Can you pay for over-the-counter drugs with HSA account?

Asked by: Trisha Monahan  |  Last update: September 9, 2023
Score: 4.1/5 (37 votes)

Thanks to the CARES Act, you can use your HSA funds to buy over-the-counter medications without a prescription. Prior to the passage of the act, these items were only eligible for reimbursement with a prescription.

Can I use my HSA to buy over-the-counter medication?

Yes. You can buy OTC medicine like Tylenol and Tums with your FSA or HSA. But this hasn't always been the case. OTC drugs did not count as a qualified medical expense for HSAs unless you had a prescription.

Can I use my HSA account to pay for prescriptions?

Yes! Prescriptions are approved medical expenses, so you can use your HSA to pay for prescriptions whether you use ScriptHero or your insurance. You can find a list of IRS-qualified HSA uses here if needed. Compare prices at pharmacies near you to start saving today!

Can I buy Tylenol with HSA?

Acetaminophen, the primary ingredient found in Tylenol, is an eligible OTC item. Acetaminophen reimbursement is eligible with an FSA account, HSA or HRA.

How do I pay for medicine with HSA?

Using your HSA for prescription drugs

Many HSAs come with a debit card, so you can use that to pay for your prescription. If you don't have an HSA debit card or choose not to use it, you can pay as you usually would — just remember to save the receipt as a record for your self-reimbursement from your HSA.

The Real TRUTH About An HSA - Health Savings Account Insane Benefits

37 related questions found

Can I buy vitamins with HSA?

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 I cash out my HSA?

You can withdraw funds from your HSA anytime. But keep in mind that if you use HSA funds for any reason other than to pay for a qualified medical expense, those funds will be taxed as ordinary income, and the IRS will impose a 20% penalty.

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 I use my HSA for cold sore medicine?

Cold sore treatment is an eligible over-the-counter (OTC) medicine with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA) or a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA).

Can ibuprofen be paid from HSA?

Yes, you can use your Health Savings Account (HSA) to purchase over-the-counter drugs without a prescription from your physician. Use your HSA for all Advil products.

What can I not spend HSA on?

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.

Can you buy toilet paper with HSA?

Toiletries are 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). What are toiletries?

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 cough drops with HSA?

Cough drops are eligible for reimbursement with flexible spending accounts (FSA), health savings accounts (HSA), and health reimbursement accounts (HRA). They are not eligible for reimbursement with dependent care flexible spending accounts and limited-purpose flexible spending accounts (LPFSA).

Can I use HSA card at CVS?

CVS. Shop an assortment of qualified items for purchase with your HSA or FSA card.

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).

What happens if you use your HSA card for something else?

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 use my HSA to buy Nyquil?

Cold medicine is an eligible over-the-counter (OTC) drug with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA) or a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA).

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…”

Is Apple Watch HSA eligible?

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 buy a treadmill with my HSA?

A treadmill may be eligible for reimbursement with a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA) and health reimbursement arrangement (HRA).

Are probiotics HSA eligible?

How are probiotics eligible for reimbursement? If a medical professional recommends probiotic supplements as a means of treating a specific medical condition, a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) is required to reimburse the amount under an FSA, HSA, or HRA.

Does HSA money expire?

Your HSA contributions don't expire. The money stays in the HSA until you use it. expenses for your spouse and dependents, even if your high deductible health plan doesn't cover them. ∎ HSA doesn't go away if job changes.

Can I use my HSA card at ATM?

Can I use my HSA Bank Health Benefit Debit Card at an ATM? You can use your HSA card at an ATM to reimburse yourself for eligible expenses paid out-of-pocket. (A transaction fee may apply. See your HSA Bank Fee and Interest Rate Schedule.)

How do I prove HSA expenses?

Hold on to any insurance carrier's Explanation of Benefits (EOB) statement that documents your expenses for services covered under your HSA-eligible health plan. Keep receipts for all other items purchased with your HSA, for example, vision and dental services.