Is protein powder covered by HSA?
Asked by: Dr. Federico Zboncak DVM | Last update: October 1, 2025Score: 4.9/5 (3 votes)
Can you use your HSA for protein powder?
If you are taking nutritional supplements for general health purposes, those cannot be paid for from your HSA. But, if your healthcare provider recommends you take a supplement to treat or prevent a specific health condition, it would be considered an eligible expense.
Can you use HSA for supplements?
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 my HSA pay for my gym membership?
Generally, the IRS doesn't allow pretax dollars in HSAs or FSAs for gym memberships. This is because they see them as expenses for general well-being rather than medical necessity. However, with a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN), your HSA or FSA could be used to fund those expenses.
Do protein powders qualify for FSA?
Even though protein powder isn't generally an FSA eligible expense, there are other eligible items that can help you manage pain during and after your next workout! Consider this list of FSA eligible products: Knee and ankle braces. Elastics and bandages.
ULTIMATE Protein Powder Tier List: 22 Brands Tested
Is creatine HSA eligible?
Creatine taken to help build muscles: Not HSA qualified.
Are protein shakes covered by insurance?
Some commercial insurances and Medicaid cover protein supplements. You may need a letter of medical necessity from your primary care provider to secure insurance coverage. Keep in mind that Medicare doesn't cover protein drinks.
Are Apple watches HSA eligible?
Even though Fitbits and Apple Watches measure important health data, they currently do not qualify for HSA reimbursement, as they are considered for general health use and not intended to treat or manage a specific medical condition.
Can I use HSA for glasses?
Yes! You can definitely use funds from your flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA) to purchase prescription glasses. (FSAs and HSAs can be used for many other vision- and eye health-related expenses, too, but we'll discuss that more in a bit.)
Can HSA pay for massage?
Your HSA can pay for massage therapy, though you'll likely need a letter of medical necessity (LMN) from your doctor. An LMN states what condition the treatment is for, how many sessions you need, and any other relevant details. An HSA may also be used on alternative or holistic treatments, such as: Massage therapy.
Are tampons HSA eligible?
With the passage of the CARES Act in March 2020, tampons and other menstrual care products are now fully FSA-/HSA-eligible. According to the text of the bill, menstrual care products include, “tampon, pad, liner, cup, sponge, or similar product used by individuals with respect to menstruation…”
Can you use HSA for dental?
Your HSA also covers expenses for standard dental cleanings and dental check-ups. One thing to keep in mind is that some of these procedures may have a co-payment, so it's important that you check with your dental insurance provider to find out exactly what you'll have to pay out of pocket.
Are condoms HSA eligible?
Condoms 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).
Can HSA be used for workout supplements?
These guidelines state that eligible expenses must be for the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease. This means that supplements that are used for general health and wellness purposes may not be eligible for reimbursement.
Can I buy a sauna with my HSA?
The key to using your HSA/FSA funds for a sauna purchase is obtaining a letter of medical necessity (LMN). This letter justifies your sauna as a necessary medical expense for treating or alleviating a specific condition.
Can you buy Tylenol with HSA?
Antacids such as Tums or Prilosec are eligible OTC items when accompanied by a prescription from a doctor. Analgesics (e.g. Advil, Aspirin, Tylenol) are eligible with a prescription from a doctor.
Can you use HSA 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 deodorant HSA-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).
Can HSA be used for pets?
The short answer is yes, you can use your HSA for veterinary expenses. Under current IRS guidelines, eligible medical expenses include those that are primarily for the prevention or alleviation of a physical or mental defect or illness.
Is Gatorade HSA eligible?
You can grab a pack of ORS using your HSA or FSA funds without a prescription. However, rehydration sports drinks (think Gatorade) and electrolyte solutions containing additional additives (such as caffeine, immunity boosters, or the like) are not eligible.
Can you use HSA to buy a treadmill?
For a treadmill to be eligible for reimbursement, it must be used to treat or prevent a specific disease, including hypertension or obesity.
Can you pay for Peloton with HSA?
The partnership will make it easier for qualified US-based Peloton customers to use pre-tax Health Savings Account (HSA)/Flexible Spending Account (FSA) dollars to purchase applicable Peloton products, saving customers up to 40% off their purchase.
Does protein powder qualify for FSA?
Protein bars/powders/shakes 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).
Can you get protein powder on prescription?
Energy and protein powders and gels
Unflavoured powders and gels are available on prescription from your GP or dietitian. These are almost tasteless. You can add them to drinks, soups, sauces and gravies, casseroles, milk puddings and desserts.
Can I just have protein shakes for weight loss?
Replacing meals with protein shakes may help you lower your daily calories, which can help you lose weight. But in time you'll need to start eating solid food again. Eating solid food may cause excess weight to return if you don't make smart food choices.