What can FSA not be used for?

Asked by: Muriel Ryan  |  Last update: September 14, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (55 votes)

Facts about Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) You can spend FSA funds to pay deductibles and copayments, but not for insurance premiums. You can spend FSA funds on prescription medications, as well as over-the-counter medicines with a doctor's prescription.

What items are not FSA eligible?

  • Contraceptives. Unmedicated condoms. ...
  • Cleansers. PoliGrip, Benzodent, Plate Weld, ...
  • Diabetes Testing and Aids. Ascencia, One Touch, ...
  • Diagnostic Products. Thermometers, blood pressure. ...
  • Ear Care. Unmedicated ear drops, syringes, ...
  • Elastics/Athletic Treatments. ACE, Futuro, elastic bandages, ...
  • Eye Care. ...
  • First Aid Dressings and Supplies.

Can I use FSA to pay for gym membership?

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 use FSA to buy toothpaste?

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 is toothpaste?

Can you buy toilet paper with FSA?

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 happens to the money you don't use in your FSA?

26 related questions found

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.

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 you use FSA for glasses?

Can I use my FSA on all prescription eyewear? Yes, you can use it to buy prescription glasses, sunglasses and contact lenses all year round.

Can you buy tampons with FSA?

Are Tampons FSA Eligible? Yes! Tampons are now classified as a “medical expense,” making them FSA eligible.

Can FSA pay for massage?

Massage Therapy may be eligible for reimbursement with a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) with flexible spending accounts (FSA), health savings accounts (HSA) and health reimbursement arrangements (HRA).

Is Planet fitness FSA eligible?

Can you use flexible spending account (FSA) funds to pay for a gym membership or exercise classes? Typically, no. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) usually doesn't allow funds from an FSA to pay for membership dues at health clubs or gyms.

Can you use FSA for vitamins?

Are vitamins FSA/HSA eligible? 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.

Is ChapStick FSA eligible?

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.

What happens if I use my FSA incorrectly?

If the Benefits Card is accidentally or intentionally utilized for ineligible expenses, you are responsible for reimbursing your account. You will be notified if you have an ineligible expense and your Benefits Card may be deactivated until your account is reimbursed.

Do baby wipes count for FSA?

You can also use your FSA to purchase cleansing wipes and pay for vision exams.

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.

Are diapers FSA eligible?

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.

Can I buy sunscreen with FSA?

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.

Is mouthwash FSA eligible?

Over-the-counter items (OTC) items are not eligible for reimbursement if they are normally used for general health or are used even when there is not a medical condition being treated (such as toothpaste, mouthwash, shampoo, lotion or moisturizer that also contains sunscreen) or are cosmetic in nature (teeth whitening ...

Are Tums FSA eligible?

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

Can I use my FSA for ibuprofen?

Yes, you can use your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for eligible OTC products. All Advil products are currently eligible for purchase through your FSA.

Will FSA pay for gym membership?

So, can you use your HSA or FSA to pay for gym memberships or health club dues? The short answer is yes, but you need a Letter of Medical Necessity.

Does FSA cover teeth whitening?

Elective cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening, for example, are not eligible for FSA funds. Here are examples of medically necessary procedures that are typically covered by FSA funds. 2) Fillings are typically covered. 3) Major Oral Surgery: dental reconstruction, root canals, implants, and tooth removal.

Is Gatorade FSA 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.