What expenses qualify for FSA reimbursement?

A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) covers a wide range of medical, dental, vision, and over-the-counter health expenses for you, your spouse, and your dependents. You can check specific details or browse products directly on the FSA Store Eligibility List.

Commonly Eligible Items (No Extra Note Needed)

• Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines: Pain relievers (acetaminophen, ibuprofen), cold and flu medications, allergy pills, and acne treatments.
• First aid & medical supplies: Bandages, gauze, blood pressure monitors, glucose meters, and covid tests.
• Family care & hygiene: Menstrual care products (tampons, pads), breast pumps, and sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher.
• Vision & dental care: Prescription glasses, contact lenses, solution, eye exams, dental cleanings, fillings, and orthodontia (braces).
• Healthcare costs: Doctor visit copays, deductibles, prescription drugs, and physical therapy.

Items Eligible with a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN)

Some items and services require a doctor's prescription or a Letter of Medical Necessity to qualify for reimbursement:

• Fitness & wellness: Gym memberships, personal training, and specific fitness equipment (when prescribed for a specific medical condition).
• Supplements & nutrition: Dietary supplements, vitamins, and specialized weight loss programs.
• Specialized equipment: Massagers, air purifiers, humidifiers, and ergonomic office furniture.

You can look up official coverage rules and search individual products through FSAFEDS Eligible Expenses. Always save your detailed itemized receipts, as credit card slips or balance statements are not accepted.

Flexible Spending Account (FSA) eligible expenses include a wide range of medical, dental, vision, and over-the-counter products and services intended to prevent, treat, or cure a medical condition.

Commonly Eligible Expenses (No Prescription Needed)

• Copays and Deductibles: Payments for doctor visits, emergency room care, and hospital services.
• Dental and Vision Care: Cleanings, fillings, orthodontia (braces/Invisalign), eye exams, prescription glasses, and contact lenses.
• Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications: Pain relievers (ibuprofen, acetaminophen), allergy medicines, and cold/flu remedies.
• Health Supplies: Menstrual care products, first aid supplies (bandages, antiseptics), blood pressure monitors, and thermometers.

Eligible with a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN)

Some dual-purpose items or wellness services require a signed Letter of Medical Necessity from a licensed practitioner to qualify:

• Massage therapy or physical conditioning programs for a specific condition.
• Dietary supplements and specific vitamins.
• Air purifiers or humidifiers for allergies.

Ineligible Expenses

• Cosmetic procedures (such as standard teeth whitening or face lifts).
• General health and well-being items (standard toiletries, gym memberships without an LMN).
• Standard health insurance premiums.

You can check specific product eligibility details or browse catalogs directly via the FSA Store Eligibility List or official guidelines on FSAFEDS Eligible Expenses.

To use your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for reimbursement, you must provide an itemized receipt or an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) that clearly shows five key details:

• Patient's Name: The person who received the service or item (you, your spouse, or an eligible dependent).
• Provider or Merchant Name: The doctor, clinic, hospital, pharmacy, or store where you made the purchase.
• Date of Service: The exact date the medical care was provided or the item was bought (not necessarily the date you paid the bill).
• Description of Service/Item: A clear name or breakdown of the specific medical treatment, prescription, or eligible product.
• Amount Paid: The final cost incurred or the portion you owe after insurance coverage.

Accepted Documentation

• Itemized Bills or Receipts: Detailed printouts from a doctor's office, dentist, vision provider, or pharmacy.
• Explanation of Benefits (EOB): Statements from your health insurance provider detailing what they covered and what you owe.
• Prescription Labels or Pharmacy Printouts: For over-the-counter medicines or products that require a prescription or a Letter of Medical Necessity.

Unacceptable Documentation

The IRS does not accept the following as proof of an eligible expense:

• Standard credit card or debit card charge slips/slips showing only a total
• Canceled checks
• Balance-forward statements
• Estimated or un-itemized estimates

No, toilet paper is not FSA eligible.

Why It Is Not Eligible

• Personal Hygiene Item: According to the FSA Store Eligibility List, toilet paper is classified as a general toiletry.
• Not for Medical Treatment: The IRS only allows Flexible Spending Account (FSA) funds to be used for items that diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat, or prevent a specific medical condition. Because toilet paper is for general personal cleanliness and everyday use, it does not qualify.

Yes, you can use your FSA Store resources or Flexible Spending Account for a gym membership only if a doctor or licensed clinician provides a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) stating that exercise is required to treat a specific medical condition.

Rules for Eligibility

• General Wellness: Standard gym memberships for general fitness, weight loss, or general health do not qualify.
• Medical Necessity: If you have a diagnosed condition (such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, or physical rehabilitation), your doctor can write an LMN.
• Timing: You must obtain the LMN before you pay for the membership so the expense qualifies for pre-tax reimbursement.

How to Submit a Claim

1. Get an LMN: Ask your doctor or use a telehealth platform partnered with your provider to get a signed Letter of Medical Necessity.
2. Pay Out-of-Pocket: Pay your gym dues directly with a personal card.
3. Submit for Reimbursement: Send your itemized gym contract, payment receipt, and the LMN to your FSAFEDS or FSA plan administrator.