Can you use HSA for medical equipment?

Asked by: Summer Trantow  |  Last update: August 11, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (3 votes)

Medical equipment is eligible for reimbursement with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA) and a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA).

What can an HSA not be used for?

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 I use my HSA card to buy adult diapers?

Items that have the yellow badge on them are registered in the national database of qualified FSA/HSA items, and can be sold in pharmacies, drug stores, and wherever medical supplies are sold, but the fact is that all adult cloth diapers, regardless of color or print, are qualified FSA and HSA approved items.

Can I use my HSA to buy a smart watch?

Even though Fitbits and Apple Watches measure important health data, they currently do not qualify for HSA reimbursement, as they are considered for general health use and not intended to treat or manage a specific medical condition.

Can I use my HSA to buy a toothbrush?

Unfortunately, most products for oral health care are not currently eligible medical expenses for FSA and HSA spending.

New HSA Rules in 2025 You Need to Know

27 related questions found

Can HSA be used 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.

Can I buy deodorant with HSA?

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).

Can skincare be purchased with HSA?

This means that any skin care costs that count towards your deductible, such as prescription medications or dermatologist visits, can be paid for using HSA funds.

Is fitness equipment HSA eligible?

You can buy a wide range of athletic gear and medical supplies with FSA/HSA dollars. This includes electrolyte packs, medicine, muscle rubs, KT Tape, glasses, contacts, and more. Much fitness equipment is also covered. But you may need a note from your doctor telling your insurance why you need them.

Can I buy Gatorade with HSA?

You can grab a pack of ORS using your HSA or FSA funds without a prescription. However, rehydration sports drinks (think Gatorade) and electrolyte solutions containing additional additives (such as caffeine, immunity boosters, or the like) are not eligible.

Are car seats HSA eligible?

Car Seats: HSA Eligibility

Car seats are not eligible for reimbursement with a flexible spending account (FSA), limited-purpose flexible spending account (LPFSA), dependent care flexible spending account (DCFSA), health savings account (HSA) or a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA).

Can I use HSA for massage?

Your HSA can pay for massage therapy, though you'll likely need a letter of medical necessity (LMN) from your doctor. An LMN states what condition the treatment is for, how many sessions you need, and any other relevant details. An HSA may also be used on alternative or holistic treatments, such as: Massage therapy.

Is potty training HSA eligible?

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs): These accounts allow you to pay for potty training consultations directly. Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or 504 plans: If your child's potty training struggles impact their education, these plans may cover professional help.

What is the downside of an HSA?

Drawbacks of HSAs include tax penalties for nonmedical expenses before age 65, and contributions made to the HSA within six months of applying for Social Security benefits may be subject to penalties. HSAs have fewer limitations and more tax advantages than flexible spending accounts (FSAs).

Can I use HSA for glasses?

Yes! You can definitely use funds from your flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA) to purchase prescription glasses. (FSAs and HSAs can be used for many other vision- and eye health-related expenses, too, but we'll discuss that more in a bit.)

What is the 12 month rule for HSA?

It means you must remain eligible for the HSA until December 31 of the following year. The only exceptions are death or disability. If you violate the testing period requirement, your ineligible contributions become taxable income.

Can I use HSA for medical equipment?

Under IRC 213(d)(1), "medical care includes amounts paid for the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, or for the purpose of affecting any structure or function of the body." This includes medical equipment, supplies and devices.

Can I use HSA to buy a Peloton?

Yes. A medical practitioner can issue a Letter of Medical Necessity to a patient who meets the requirements to qualify to use HSA/FSA funds on health and wellness purchases, as set forth by the Internal Revenue Service.

Can you use HSA for sneakers?

Running shoes may be an eligible expense for your HSA or FSA, if they help to manage or prevent a medical condition.

Can I use HSA for vitamins?

In general, vitamins are not considered an HSA eligible expense unless they are prescribed by a doctor for a specific medical condition. For example, if your doctor prescribes prenatal vitamins during pregnancy or recommends vitamin D supplements to treat a deficiency, those could be eligible expenses under your HSA.

Can I buy tampons with HSA?

Yes! Thanks to the CARES Act, tampons are now considered a “medical expense.” That means you can use pre-tax income to pay for them through your HSA. More questions about tampons?

Can I buy shampoo with HSA?

Over-the-counter toiletries or personal hygiene items which may include, but are not limited to shampoo, toothpaste, conditioners, hand creams, deodorant, shaving cream, razors, dental floss, body powders, hair gels/sprays, make-up, nail polish accessories, soap, mouthwash, etc., are not reimbursable.

Can I use HSA on diapers?

As previously mentioned, diapers are not considered qualified medical expenses under the current IRS guidelines. Therefore, attempting to use HSA funds for diapers may result in penalties or tax liabilities.

Are electric toothbrushes HSA eligible?

Routine electric toothbrushes for general oral hygiene are usually not eligible.

Are massages HSA eligible?

Massage Therapy: HSA Eligibility

Massage Therapy may be eligible for reimbursement with a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) with flexible spending accounts (FSA), health savings accounts (HSA) and health reimbursement arrangements (HRA).