What is an HSA-eligible item?

Asked by: Rocky Ward  |  Last update: January 26, 2024
Score: 5/5 (22 votes)

Your HSA can help you cover qualified emergency, dental, vision, and family medical expenses. The CARES Act has expanded the list of HSA-eligible items to include over-the-counter purchases such as allergy, cough, and cold medicines.

What does it mean if something is HSA-eligible?

An HSA allows you to put money away and withdraw it tax free, as long as you use it for qualified medical expenses, like deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, and more. You're eligible to contribute to an HSA when you're covered by certain high deductible health plans (HDHPs).

What happens if you buy non HSA-eligible items?

Be very careful not to use your HSA debit card or checks on non-eligible purchases. If you spend your HSA funds on unqualified expenses, whether intentionally or by accident, the transaction will go through, and you'll have to pay income tax on the amount.

Is it illegal to use HSA money for anything?

Non-medical expenses

The funds in an HSA can be used for general non-medical purposes, without penalty, once the employee reaches age 65. However, any withdrawn funds used for non-medical purposes are still subject to income tax. If HSA funds are withdrawn for non-medical use before age 65, some penalties apply.

Do you have to prove HSA purchases?

Recordkeeping Requirements

Essentially, any money that comes out of your HSA must have a receipt showing it was for an eligible medical expense.

Top 10 FSA and HSA Eligible Items on Amazon

40 related questions found

Can I buy vitamins with HSA?

With this IRS definition in mind, while daily multivitamins are not FSA/HSA eligible, there are some types of vitamins that are eligible with consumer-directed healthcare accounts and others that may be eligible with proper documentation from a physician.

Can you buy toilet paper with HSA?

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). What are toiletries?

Can you buy toothpaste with HSA?

You can't use your HSA for common items such as toothpaste, dental floss, or over-the-counter mouthwash. Cosmetic procedures, such as teeth whitening, also aren't covered.

Is deodorant on HSA?

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

Is Tylenol HSA 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.

Can I use my HSA for massage?

Massages with a doctor's note of necessity

In certain cases, the massage is deemed medically necessary, and can be classified as a qualified medical expense. In a case like this, accountholders can use their HSA to pay for the massage.

Can you get water on HSA?

Water fluoridation is eligible for reimbursement with flexible spending accounts (FSA), health savings accounts (HSA), health reimbursement accounts (HRA), and limited-purpose flexible spending accounts (LPFSA) with a Letter of Medical Necessity.

Is shampoo HSA eligible?

In certain cases, shampoos may contain active medical ingredients prescribed by doctors in which case that shampoo would be eligible for reimbursement.

Are sunglasses HSA eligible?

Yes. You can use your HSA to purchase sunglasses if you receive a prescription from a doctor. An HSA is paired with a high-deductible health plan (HDHP). This has a minimum annual deductible for an individual or family.

Can I buy a treadmill with my HSA?

A treadmill may be eligible for reimbursement with a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA) and health reimbursement arrangement (HRA).

Can I use HSA to buy electric toothbrush?

Electric 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.

Are probiotics covered by HSA?

Example 2: Probiotics.

Probiotic supplements taken for general gut health: Not HSA qualified. Probiotic supplements that are recommended to you by a gastroenterologist or health coach to treat a direct condition: HSA qualified.

Can you use HSA for dental cleaning?

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.

Is food HSA eligible?

No, you can't use your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) for straight food purchases like meat, produce and dairy. But you can use them for some nutrition-related products and services. To review, tax-advantaged accounts have regulatory restrictions on eligible products and services.

Can you use HSA for prescription 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.)

Does moisturizer count for HSA?

Moisturizer is an Over-the-Counter (OTC) product, but is not eligible for reimbursement with any consumer-directed healthcare account. Moisturizer on its own does not treat, alleviate or prevent a medical condition or disease, and is usually considered cosmetic in purpose, and therefore is not eligible.

Can I buy vacuum with HSA?

Allergy products and treatment (non-drug allergy treatment products like pillows, vacuum cleaners, etc.) are sometimes eligible for reimbursement with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA) and a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA) with a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) from a physician.

Can I use my HSA for Botox?

Botox: HSA Eligibility

Botox injections are not eligible for reimbursement with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA) health reimbursement arrangement (HRA), dependent care flexible spending account (DCFSA) or a limited-purpose flexible spending account (LPFSA).

Can you use HSA for Lasik?

You can use an HSA for LASIK and other laser vision correction procedures. Like the FSA, the IRS sets limits on what procedures can be covered by an HSA. Laser vision correction procedures including LASIK, SMILE, and PRK are eligible expenses.

Can I pay for yoga with my HSA?

Yoga: HSA Eligibility

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