Is over the counter medication a qualified medical expense?

Asked by: Chyna Harris  |  Last update: August 4, 2022
Score: 4.5/5 (17 votes)

In accordance with Section 9003 of the Affordable Care Act, only prescribed medicines or drugs (including over-the-counter medicines and drugs that are prescribed) and insulin (even if purchased without a prescription) will be considered qualifying medical expenses and subject to preferred tax treatment.

Are over-the-counter medications tax deductible in 2020?

Effective Jan. 1, 2020, the CARES Act treats all OTC drugs and menstrual care products as qualifying medical expenses that may be paid for (or reimbursed) on a tax-free basis by an HSA, health FSA, HRA or Archer MSA.

Are over-the-counter medications deductible?

Don't forget to include the cost of insulin and prescription drugs – but note that over-the-counter (OTC) medicines are not deductible.

Is Tylenol a qualified medical expense?

There are two common types of over-the-counter pain medications: acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), both of which are now among the eligible expenses available from an HSA and FSA.

Is Ibuprofen a qualified medical expense?

Pain relievers, such as aspirin or ibuprofen.

Over the Counter Medicines - What You Need To Know

42 related questions found

Are OTC drugs deductible in 2021?

A. In accordance with Section 9003 of the Affordable Care Act, only prescribed medicines or drugs (including over-the-counter medicines and drugs that are prescribed) and insulin (even if purchased without a prescription) will be considered qualifying medical expenses and subject to preferred tax treatment.

Can I use my HSA for over-the-counter medication 2021?

If you have a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA), you can now use those funds for several common over the counter (OTC) drugs, medicines, and products.

What qualifies as a qualified medical expense?

Qualified Medical Expenses are generally the same types of services and products that otherwise could be deducted as medical expenses on your yearly income tax return. Some Qualified Medical Expenses, like doctors' visits, lab tests, and hospital stays, are also Medicare-covered services.

Can you buy toothpaste with HSA?

Toothpaste is 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 over-the-counter products are HSA eligible?

Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and medicines like fever reducers and cold remedies no longer require a prescription to be reimbursed through a pre-tax account. So stock up and stay healthy. Menstrual care products like pads, tampons, liners, cup sponge, or similar products are now eligible.

Are vitamins a tax deductible medical expense?

December 15, 2020 by Karen Reed, EA

But the general rule is that you can deduct the costs of vitamins as a medical deduction only if your doctor prescribed them to treat a specific medical condition.

What medical expenses are deductible 2021?

You may deduct only the amount of your total medical expenses that exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income. You figure the amount you're allowed to deduct on Schedule A (Form 1040).

Are eyeglasses tax-deductible in 2021?

You may be surprised to learn that the money you spend on reading or prescription eyeglasses are tax deductible. That's because glasses count as a “medical expense,” which can be claimed as an itemized deductible on form 104, Schedule A.

What type of medical expenses are tax-deductible?

What kind of medical expenses are tax deductible?
  • Payments to doctors, dentists, surgeons, chiropractors, psychiatrists, psychologists and other medical practitioners.
  • Hospital and nursing home care.
  • Acupuncture.
  • Addiction programs, including for quitting smoking.

Can you buy toilet paper with HSA?

On the counterpoint, let's take a quick look at some of the expenses that don't qualify for payment out of your HSA, even during the coronavirus pandemic: Babysitting and childcare costs for a normal, healthy child. Medicines and drugs from other countries. Personal care items like toilet paper and soap.

Can you buy shampoo with HSA?

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).

Can I buy groceries with my HSA card?

No, you can't use your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) for straight food purchases like meat, produce and dairy. But you can use them for some nutrition-related products and services. To review, tax-advantaged accounts have regulatory restrictions on eligible products and services.

Can you use HSA for OTC meds 2022?

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act also added some other medical expenses to the list. The new items added were menstrual products and over-the-counter medications.

What are unreimbursed medical expenses?

Unreimbursed medical expenses means the cost of medical expenses not otherwise paid for by insurance or some other third party, including medical and hospital insurance premiums, co-payments, and deductibles; Medicare A and B premiums; prescription medications; dental care; vision care; and nursing care provided at ...

Is Nyquil HSA eligible?

Cold medicine is an eligible over-the-counter (OTC) drug with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA) or a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA).

Can I buy deodorant with HSA?

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).

Is Tums covered under HSA?

Acid controllers such as Tums or Prilosec are OTC medicines that are eligible with an FSA account, HSA or HRA.

What deductions can I claim without receipts?

Membership or Union Fees: Itemized deductions like these are in your pay-as-you-go summary. As long as you have the document, you usually don't need a receipt.
...
Common Items You Can Claim without a Receipt
  • Maintenance.
  • Loan interest.
  • Registration.
  • Insurance.
  • Fuel.

Are dental bills tax deductible?

The IRS allows you to deduct unreimbursed expenses for preventative care, treatment, surgeries, and dental and vision care as qualifying medical expenses. You can also deduct unreimbursed expenses for visits to psychologists and psychiatrists.

Are haircuts tax deductible?

Hair care and haircuts

Similar to makeup costs, hair care expenses only qualify as a tax deduction when they are specifically for work-related photoshoots or shows. If you order your products from a professional supplier and only use them for performances or shoots, then you can claim the deduction.