What can I not use my FSA for?

Asked by: Fredrick Torphy  |  Last update: August 19, 2023
Score: 4.8/5 (75 votes)

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.

What expenses are allowed under FSA?

Allowed expenses include insurance copayments and deductibles, qualified prescription drugs, insulin, and medical devices. You decide how much to put in an FSA, up to a limit set by your employer. You aren't taxed on this money.

Can I buy toilet paper with my FSA card?

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 you use FSA for groceries?

Flexible Spending Account for qualified medical expenses. That means items such as groceries and clothing are unfortunately not FSA eligible… The IRS specifically defines which expenses would qualify for FSA reimbursement.

Can you use FSA for things not covered by insurance?

Eligible expenses include medical, dental, or vision costs such as plan deductibles, copays, coinsurance amounts, and other non-covered healthcare costs for you and your tax dependents.

Don't Forfeit Your FSA Money - 5 Creative Ways to Use it By The End Of The Year!

44 related questions found

Can I use FSA 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 I use my FSA to buy glasses for someone else?

Can I use my FSA to buy glasses for someone else? You can only use your FSA for yourself and qualifying dependents. Eligible dependents include your spouse, your children (under 26 years old), and other dependents claimed on your tax return.

Can I use my FSA for gas?

Fuel is eligible for transportation to and from medical care, up to the allowed mileage rate. Fuel, gasoline for medical care reimbursement is eligible with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA) or a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA).

Can I withdraw money from my FSA at an ATM?

You can't withdraw money from an ATM

A significant difference between the FSA debit card and a standard debit card is that you cannot withdraw money from an ATM using your FSA debit card. Even though the FSA debit card functions like a standard debit card, it has certain limitations.

Can I use FSA at Costco?

Costco accepts a limited number of cards at the main checkout lanes, but they'll let you pay for eligible items with your HSA/FSA card at the Pharmacy or Optical counters. So to use your FSA or HSA cards at Costco, just bypass the regular checkout lines and visit the Pharmacy or Optical department instead.

Can I buy vitamins with FSA?

FSA and HSAs won't cover a vitamin supplement geared toward general health and wellness. A vitamin is eligible for coverage by an FSA or HSA only if that vitamin has been recommended by a medical professional for the treatment or prevention of a specific disease or condition.

Is deodorant FSA 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).

Is Tylenol FSA eligible?

Acetaminophen, the primary ingredient found in Tylenol, is an eligible OTC item. Acetaminophen reimbursement is eligible with an FSA account, HSA or HRA. Acne Medicine such as Clean and Clear, Neutrogena, Proactiv, etc., is eligible.

Are toothbrushes FSA eligible?

Toothbrushes are not eligible for reimbursement with flexible spending accounts (FSA), health savings accounts (HSA), health reimbursement accounts (HRA), dependent care flexible spending accounts and limited-purpose flexible spending accounts (LPFSA) because they are general health products.

How do I get money off my FSA card?

You can't withdraw money from an ATM

The easiest way to be sure your purchases are eligible is to shop at a store that exclusively sells FSA eligible items (hint, you're already here). It removes the guesswork and allows you to focus on getting the items you need without having to file for reimbursement.

Are humidifiers FSA eligible?

Humidifiers are eligible for reimbursement with a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) for flexible spending accounts (FSA), health savings accounts (HSA), and health reimbursement accounts (HRA).

What happens to leftover FSA money?

For employees, the main downside to an FSA is the use-it-or-lose-it rule. If the employee fails to incur enough qualified expenses to drain his or her FSA each year, any leftover balance generally reverts back to the employer.

Where does leftover FSA money go?

Where does the money go? Unused FSA money returns to your employer. The funds can be used towards offsetting administrative costs incurred during the plan year, employers can also reduce annual premiums in the next FSA year, or funds must be equally distributed to employees who enroll in an FSA for the next year.

Does Target accept FSA cards?

Target stores

Third-party credit cards: Visa®, Mastercard®, Discover®/Novus®, American Express®, credit cards from foreign banks (JCB Japanese Credit Bureau), Diner's Club International, and FSA/HSA cards are redeemable for FSA/HSA eligible items.

Can I use FSA for my dog?

FSA can only be used on a pet when health insurance doesn't pay. Since insurance doesn't cover the purchase of a service animal, FSA does — you can buy an animal using FSA as long as it helps with your disability.

Can FSA be used for laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal is considered a cosmetic procedure and is not eligible for reimbursement with an HSA or FSA (Flexible Spending Account). It is important to remember that you should only use your HSA to pay for qualified medical expenses.

Can you buy diapers and wipes with FSA?

Regular diapers for newborns and infants are not FSA eligible. However, diapers used to relieve the effects of a specific disease or medical condition may qualify with a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) from a pediatrician or other medical practitioner.

Can I use HSA for gym membership?

Physical therapy is an approved medical expense. Can I use my HSA for a gym membership? Typically no. Unless you have a letter from your doctor stating that the membership is necessary to treat an injury or underlying health condition, such as obesity, a gym membership isn't a qualifying medical expense.

Can I use my boyfriends FSA card?

You can only use your FSA to cover medical expenses for qualifying dependents. Eligible dependents include your spouse, your children under the age of 26, and other dependents claimed on your tax return. The IRS provides more information defining dependents here.

Can I use my wife's FSA card?

Healthcare FSA Funds Can Be Used for Spouses and Dependents

You can use funds from your Healthcare FSA to pay for eligible medical costs for both your spouse and tax dependents, regardless of the medical insurance in which they are enrolled.