What medical expenses are eligible for FSA?

Asked by: Destin Ward  |  Last update: August 11, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (73 votes)

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.

What are qualified medical expenses for FSA?

General
  • Prescriptions Rx
  • Doctor Fees.
  • Crutches.
  • Flu Shot.
  • Hearing Aids.
  • Motorized Wheelchair.
  • X-Rays.

What medical supplies are FSA-eligible for?

Categories of FSA-eligible items
  • Home healthcare: Thermometers, pain relief devices, blood pressure monitors, medical alert devices, blood sugar test kits, and more.
  • Over-the-counter (OTC) medications: For cough, cold, allergies, pain relief, and more.

How to tell if something is FSA-eligible?

The IRS defines qualified medical expenses as amounts paid for the “diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, or for the purpose of affecting any structure or function of the body.” Qualified medical expenses are eligible for reimbursement through your FSA as long as they are not reimbursed ...

What is an ineligible FSA expense?

The IRS does NOT allow the following expenses to be reimbursed under Healthcare FSAs, as they are not prescribed by a physician for a specific ailment. Ineligible Expenses. ∎ Contact Lens or Eyeglass Insurance. ∎ Cosmetic Surgery/Procedures. ∎ Electrolysis.

Eligible Expenses: What Expenses are Eligible with an HSA, FSA or HRA?

26 related questions found

Can FSA be used for dental and vision?

You can use your Limited Expense Health Care FSA (LEX HCFSA) funds to pay for a variety of dental and vision care products and services for you, your spouse, and your dependents.

Is body wash covered by FSA?

Medicated body or face wash is eligible for reimbursement with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA).

Is an Apple Watch FSA-eligible?

Likely not. While your Apple Watch, Garmin, or other tracker may offer you some insight—and maybe even some encouragement—to stay on top of your fitness routine, they are not typically considered medical devices for purposes of FSA and HSA 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 I use FSA to buy vitamins?

However, when it comes to FSA/HSA eligibility, most vitamins and nutritional supplements are not eligible, with a few notable exceptions. But since these products fall into an eligibility gray area, we will clear up the confusion as to what may make it onto your FSA shopping list!

Is a gym membership FSA eligible?

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) usually doesn't allow funds from an FSA to pay for membership dues at health clubs or gyms. However, the IRS allows FSA funds to be used for paying separate fees charged at health clinics or physical therapy centers for specific activities prescribed by doctors for an individual.

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 FSA for massage?

Pay with Your FSA or HSA: Once you have the prescription, you can pay for your massage therapy directly with your FSA or HSA debit card. If your provider doesn't accept these cards, you can pay out of pocket and submit a claim for reimbursement.

Are air purifiers FSA eligible?

Air purifiers are generally not eligible for reimbursement. An air purifier may be eligible for FSA reimbursement with a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) only if you are using it to relieve or alleviate a specific medical condition and you would not otherwise have purchased it.

Is a mattress FSA eligible?

According to the HSA Store, "A mattress expense is only eligible when its components and construction costs exceed those of a standard mattress for general health." To use your funds for a new mattress, you'll need to provide a letter of medical necessity (LMN) from a medical professional stating you have a medical ...

Are eyeglasses FSA eligible?

Yes! You can use your FSA funds for eye exams and prescription glasses. You can also use them for prescription contact lenses. And prescription sunglasses are FSA-eligible, too.

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.

Are tampons FSA eligible?

Feminine hygiene products: Pads, liners, and tampons all qualify as FSA-eligible expenses. The end of the year is a good chance to stock up if you need to. Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain medications such as Aleve, Tylenol, and generic versions of the drugs are available for purchase through FSA funds.

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 ...

Can I use my FSA to buy a treadmill?

If you have a letter from a medical professional stating that exercise equipment is a medical necessity, your FSA can cover it.

Is sunscreen FSA eligible?

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.

Are electric toothbrushes FSA eligible?

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

Are vitamins FSA eligible?

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.

Is Kleenex FSA eligible?

Facial tissues, antiviral - Not eligible.

Can I buy teeth whitening with my FSA?

Because it's considered cosmetic in nature, teeth whitening will not be reimbursed with your FSA.