Can you buy vitamins with an FSA?
Asked by: Mr. Ruben Daugherty | Last update: October 17, 2025Score: 4.8/5 (12 votes)
What vitamins are covered by FSA?
For instance, prenatal vitamins are FSA/HSA eligible, as they help prevent birth defects and support fetal development, while glucosamine/chondroitin supplements are also eligible when used to treat arthritis. However, in some cases, doctors may prescribe a specific vitamin supplement to treat a medical condition.
Why are vitamins not FSA approved?
Most vitamins and supplements are not eligible with an FSA or HSA because the IRS considers them for general good health.
What medical supplies are FSA eligible?
- Home healthcare: Thermometers, pain relief devices, blood pressure monitors, medical alert devices, blood sugar test kits, and more.
- Over-the-counter (OTC) medications: For cough, cold, allergies, pain relief, and more.
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.
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Can FSA pay 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.
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 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.
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.
Is Tylenol FSA eligible?
Can I buy OTC medicine such as Tylenol and Tums with my FSA or HSA? Yes. You can buy OTC medicine such as Tylenol and Tums with your FSA or HSA.
How do I get my FSA to pay for supplements?
Talk with your physician about your specific health issues, and request a note or letter detailing the medical necessity of the vitamin or supplement. Then, purchase the vitamin or supplement recommended, and submit the itemized receipt along with a copy of the doctor's note for reimbursement to your FSA plan.
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 toothbrushes FSA eligible?
Brush-Up on FSAs and HSAs
However, current law does not recognize certain oral healthcare products — such as manual toothbrushes, electric toothbrushes, water flossers, mouthwash, or OTC anti-cavity toothpaste — as “qualified medical expenses.”
Can I buy a Fitbit with my FSA?
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).
Is sunscreen FSA eligible?
You can use your flexible spending account (FSA) to buy broad-spectrum sunscreens with a minimum SPF of 15 using pretax dollars. A variety of items that offer sun protection, including lip balms, lotions, and moisturizers, might also qualify for these funds. Many FSA plans offer debit cards to make using funds easier.
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.
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.
Is ChapStick an FSA item?
You can use your FSA tax-preferred savings account to purchase OTC products including ChapStick® without a prescription. HSA/FSA eligibility is not applicable to products sold on the online ChapStick® store.
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.
Are massages FSA eligible?
If you have a Flex Spending Account (FSA), you may not be aware that Massage Therapy can qualify as a medical expense. If massage therapy services are prescribed by your physician then you can use your FSA account to pay for these services.
Can I use my FSA to buy a treadmill?
If you have a letter from a medical professional stating that exercise equipment is a medical necessity, your FSA can cover it.
Is lotion FSA eligible?
Sunscreens that are SPF 15 and above and provide broad spectrum protection are FSA eligible — including lotions, sprays, powders, and baby sunscreen products.
Is there a downside to FSA?
Use-it-or-lose-it refers to an IRS requirement that if you do not spend all the money you have elected into your account, that money remaining in an FSA after March 15 of the following year will be forfeited because it cannot be rolled over or refunded to you.
Can I use FSA for dental?
Flexible spending accounts (FSAs) allow employees to make tax-free contributions for various medical or dental expenses. Distributions are free, provided they are used for qualified medical expenses. In most circumstances, you can use your FSA for non-cosmetic dental procedures.
Do I have to pay back my flexible spending account if I quit?
If you leave your company, try to use your FSA funds before you go because you don't have to pay the company back for the difference between what you spent and what you paid in, says Erik O. Klumpp, CFP, founder, and president of Chessie Advisors, LLC.