Can you use HSA for over-the-counter medicine in 2024?
Asked by: Prof. Bella Strosin Sr. | Last update: March 21, 2025Score: 4.2/5 (4 votes)
Can you use HSA for OTC meds 2024?
In conclusion, utilizing an HSA for OTC medicine is indeed possible, but with the requirement of a prescription starting in 2024. By understanding the benefits, downsides, and distinctions between HSAs and FSAs, individuals can make informed choices to maximize their healthcare savings.
Can I use my HSA for over-the-counter medication?
Thanks to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, you can use your FSA or HSA funds to buy OTC medications. Those types of medications include: Cold, cough, and flu medicine. Heartburn medications.
Are vitamins HSA-eligible in 2024?
Vitamins and supplements generally aren't eligible if they're used to maintain general health. If you have a letter from your doctor saying a vitamin or supplement is needed to treat a condition, such as a vitamin deficiency, then the expense may qualify. Prenatal vitamins are HSA-eligible expenses.
When did OTC meds become HSA-eligible?
The FSA/HSA eligibility of OTC medicines and menstrual care products was included within the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Securities (CARES) Act passed in March 2020. View our FAQs for more background.
DWYM: Last two days to buy over the counter meds with HSA
Can you use HSA for Tylenol?
Did you know you can use your FSA and HSA benefits on eligible TYLENOL® Brand products? This is your reminder! Product eligibility may vary by plan. Check with your benefits administrator to determine which expenses are eligible before you shop.
What happens if I accidentally used my HSA card for groceries?
You can repay the incorrect distribution before filing your federal taxes for that tax year. However, if you do not correct the mistake, the unqualified amount will be subject to income tax, and you may also face an additional 20% tax penalty.
Can I use my HSA to pay for gym membership?
Generally, the IRS doesn't allow pretax dollars in HSAs or FSAs for gym memberships. This is because they see them as expenses for general well-being rather than medical necessity. However, with a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN), your HSA or FSA could be used to fund those expenses.
What are the HSA limits for 2024?
For 2024, the annual contribution limits on deductions for HSAs for individuals with self-only coverage is $4,150 (increase of $300) and $8,300 for family coverage (increase of $550). There is an additional contribution amount of $1,000 for taxpayers who are age 55 or older.
Is the Apple Watch HSA eligible?
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 buy OTC vitamins with HSA?
What vitamins and nutritional supplements are FSA/HSA eligible? With this IRS definition in mind, daily multivitamins and most dietary supplements are currently not FSA/HSA eligible.
Is teeth cleaning covered by HSA?
Your HSA also covers expenses for standard dental cleanings and dental check-ups. One thing to keep in mind is that some of these procedures may have a co-payment, so it's important that you check with your dental insurance provider to find out exactly what you'll have to pay out of pocket.
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).
Is Tums HSA eligible?
You can also use your health savings account (HSA) to purchase antacids like TUMS without a prescription. TUMS products can be purchased with HSA funds. This includes TUMS Chewy Bites, TUMS Ultra Strength, TUMS Regular Strength and all other TUMS varieties.
Can I buy bandaids with HSA?
OTC items include, but are not limited to band aids, bandages and wraps, braces and supports, catheters, contact lens solutions and supplies, contraceptives and family planning items, denture adhesives, diagnostic tests and monitors, diabetic supplies and testing, first aid supplies, peroxide, and rubbing alcohol.
Are tampons HSA eligible?
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…”
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.
What qualifies as a high-deductible health plan in 2024?
For calendar year 2024, a “high deductible health plan” is defined under § 223(c)(2)(A) as a health plan with an annual deductible that is not less than $1,600 for self-only coverage or $3,200 for family coverage, and for which the annual out-of-pocket expenses (deductibles, co-payments, and other amounts, but not ...
How to max out HSA?
A good strategy is to contribute enough to the HSA to cover the next year or more of out-of-pocket medical expenses. Contributing the maximum annual contribution and investing for the long term is the best way to get the most benefit from your HSA.
What if I accidentally used my HSA card for groceries?
If you've mistakenly used HSA funds for nonqualified expenses, you must repay the distribution amount back into your HSA by the tax filing deadline for the year in which the distribution occurred. By reimbursing your HSA, you can avoid the income tax and the 20% penalty on nonqualified distributions.
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.)
Are electric toothbrushes HSA eligible?
To qualify, the electric toothbrush must be prescribed by a dentist to treat a specific dental condition. Routine electric toothbrushes for general oral hygiene are usually not eligible.
How does IRS know what you spend HSA on?
Verification of expenses is not required for HSAs. However, total withdrawals from your HSA are reported to the IRS on Form 1099-SA. You are responsible for reporting qualified and non-qualified withdrawals when completing your taxes.
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.
What if I never use the money in my HSA?
Myth #2: If I don't spend all my funds this year, I lose it. Reality: HSA funds never expire. When it comes to the HSA, there's no use-it-or-lose-it rule. Unlike Flexible Spending Account (FSA) funds, you keep your HSA dollars forever, even if you change employers, health plans, or retire.