Does FSA cover COVID?

Asked by: Manuela Koepp  |  Last update: February 1, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (75 votes)

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service reminds taxpayers today that the cost of home testing for COVID-19 is an eligible medical expense that can be paid or reimbursed under health flexible spending arrangements (health FSAs), health savings accounts (HSAs), health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs), or Archer ...

Are COVID tests covered by FSA?

On September 10, 2021, the IRS reminded taxpayers that amounts paid for COVID-19 home test kits are eligible to be paid or reimbursed under health flexible spending arrangements (“Health FSAs”), health savings accounts (“HSAs”), health reimbursement arrangements (“HRAs”), and Archer medical savings accounts (“Archer ...

What are FSA eligible items?

Allowed expenses include insurance copayments and deductibles, qualified prescription drugs, insulin, and medical devices. You decide how much to put in an FSA, up to a limit set by your employer. You aren't taxed on this money.

Is BinaxNOW FSA eligible?

BinaxNOW is FSA and HSA eligible, but be sure to contact your health insurance provider to determine reimbursement eligibility. Anything you're still unsure of? For more about the BinaxNOW Self Test and to contact our technical support team, click here.

Does FSA cover hand sanitizer?

In 2020, over-the-counter medicines and feminine care products were made eligible for FSA/HSA reimbursement, the addition of COVID-19 protection products like masks, hand sanitizer, and hand sanitizing wipes expanded the pool of eligibility to cover even more essential health products.

COVID-19 relief bill will allow FSA rollovers

39 related questions found

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 deodorant a FSA?

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.

Are vitamins FSA eligible?

Vitamins and supplements used for general health are not FSA eligible. But you may use your FSA funds to purchase vitamins and supplements used to treat a specific condition.

What do I do if I test positive for COVID?

Stopping the Spread of COVID-19 to Others
  1. Stay home unless you need medical care. Don't go to work or school and avoid public places like stores.
  2. Stay away from others. ...
  3. Wear a mask. ...
  4. Wash your hands. ...
  5. Call your close contacts.

Are cough drops FSA eligible?

Cough drops are 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).

Is the Apple Watch 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.

Can FSA 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.

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.

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.

Can I use my HSA for a COVID test?

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service reminds taxpayers today that the cost of home testing for COVID-19 is an eligible medical expense that can be paid or reimbursed under health flexible spending arrangements (health FSAs), health savings accounts (HSAs), health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs), or Archer ...

How do I know if something is FSA eligible?

The IRS defines qualified medical expenses as amounts paid for the “diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, or for the purpose of affecting any structure or function of the body.” Qualified medical expenses are eligible for reimbursement through your FSA as long as they are not reimbursed ...

What are the worst days of COVID?

Day 4-7: Symptom Escalation
  • Day 4-5: Symptoms become more pronounced; fever, cough, and fatigue intensify.
  • Day 6: Potential appearance of gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea or diarrhea.
  • Day 7: Heightened symptoms which may include difficulty breathing and persistent chest pain.

Can I go to work if my spouse has COVID?

Outside of getting medical care, you should isolate yourself to your home. Do not go to work, school, place of worship or other public areas. Avoid using public transportation, ride-sharing or taxis.

Are you contagious with COVID after 5 days?

Many people will no longer be infectious to others after 5 days, but you can be infectious for up to 10 days.

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 deodorant FSA 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 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.”

Is a gym membership FSA eligible?

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) usually doesn't allow funds from an FSA to pay for membership dues at health clubs or gyms. However, the IRS allows FSA funds to be used for paying separate fees charged at health clinics or physical therapy centers for specific activities prescribed by doctors for an individual.

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.

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.