few notable exceptions. But since these products fall into an eligibility gray area, we will clear up the confusion as to what may make it onto your FSA shopping list!
Is mouthwash FSA eligible?
Over-the-counter items (OTC) items are not eligible for reimbursement if they are normally used for general health or are used even when there is not a medical condition being treated (such as toothpaste, mouthwash, shampoo, lotion or moisturizer that also contains sunscreen) or are cosmetic in nature (teeth whitening ...
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.