How do I get my vitamins covered by FSA?

Asked by: Abdullah Quigley  |  Last update: September 19, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (55 votes)

If your HSA or FSA administrator does not automatically approve the vitamins your healthcare professional has recommended, you may need a letter of medical necessity (LOMN). A LOMN should come from your healthcare provider. This letter may allow you to buy vitamins with your FSA/HSA funds.

Why are vitamins not covered under FSA?

While one could make the argument that taking daily multivitamins can help ward off future health problems, they generally fall outside IRS regulations for FSA eligibility as they are products used to support one's "general health," and not used to diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat or prevent a legitimate medical ...

How do I claim FSA expenses?

With an FSA, you submit a claim to the FSA (through your employer) with proof of the medical expense and a statement that it hasn't been covered by your plan. Then, you'll get reimbursed for your costs. Ask your employer about how to use your specific FSA.

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.

Can I reimburse myself from HSA for vitamins?

Nutritional supplements and weight loss programs not prescribed by a physician are examples of expenses that would not be covered by your HSA. Surprise! You can use your HSA to fund big bills, like braces. It can also help cover routine dental needs, like cleanings and fluoride treatments.

Are vitamins FSA-eligible?

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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.

How does IRS know what you spend HSA on?

Verification of expenses is not required for HSAs. However, total withdrawals from your HSA are reported to the IRS on Form 1099-SA. You are responsible for reporting qualified and non-qualified withdrawals when completing your taxes.

Can you buy deodorant with 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. 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.

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.”

Can I cash out FSA?

You can't withdraw money from an ATM

One of those is that the money can only be spent on FSA-eligible expenses.

Are diapers FSA eligible?

Regular diapers for newborns and infants are not FSA eligible because they do not treat a medical condition, but rather aid a healthy function of the body. There are some ways to save, however, including sales, coupons, buying in bulk or joining rewards programs.

Can you use FSA for gym membership?

But that's not all a Letter of Medical Necessity can do for you. You can even pay for your gym membership with FSA/HSA funds, making it easier than ever to access top-of-the-line equipment like the models we have in our studios.

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.

Does FSA cover toothpaste?

FSA-Excluded Dental Expenses

You can't even buy toothpaste of any kind or dental floss using FSA funds, as they are not eligible expenses. Oral pain remedies, however, are typically covered by plans. Orthodontia is usually covered, but there are situations in which it can be considered cosmetic.

Are Tums FSA eligible?

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

Are bras FSA eligible?

Nursing bras (those that directly aid lactation, such as a hands-free bra used for pumping), are eligible for reimbursement with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA) or a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA).

Can I buy vitamins with FSA?

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.

Is shampoo FSA eligible?

While some exceptions may vary, shampoo is generally 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).

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.

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.

What triggers an HSA audit?

Does HSA spending trigger an audit? The IRS doesn't monitor how you spend your HSA funds throughout the year, but that doesn't mean they won't ask for proof that your expenses were eligible. And if your tax return contains unrelated IRS audit red flags, your risk for an HSA audit could increase.

What if I accidentally used my HSA card for groceries?

If you catch the transaction early enough, you might even be able to contact the retailer and ask them to reverse the charge and fill it on a new card. If you bought something in person, you can also return it to the store and then buy it again with a different card.

How long to keep FSA receipts?

While it is not common, you can be audited by the IRS. It is always a good idea to keep your receipts for up to 7 years in case of an audit.