Is toilet paper covered by HSA?

Asked by: Wallace Hettinger MD  |  Last update: May 1, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (17 votes)

Toiletries are 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 use HSA on toilet paper?

Toiletries used for everyday personal use aren't FSA and HSA eligible items. Items like shampoo, toothbrushes, toothpaste, cosmetics and toilet paper are considered personal hygiene products, not medical aids.

Does HSA cover hygiene products?

The recent changes in legislation known as the CARES Act has reclassified menstrual hygiene products to be treated as any other spending on “medical care.” That means tampons, pads, liners, and cups purchased after December 31, 2019 are FSA and HSA eligible.

What items are not covered by HSA?

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 you use HSA for diapers and wipes?

While there are many baby and pregnancy products you can use HSA and FSA money on, not all health-related products are covered. Before you go on a shopping spree with your spending account, here are some health necessities that aren't eligible for HSA or FSA: Diapers. Wipes.

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What happens if I accidentally used my HSA card for groceries?

You can repay the incorrect distribution before filing your federal taxes for that tax year. However, if you do not correct the mistake, the unqualified amount will be subject to income tax, and you may also face an additional 20% tax penalty.

Can I buy shampoo with HSA?

Over-the-counter toiletries or personal hygiene items which may include, but are not limited to shampoo, toothpaste, conditioners, hand creams, deodorant, shaving cream, razors, dental floss, body powders, hair gels/sprays, make-up, nail polish accessories, soap, mouthwash, etc., are not reimbursable.

Will HSA 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.

Can I buy a toothbrush with HSA?

Unfortunately, most products for oral health care are not currently eligible medical expenses for FSA and HSA spending.

Is ChapStick HSA-eligible?

You can use your health savings account (HSA) to purchase OTC products including ChapStick® without a prescription.

Can I buy vitamins with HSA?

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

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.

Can I use HSA for mouthwash?

Currently, FSAs and HSAs cover dental expenses, such as x-rays, tooth extractions, fillings, dentures, caps, crowns, implants and fluoride treatments. However, everyday preventable over-the-counter products have been excluded from these tax-advantaged accounts.

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.

Is toilet paper considered toiletries?

Toiletries are personal care items that are essential for maintaining personal hygiene and grooming. They are typically used in the bathroom or during travel. Common examples of toiletries include toothpaste, shampoo, soap, deodorant, and toilet paper.

Can deodorant be used for HSA?

Preventive care that is not prescribed by a healthcare professional is not always HSA-eligible. Some examples of common healthcare expenses that fall into this category are: Personal hygiene items, such as toothpaste and deodorant. Vitamins and nutritional and herbal supplements for general health.

Can I buy tampons with HSA?

Yes! Thanks to the CARES Act, tampons are now considered a “medical expense.” That means you can use pre-tax income to pay for them through your HSA. More questions about tampons?

Can you use HSA for Tylenol?

Did you know you can use your FSA and HSA benefits on eligible TYLENOL® Brand products? This is your reminder! Product eligibility may vary by plan. Check with your benefits administrator to determine which expenses are eligible before you shop.

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).

Is an Apple Watch 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.)

Will 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.

What happens if you accidentally use your HSA account by mistake?

After you report the mistake to the custodian, the custodian reports it to the IRS. Reimburse the HSA. If you've mistakenly used HSA funds for nonqualified expenses, you must repay the distribution amount back into your HSA by the tax filing deadline for the year in which the distribution occurred.

Can I buy bandaids with HSA?

Bandages are over-the-counter (OTC) items that are eligible for reimbursement with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA) or a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA).

Can I use HSA for vitamins?

You want to be careful when trying to buy vitamins with your FSA or HSA. They are not always deemed a qualified expense. If your vitamins are not prescribed by a healthcare professional or used to treat a specific condition, your purchase most likely won't be FSA or HSA eligible.