Can I use my HSA for regular purchases?

Asked by: Nikita Ernser  |  Last update: November 29, 2022
Score: 4.3/5 (74 votes)

The funds in an HSA can be used for general non-medical purposes, without penalty, once the employee reaches age 65. Any withdrawn funds used for non-medical purposes are still subject to income taxes.

Can you spend HSA on anything?

Unused HSA funds roll over year to year; there is no "use it or lose it" penalty. Funds that are rolled over continue to grow and earnings are tax free. At age 65, you will have the ability to use your HSA funds for any purpose on a taxable basis. This makes funding your HSA a great way to save for retirement.

Can I use my HSA debit card for other purchases?

Your HSA card can only be used for eligible expenses at specific healthcare-related service providers or merchants where you can purchase healthcare goods or services. Your HSA card has no cash access.

What happens if I accidentally use my HSA card for non-medical expenses?

Using Funds for Non-Medical Purposes Results in Penalties

Combined, an account holder's income tax and the 20 percent penalty could effectively be a 59.6 percent penalty for using funds in an HSA for non-medical expenses. (This is based on 2017's highest tax bracket of 39.6 percent.

What are three things you could use your HSA to pay for?

In addition to doctor bills, hospital stays and prescription drugs, HSAs can also pay for the following items, which might surprise you:
  • Over-the-counter medications.
  • Menstrual products.
  • Alternative treatments.
  • Travel for health care.
  • Dental and vision care.
  • Guide dogs.
  • Some insurance premiums.
  • Medicare costs.

New HSA & FSA Eligible Expenses | Healthcare Items to Buy Right Now

38 related questions found

Do I need to keep receipts for HSA?

The IRS requires that you keep receipts for all your Health Savings Account (HSA) spending. HSA distributions (money taken from an HSA account) are nontaxable, but only when the money is used to pay for qualified medical expenses.

What are approved HSA purchases?

Common IRS-Qualified Medical Expenses
  • Acupuncture.
  • Ambulance.
  • Artificial limbs.
  • Artificial teeth*
  • Birth control treatment.
  • Blood sugar test kits for diabetics.
  • Breast pumps and lactation supplies.
  • Chiropractor.

Can I buy gas with my HSA card?

Fuel is eligible for transportation to and from medical care, up to the allowed mileage rate. Fuel, gasoline for medical care reimbursement is eligible with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA) or a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA).

Can I use HSA for vitamins?

Generally, weight-loss supplements, nutritional supplements, and vitamins are used for general health and are not qualified HSA expenses.

Can I borrow from my HSA and pay it back?

No. You may not borrow against it or pledge the funds in it. If you borrowed from your HSA account for non-qualifying purchases and later "replace" the money in your HSA account, you may be subject to tax penalties on the ineligible amount withdrawn when filing your taxes.

Can you buy toilet paper with HSA?

On the counterpoint, let's take a quick look at some of the expenses that don't qualify for payment out of your HSA, even during the coronavirus pandemic: Babysitting and childcare costs for a normal, healthy child. Medicines and drugs from other countries. Personal care items like toilet paper and soap.

Can I buy toothpaste with HSA?

Toothpaste is not eligible for reimbursement 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).

Does the IRS monitor HSA accounts?

HSA spending may be subject to IRS audit.

Even if HSA funds were used for qualified medical expenses, the IRS may ask for proof that the funds were spent correctly. Because of this, it is a good idea to save receipts and keep careful records of how HSA funds are spent.

Can I withdraw HSA for non medical?

The funds in an HSA can be used for general non-medical purposes, without penalty, once the employee reaches age 65. Any withdrawn funds used for non-medical purposes are still subject to income taxes.

Can I use my HSA debit card on Amazon?

Q: Can I use my FSA or HSA cards on Amazon? Yes, you can add your FSA or HSA card as a payment option in Your Account by clicking here.

Can I buy shampoo with HSA?

While some exceptions may vary, shampoo is generally not eligible for reimbursement 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 Tylenol HSA eligible?

There are two common types of over-the-counter pain medications: acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), both of which are now among the eligible expenses available from an HSA and FSA.

Is ibuprofen HSA eligible?

Using My HSA to Purchase Advil Products

All OTC Advil products are eligible for use with your HSA funds at this time. Eligible products include Advil coated tablets, Advil Liqui-Gels and more.

Can you use HSA for deodorant?

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). What is deodorant?

Can I transfer money from my HSA to my bank account?

Online Transfer – On HSA Bank's Member Website, you can transfer funds from your HSA to an external bank account, such as a personal checking or savings account. There is a daily transfer limit of $2,500 to safeguard against fraudulent activity.

Can I use my HSA debit card at an ATM?

Health Benefits Debit Card – Your HSA Bank Health Benefits Debit Card provides access to your HSA funds at point-of-sale with signature or PIN and at ATMs for withdrawals.

Can you use HSA for gym membership 2021?

Can I use my HSA for a gym membership? Typically no. Unless you have a letter from your doctor stating that the membership is necessary to treat an injury or underlying health condition, such as obesity, a gym membership isn't a qualifying medical expense.

Are electric toothbrushes HSA eligible?

Electric 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 buy a heating pad with my HSA?

A heating pad is eligible for reimbursement with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), or a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA). A heating pad is not eligible with a dependent care flexible spending account (DCFSA) or a limited-purpose flexible spending account (LPFSA).

What proof is needed for HSA reimbursement?

Any money that comes out of an account must have documentation (like a receipt) to prove that the funds were used to pay for an eligible medical expense. This is required by the IRS.