Can I use my HSA account to buy a Fitbit?

Asked by: Cassandre Gutkowski  |  Last update: January 27, 2024
Score: 4.9/5 (69 votes)

A fitness tracker device, such as a Fitbit, is only eligible for reimbursement with a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA) or a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA).

Can I buy exercise equipment with my HSA card?

Exercise equipment used for general health and wellbeing is not eligible for reimbursement. Some specific medical conditions may require exercise equipment, which a doctor can determine and prescribe.

Can I buy an Apple watch with HSA money?

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.

Can I use my HSA card for other purchases?

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 buy workout shoes with HSA?

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) can be great cost-savings tools. You can use them to reimburse yourself for eligible health care, medical aids, and even diabetic footwear or orthopedic shoes.

How Do I Use My HSA As A Retirement Account?

34 related questions found

Can I use my HSA for a treadmill?

Yes, it could — if you prove the expense is medically necessary. General fitness expenses don't qualify for HSA/FSA use, but things change when a physician or nurse practitioner prescribes an exercise regimen.

Can I buy Hoka shoes with my HSA?

Yes, orthopedic and therapeutic footwear products qualify as a medical expense through an HSA or FSA account and can be reimbursed through your provider accounts.

What if I accidentally made a purchase with 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.

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.

What if I never use the money in my HSA?

If you don't spend the money in your account, it will carryover year after year. Your HSA can be used now, next year or even when you're retired. Saving in your HSA can help you plan for health expenses you anticipate in the coming years, such as laser eye surgery, braces for your child, or paying Medicare premiums.

Are Amazon purchases HSA eligible?

If you have an HSA (Health Savings Account) or FSA account (Flexible Savings Account) set up and you love shopping on Amazon, listen up. You can purchase a boatload of eligible items using your HSA or FSA account in the Amazon HSA store. And, your pre-tax HSA will even cover any tax or shipping fees.

Can you use HSA money on Amazon?

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

Does HSA verify purchases?

Account holders are responsible for verifying eligibility of purchases. Unlike the flexible spending account (FSA), which doesn't allow the user to purchase goods or services that aren't eligible for reimbursement, an employee could literally purchase anything with their HSA dollars.

Can I buy a peloton with my HSA?

Can I buy a Peloton bike with my HSA? Can I use my HSA for a gym membership? Treadmills, gym memberships, and peloton bikes are not eligible HSA or FSA expenses. However, if you have a Letter of Medical Necessity from your doctor that requires you to exercise, you might be able to use HSA or FSA funds for those.

Can I use HSA for vitamins?

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 and others that may be eligible with proper documentation from a physician.

Can HSA pay for massage?

Massages with a doctor's note of necessity

In certain cases, the massage is deemed medically necessary, and can be classified as a qualified medical expense. In a case like this, accountholders can use their HSA to pay for the massage.

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 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 buy tampons with HSA?

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…”

Where does leftover HSA money go?

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.

Do I have to report HSA purchases?

When filing your taxes, you are required to file IRS Form 8889 if you (or someone on your behalf, including your employer) made contributions to your HSA, or if you received HSA distributions for the year.

Can I reimburse myself from HSA without receipt?

Yes, as long as the IRS-qualified medical expenses were incurred after your HSA was established, you can pay them or reimburse yourself with HSA funds at any time.

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.

What is the shoebox rule for HSA?

The shoebox strategy is a long-term savings strategy for hacking your HSA's tax advantages. Instead of using your HSA to reimburse yourself immediately after incurring an eligible medical expense, you wait to reimburse yourself (and lessen the burden of your tax bill since withdrawals are tax-free).

Can I use my HSA for sunscreen?

Can you use an HSA or HRA for sunscreen? Yes. Typically the same items that are FSA eligible are also eligible under a health savings account (HSA) and health reimbursement account (HRA).