What medical expenses are not covered by FSA?

Asked by: Dr. Stephon Schinner  |  Last update: November 22, 2023
Score: 4.2/5 (4 votes)

Ineligible Health Care Expenses
  • Any illegal treatment.
  • Baby-sitting fees to enable you to visit a doctor.
  • Cosmetic surgery improving the patient's appearance.
  • Dental bleaching or any other teeth whitening**
  • Domestic help fees (for services of a non-medical nature)
  • Ear piercing.
  • Early-pregnancy workshops.

What is not eligible expenses for 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. Reimbursements for insulin are allowed without a prescription.

What medical expenses are FSA eligible?

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.

How do I know if something is FSA eligible?

Check out IRS Publication 502 or our FSA eligibility list to understand what is covered. In order for something to be considered a “qualified" medical expense, it must be for the primary purpose of diagnosing, treating, curing, mitigating, or preventing a medical condition.

Are protein shakes FSA eligible?

Protein shakes are considered nutritional supplements, and unfortunately you cannot use your flexible spending account (FSA) towards these. We get many questions about FSA eligibility at FSAstore.com, as people often wonder why protein powder is not considered an FSA eligible expense.

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Can I use FSA for vitamins?

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.

Can FSA be used for 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.

Is toilet paper FSA eligible?

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).

Are massages FSA eligible?

Did you know? Massage Therapy is eligible for reimbursement through most FSA's and HSA's. Some do require a Letter of Medical Necessity from your doctor, but this means you can potentially be reimbursed from your insurance for your massage from us! You just need a note from your primary care physician.

Are glasses FSA eligible?

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.)

Is an air purifier FSA eligible?

Are air purifiers FSA eligible? The IRS and your employer decides what can be paid for with FSA dollars, and air purifiers can be reimbursed from your FSA account when accompanied by a letter of medical necessity (LMN) from your doctor.

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).

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 prescription toothpaste FSA eligible?

Medicated toothpaste is 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).

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 probiotics covered by FSA?

How are probiotics eligible for reimbursement? If a medical professional recommends probiotic supplements as a means of treating a specific medical condition, a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) is required to reimburse the amount under an FSA, HSA, or HRA.

Can you pay for gym membership with FSA?

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) typically does not allow funds from a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to pay for membership dues at health clubs or gyms.

Can I use FSA for chiropractor?

Chiropractic is covered by a 'standard' FSA and not by a limited-purpose FSA (a limited purpose FSA can only be used for vision and dental expenses). A standard FSA covers all eligible medical expenses, including chiropractic treatments. Visit Healthcare.gov for additional information.

Does FSA cover teeth whitening?

Key Takeaways. Funds from a flexible spending account (FSA) cannot be used for teeth whitening expenses. The U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) specifically excludes various medical expenses spent on unnecessary cosmetic procedures, such as teeth whitening, in IRS Publication 502.

Why isn t toothpaste covered by FSA?

Toothpaste is considered to be a “general health” item by the IRS, and items that are used to maintain general good health do not qualify. (Dental Health Foundation).

Does a Waterpik count for FSA?

Eligible Medical Expenses Include Dental Issues

For example, if a dentist diagnoses gingivitis and recommends a Waterpik® Water Flosser or Waterpik® Sonic-Fusion®, under IRS guidelines it is an eligible expense. Individual plans can vary, so it's best to verify eligibility with your provider.

Is melatonin FSA eligible?

Melatonin: FSA Eligibility

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

Is sunscreen FSA eligible?

Sunscreen is eligible for reimbursement with flexible spending accounts (FSA), health savings accounts (HSA), and health reimbursement accounts (HRA). They are not eligible for reimbursement with dependent care flexible spending accounts and limited-purpose flexible spending accounts (LPFSA).

Can I use my FSA for Botox?

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). What is Botox?

Do dentists take FSA?

The funds in an FSA are available at all times, with few restrictions. Most FSAs are linked to a debit card for added convenience. Patients can then use their FSA debit card at their doctor, dentist, or pharmacy.