Can I use my HSA to pay for a wig?

Asked by: Ally Rowe MD  |  Last update: January 5, 2024
Score: 4.7/5 (40 votes)

But the best news is that medical wig is eligible for reimbursement using your HSA. To do so, simply obtain a Letter of Medical Necessity from your doctor prior to buying your wig.

Can I buy a wig with HSA?

Thankfully, you can purchase wigs with your HSA if you have a Letter of Medical Necessity from your doctor confirming that a wig is beneficial for your mental health.

Are wigs covered by health insurance?

Your Coverage Depends on Your Insurance Plan

Most insurance companies will cover between 80-100% of the cost for your full cranial prosthesis and will allow you to receive one cranial prosthesis per year for medical hair loss. Depending on your insurance, your prosthesis may also be a tax deductible medical expense.

Can you use HSA card for hair loss?

Hair regrowth or removal 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).

Can you use HSA on condoms?

You can use your FSA or HSA funds to pay for birth control pills and condoms. You can also use them for erectile dysfunction (ED) medications like Viagra®.

What expenses can I use my HSA for?

18 related questions found

Can I use HSA for gym membership?

Physical therapy is an approved medical expense. 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.

Can I buy makeup with HSA card?

Makeup is a cosmetic product, and therefore it 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).

Can you buy hair products with HSA?

In the vast majority of cases, shampoo is not eligible for reimbursement with consumer-directed healthcare accounts, as the IRS has ruled that these products are only used to support a person's "general health" and not required to treat or prevent a specific medical condition.

Can I use my HSA for waxing?

Hair removal is a cosmetic medical procedure and are therefore ineligible for reimbursement with a consumer-directed healthcare account. Hair removal may be conducted through a variety of functions including electrolysis, waxing, sugaring, epilation, and threading.

Can HSA be used for hair plugs?

Hair removal and transplants are cosmetic medical procedures and are therefore ineligible for reimbursement with a consumer-directed healthcare account. In very limited circumstances, transplants for hair loss considered a deformity due to a medical condition could be eligilble with a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN).

Can I claim a wig?

According to the Taxation Ruling TR93/34 you should be able to add the cost of your wig to your medical claims. Below are some quotes from the ATO website relating to the Income Tax: Medical Expense Rebate (Taxation Ruling TR93/34).

What is a medical necessity for a wig?

Health insurance companies vary in their willingness to cover or contribute toward a medically necessary wig. Medical reasons for needing a wig or hairpiece include long-term and short-term hair loss, such as chemotherapy, alopecia areata and trichotillomania.

Can you get free wigs?

Many local chapters of the American Cancer Society (ACS) provide free wigs through their wig banks. In order to determine if a chapter near you has no-cost wigs available, visit the ACS page for locating events and resources in your area.

Is a wig a medical expense?

Your wig may qualify as a tax write-off if certain medical requirements are met. The wig must be prescribed by a medical professional for hair loss related to a medical condition or treatment such as: Alopecia. Chemotherapy.

What is not covered under HSA?

Generally, you can't use your HSA to pay for expenses that don't meaningfully promote the proper function of the body or prevent or treat illness or disease. Nutritional supplements and weight loss programs not prescribed by a physician are examples of expenses that would not be covered by your HSA.

Is deodorant on HSA?

Preventative care that is not doctor prescribed is not always HSA eligible. Some examples of common healthcare expenses that fall into this category are: Vitamins, nutritional, and herbal supplements for general health. Personal hygiene items such as toothpaste and deodorant.

Does HSA cover massage?

Massage Therapy is eligible for reimbursement through most FSA's and HSA's. Some do require a Letter of Medical Necessity from your doctor, but this means you can potentially be reimbursed from your insurance for your massage from us! You just need a note from your primary care physician.

Can you use HSA for Apple Watch?

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.

Why is toothpaste not HSA eligible?

Toothpaste is considered to be a “general health” item by the IRS, and items that are used to maintain general good health do not qualify.

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…”

Can you pay for laser hair with HSA?

Unfortunately, cosmetic surgery isn't an approved Medicare expense. That means you will have to pay for 100% of the costs unless it's medically necessary. You also can't use your HSA or FSA to pay for laser hair removal.

Does Sephora take HSA?

Does Sephora accept FSA or HSA cards online or in-store? No, Sephora does not accept FSA or HSA cards in-store or online at Sephora.com.

Can I buy sunglasses on HSA?

The good news is that you can, in fact, use money from a health savings account (HSA) to buy sunglasses – as long as your doctor recommends or prescribes them to treat or prevent a specific medical condition.

Can I use my HSA for tattoo removal?

Does insurance cover tattoo removal? No. Since tattoo removal is considered cosmetic surgery, you can't get insurance coverage or use FSA or HSA funds to pay for the procedure.