Can you use HSA for reading glasses?

Asked by: Prof. Winston Schoen  |  Last update: March 16, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (62 votes)

Overall, reading glasses are eligible for FSA/HSA coverage, much like all your other eyewear, including prescription eyeglasses, contact lenses, prescription sunglasses, eye exam copays, and deductibles.

Are reading glasses covered under HSA?

Both FSAs and HSAs are there to help you save for necessary medical expenses. Reading glasses—even over-the-counter reading glasses—qualify as medical expenses under most FSA and HSA plans.

Are reading glasses a medical expense?

The money spent on reading or prescription eyeglasses can be considered a tax-deductible medical expense. By categorizing glasses under "medical expenses" and itemizing deductions on form 104, Schedule A, you may be able to lower your tax burden.

Can I use HSA to pay for readers?

HSA funds can be used to purchase both prescription and non-prescription readers and reading sunglasses. Non-prescription reading glasses are HSA-eligible expenses because they provide vision correction.

Are reading glasses OTC approved?

OTC reading glasses don't require a prescription from your optometrist. Instead, they have different levels of magnification. Most are between +0.50 and +5.00.

Can You Use HSA/FSA Funds on Prescription Eyewear? | SportRx

40 related questions found

Are OTC reading glasses FSA eligible?

Reading glasses are also FSA eligible, and you don't need a prescription to make them yours with FSA funds.

Are reading glasses considered a medical device?

As mentioned above, sunglasses and reading glasses are considered by the FDA to be Class 1 medical devices, requiring no FDA pre-market approval. This exemption, however, extends only to claims of use and performance previously authorized by the FDA.

Can HSA 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.

Can HSA account be used for vision?

Health savings accounts (HSAs) and flexible spending accounts (FSAs) provide tax advantages that can help you pay for common vision and eye care costs your insurance may not cover. Eligible vision expenses include eye exams, prescription glasses, and contact lenses.

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…”

Can I claim my reading glasses?

Glasses & Contacts

Unfortunately, you can't claim tax back for routine eye care, such as vision tests or buying glasses or contact lenses. However, the good news is if you pay PRSI, you can get the cost of a sight test covered through the Treatment Benefit Scheme.

Are sunglasses HSA-eligible?

Yes. You can use your HSA to purchase sunglasses if you receive a prescription from a doctor. An HSA is paired with a high-deductible health plan (HDHP). This has a minimum annual deductible for an individual or family.

Can I claim my reading glasses on tax?

We're often asked if prescription reading glasses are tax deductible. The answer is no. Reading glasses are considered a medical or personal expense. Glasses cannot be claimed in your tax return unless it's protective wear such as sunglasses, or the kinds of safety eye protection used on worksites etc.

Can HSA be used 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.

What is HSA glasses?

Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA) are tax-advantaged accounts that allow you to save money for qualified health expenses, including eyewear. These accounts can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs for prescription glasses and contact lenses.

Can I use my HSA for dental?

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.

Is deodorant HSA eligible?

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).

Are toothbrushes HSA eligible?

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

Can I buy vitamins with HSA?

In general, vitamins are not considered an HSA eligible expense unless they are prescribed by a doctor for a specific medical condition.

Can I use HSA to buy Apple Watch?

Why other fitness trackers don't qualify. 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.

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 HSA for Invisalign?

Many patients are surprised to learn that you can use your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Spending Account (HSA) to pay for orthodontic treatment, including braces and Invisalign, for children and adults, which makes this the “most wonderful time of the year” to get started on your dream smile.

Are reading glasses covered by insurance?

Generally, health insurance typically does not cover the costs of reading glasses considered as simple visual aids. However, there are exceptions and individual regulations that can vary from one health insurance provider to another.

Why are reading glasses not prescription?

In other words, if you have myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism, a pair of prescription glasses will correct those vision issues by using specialized lenses that redirect light to the front of your retina. It's impossible for reading glasses to do this since they only provide magnification.

Can I buy OTC reading glasses?

You'll find over-the-counter (OTC) reading glasses at most pharmacies, discount stores, and online retailers. These are readers that do not require a verified prescription from your eye doctor.