Can you use HSA for protein powder?

Asked by: Carey Jerde  |  Last update: October 5, 2023
Score: 5/5 (45 votes)

Generally, protein powder or protein bars for general health and fitness purposes would not be eligible for HSA reimbursement.

Can I use HSA to pay for supplements?

According to the IRS, you cannot use your HSA to pay for vitamins or supplements that are taken for general health. However, you can use your HSA to pay for vitamins or supplements that have been recommended by a health professional to treat or prevent a specific condition.

Is protein powder covered by FSA?

Protein shakes are considered nutritional supplements, and unfortunately you cannot use your flexible spending account (FSA) towards these. We get many questions about FSA eligibility at FSAstore.com, as people often wonder why protein powder is not considered an FSA eligible expense.

Can you buy weights with HSA?

For example, a physician might prescribe weight training or aerobic activity to lower blood pressure. He or she could write a letter of medical necessity, also known as an "LMN", allowing the patient to purchase free weights or an elliptical using HSA/FSA funds.

Can I use my HSA at the gym?

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.

Does Protein Powder Work? (Spoiler: YES, but there's a catch)

27 related questions found

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.

Is toothbrush HSA eligible?

Toothbrushes are not eligible for reimbursement with flexible spending accounts (FSA), health savings accounts (HSA), health reimbursement accounts (HRA), dependent care flexible spending accounts and limited-purpose flexible spending accounts (LPFSA) because they are general health products.

Can I buy a peloton with my HSA?

Can I buy a Peloton bike with my HSA? Can I use my HSA for a gym membership? Treadmills, gym memberships, and peloton bikes are not eligible HSA or FSA expenses. However, if you have a Letter of Medical Necessity from your doctor that requires you to exercise, you might be able to use HSA or FSA funds for those.

Can I buy workout shoes with HSA?

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) can be great cost-savings tools. You can use them to reimburse yourself for eligible health care, medical aids, and even diabetic footwear or orthopedic shoes.

Can I use HSA for exercise bike?

Exercise equipment used for general health and wellbeing is not eligible for reimbursement.

Is protein powder covered by insurance?

In general, insurance companies do not cover the cost of protein shakes for general health and wellness purposes. However, if you have a medical condition that requires additional protein, such as malnutrition or a muscle-wasting disease, your insurance may cover the cost of protein shakes.

Are any protein powders FDA approved?

Under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act, no dietary supplements, including protein powders, are regulated by the FDA to make sure they are safe or effective. There is also no requirement that supplements be tested to make sure they contain what the labels say they contain.

Can I use my FSA for nutritional supplements?

Nutritional supplements may be eligible with a Letter of Medical Necessity for reimbursement with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), 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…”

Can I use my HSA for healthy food?

No, you can't use your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) for straight food purchases like meat, produce and dairy. But you can use them for some nutrition-related products and services. To review, tax-advantaged accounts have regulatory restrictions on eligible products and services.

Why does HSA not cover vitamins?

They are not always deemed a qualified expense. If your vitamins are not prescribed by a doctor or used to treat a specific condition, your purchase most likely won't be FSA or HSA eligible.

Can you use HSA at Sephora?

No, Sephora does not accept FSA or HSA cards in-store or online at Sephora.com. However, if you happened to buy FSA eligible sunscreen from Sephora, save your receipt and reimburse yourself!

Can I buy Hoka shoes with my HSA?

Yes, orthopedic and therapeutic footwear products qualify as a medical expense through an HSA or FSA account and can be reimbursed through your provider accounts.

What can I pay for with HSA?

You can use HSA funds to pay for deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, and other qualified medical expenses. Withdrawals to pay eligible medical expenses are tax-free. Unspent HSA funds roll over from year to year, allowing you to build tax-free savings to pay for medical care later.

Can I use HSA money to buy a treadmill?

Treadmill: HSA Eligibility

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).

Can I use HSA for Botox?

Botox: HSA Eligibility

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

Can I use my HSA card 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 use my HSA to buy a Waterpik?

Waterpiks are eligible for reimbursement with flexible spending accounts (FSA), health savings accounts (HSA), health reimbursement accounts (HRA) and limited-purpose flexible spending accounts with a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN).

Does HSA cover sunscreen?

Sunscreen: HSA Eligibility. Sunscreen is 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 buy acne products with HSA?

You can use your HSA or FSA to put your best face forward. Because acne is considered a medical problem and not a cosmetic problem, you can purchase acne cleansers, gel and creams, even at-home light therapy kits with your benefits debit card. Use it, too, for visits to a dermatologist to assess or treat acne.