Do vitamins qualify for FSA?

Asked by: Erna Gleason  |  Last update: November 3, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (14 votes)

Key takeaways: Vitamins and supplements bought over the counter for general health reasons are typically not a qualified medical expense under IRS rules. You may be eligible to buy certain vitamins with your health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA), if used to treat a medical condition.

Are any vitamins covered under FSA?

Today, the only vitamin supplements covered by FSAs and health savings accounts (HSAs) are glucosamine and chondroitin supplements for joint pain issues, and prenatal vitamins to help prevent birth defects and complications.

How do I get my FSA to pay for supplements?

Talk with your physician about your specific health issues, and request a note or letter detailing the medical necessity of the vitamin or supplement. Then, purchase the vitamin or supplement recommended, and submit the itemized receipt along with a copy of the doctor's note for reimbursement to your FSA plan.

Do vitamins qualify for HSA?

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

What medical supplies are FSA eligible?

Categories of FSA-eligible items
  • Home healthcare: Thermometers, pain relief devices, blood pressure monitors, medical alert devices, blood sugar test kits, and more.
  • Over-the-counter (OTC) medications: For cough, cold, allergies, pain relief, and more.

Do vitamins qualify for FSA?

28 related questions found

Are Apple watches FSA eligible?

Likely not. While your Apple Watch, Garmin, or other tracker may offer you some insight—and maybe even some encouragement—to stay on top of your fitness routine, they are not typically considered medical devices for purposes of FSA and HSA funds.

Is Tylenol FSA eligible?

Can I buy OTC medicine such as Tylenol and Tums with my FSA or HSA? Yes. You can buy OTC medicine such as Tylenol and Tums with your FSA or HSA.

Are probiotics FSA eligible?

How are probiotics eligible for reimbursement? If a medical professional recommends probiotic supplements as a means of treating a specific medical condition, a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) is required to reimburse the amount under an FSA, HSA, or HRA.

Is deodorant FSA eligible?

For example, daily care products, like Vaseline, toothpaste, and deodorant, are not FSA-eligible expenses. Gym memberships and health insurance premiums aren't eligible either. It's possible that you may accidentally purchase a nonqualifying expense with your FSA funds.

Are tampons FSA eligible?

Feminine hygiene products: Pads, liners, and tampons all qualify as FSA-eligible expenses. The end of the year is a good chance to stock up if you need to. Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain medications such as Aleve, Tylenol, and generic versions of the drugs are available for purchase through FSA funds.

Is toilet paper FSA eligible?

Here are examples of items and expenses that are not FSA-eligible for 2024: General health items: toiletries like toothpaste, toilet paper, or shampoo, cosmetic products, vitamins and supplements (without a prescription) Non-medical equipment: car seats, strollers, non-medical exercise equipment.

Is biotin FSA eligible?

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

Are electrolytes FSA eligible?

Electrolyte replacements for the prevention or treatment of dehydration that do not contain added supplements are eligible for reimbursement with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA) or a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA).

Is sunscreen FSA eligible?

You can use your flexible spending account (FSA) to buy broad-spectrum sunscreens with a minimum SPF of 15 using pretax dollars. A variety of items that offer sun protection, including lip balms, lotions, and moisturizers, might also qualify for these funds. Many FSA plans offer debit cards to make using funds easier.

Does FSA cover 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.

Are toothbrushes FSA eligible?

Brush-Up on FSAs and HSAs

However, current law does not recognize certain oral healthcare products — such as manual toothbrushes, electric toothbrushes, water flossers, mouthwash, or OTC anti-cavity toothpaste — as “qualified medical expenses.”

Does ChapStick count for FSA?

You can use your FSA tax-preferred savings account to purchase OTC products including ChapStick® without a prescription. HSA/FSA eligibility is not applicable to products sold on the online ChapStick® store.

Are pee pads FSA eligible?

To be eligible for FSA coverage, incontinence supplies must be deemed medically necessary. This means that you'll need a healthcare provider's diagnosis confirming the need for these supplies to manage the symptoms of incontinence. Without the proper documentation from your doctor, reimbursement may not be possible.

Can I use FSA for dental?

You can use funds in your FSA to pay for certain medical and dental expenses for you, your spouse if you're married, and your dependents. You can spend FSA funds to pay deductibles and copayments, but not for insurance premiums.

Is toothpaste FSA eligible?

Toothpaste is considered to be a “general health” item by the IRS, and items that are used to maintain general good health do not qualify. (Dental Health Foundation).

What vitamins are covered by FSA?

For instance, prenatal vitamins are FSA/HSA eligible, as they help prevent birth defects and support fetal development, while glucosamine/chondroitin supplements are also eligible when used to treat arthritis. However, in some cases, doctors may prescribe a specific vitamin supplement to treat a medical condition.

Is melatonin FSA eligible?

Are Melatonin Gummies FSA-Eligible? No form of melatonin — whether gummies, tablets, capsules or liquid — currently has FSA eligibility without a doctor's certification.

Is mouthwash FSA eligible?

Over-the-counter items (OTC) items are not eligible for reimbursement if they are normally used for general health or are used even when there is not a medical condition being treated (such as toothpaste, mouthwash, shampoo, lotion or moisturizer that also contains sunscreen) or are cosmetic in nature (teeth whitening ...

Are Tums FSA eligible?

You can use your FSA tax-preferred savings account to purchase antacid products including TUMS without a prescription.

Is an HSA or FSA better?

Bottom line: Both HSAs and FSAs provide financial benefits for managing health care expenses. HSAs offer more flexibility and long-term growth potential, making them a valuable tool for future financial planning. Learn about HSA options from Aetna.