Can you use HSA funds on services not covered by insurance?

Asked by: Dr. Fidel Bergnaum II  |  Last update: November 7, 2023
Score: 4.9/5 (46 votes)

You can use your HSA to fund big bills, like braces. It can also help cover routine dental needs, like cleanings and fluoride treatments. Your health insurance might not cover a new pair of eyeglasses or your contact lens solution, but those expenses are qualified. Even better: so is laser eye surgery.

Can I use HSA for medical expenses not covered by insurance?

Be sure to present your insurance ID card. If your health care provider requires a deposit, it will be applied to your invoice. Your health plan has a network of providers that it recommends, however you can use HSA funds to pay any qualified medical expense even if it is not covered by your insurance.

Can you spend HSA money on anything?

If you have money in your HSA when you turn 65, you can spend it on anything you want — but if you aren't spending it for a qualified medical expense it will be taxed as income at your then current tax rate. You can use HSA funds to pay for deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, and other qualified medical expenses.

Can my wife use my HSA if she's not on my insurance?

The IRS allows you to use your HSA to pay for eligible expenses for your spouse, children or anyone who is listed as a dependent on your tax return. That's true whether you have individual coverage or family coverage with an HSA through your health plan.

Can I use my HSA for gym membership?

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.

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

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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.

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 I use my HSA for car repair?

What's Next. So now you withdraw the money you need — still tax-free — from your HSA and use the money to pay the repair shop. This is perfectly legal under HSA rules.

Can I use my 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 an HSA be used for massage therapy?

Massage Therapy is eligible for reimbursement through most FSA's and HSA's. Some do require a Letter of Medical Necessity from your doctor, but this means you can potentially be reimbursed from your insurance for your massage from us!

Can I use my HSA to pay rent?

For people who don't generally get sick or spend a lot on medical expenses, an HSA can still prove beneficial. If necessary, you can withdraw money from your HSA for non-medical things, but Hogan doesn't recommend it. If you use your HSA to pay rent or get a new dye job, you will end up being taxed.

Can I pay vet bills with HSA?

HSA funds can't be used to pay for a normal pet's veterinary care, prescriptions, or other medical expenses. However, HSAs can be used to pay for healthcare costs for service animals, because those expenses are related to people's disabilities.

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 you pay for toothpaste with HSA?

While it seems like they would fit under the dental care umbrella, general self-care items like toothpaste, toothbrushes, and floss are not FSA or HSA eligible. Same goes for specialized or medicated toothpastes. Here's a short (and not exhaustive list) of items that are not eligible for reimbursement: Braces wax.

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 buy Gatorade with my HSA card?

Rehydration sports drinks, such as Gatorade, and solution with dietary supplements other than electrolytes are not eligible.

Can you buy a car seat with HSA?

Although required for the protection of young children, car seats do not qualify as medical care and are therefore not eligible.

Should I pay out of pocket or use HSA?

Remember, unlikeflexible spending accounts, HSAs donotrequire you to use up your balance every year. Those funds can be carried forward as long as you like, so if you're able to cover your healthcare expenses out of pocket, it's best to leave that money alone and let it grow.

What happens if you accidentally pay for groceries with HSA card?

If you realize you've made a mistake and want to correct it, simply return the money to your HSA and you will avoid the additional penalty. If you do not return the money to your HSA, it will be counted as taxable income, and even worse, you'll have to pay a 20% penalty.

Why is my HSA card being declined when I have money?

The decline may be due to the following reasons: Your purchase wasn't considered a qualified medical expense under your HSA plan. Your HSA balance was too low to cover the transaction.

Can I use HSA for emotional support dog?

The HSA can cover the cost of purchasing, training, and maintaining your emotional support animal. If you are enrolled in a high-deductible health plan (HDHP), you are eligible to open and contribute to a health savings account.

Can you buy a service dog with HSA?

The cost for a service animal that is required for medical care is eligible with a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) for reimbursement with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA).

Can I use HSA for dog surgery?

No, you cannot. If you do, you'll pay regular taxes plus a 10% additional tax if you use it for anything non-human and/or non-medical.

Can I use my 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.