Why are vitamins not FSA approved?
Asked by: Myriam Bosco | Last update: October 29, 2025Score: 4.7/5 (68 votes)
Why are vitamins not covered by FSA?
While one could make the argument that taking daily multivitamins can help ward off future health problems, they generally fall outside IRS regulations for FSA eligibility as they are products used to support one's "general health," and not used to diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat or prevent a legitimate medical ...
How do I get my FSA to pay for supplements?
Talk with your physician about your specific health issues, and request a note or letter detailing the medical necessity of the vitamin or supplement. Then, purchase the vitamin or supplement recommended, and submit the itemized receipt along with a copy of the doctor's note for reimbursement to your FSA plan.
Why can't I buy vitamins with my HSA card?
You probably can't actually use your HSA debit card to purchase them. Vitamins and supplements are in general considered ``dual purpose'' and aren't eligible expenses without a doctors recommendation. So stores are not going to have them marked as HSA eligible and able to be purchased with the debit card.
What happens if I buy something not FSA eligible?
If a debit card transaction was completed for an item that is not FSA-eligible, Lively will notify you that the claim is denied. You will then need to reimburse your FSA for the same amount per IRS guidelines, via your linked bank account.
Why are vitamins not covered by FSA?
Can I buy vitamins with FSA?
Vitamins and supplements bought over the counter for general health reasons are typically not a qualified medical expense under IRS rules. You may be eligible to buy certain vitamins with your health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA), if used to treat a medical condition.
What happens if I use my FSA incorrectly?
If the Benefits Card is accidentally or intentionally utilized for ineligible expenses, you are responsible for reimbursing your account. You will be notified if you have an ineligible expense and your Benefits Card may be deactivated until your account is reimbursed.
Is vitamin B12 FSA eligible?
Vitamins are not eligible for reimbursement with dependent care flexible spending accounts (DCFSA) and limited-purpose flexible spending accounts (LPFSA).
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.
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 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.
How do I get my FSA to pay for my gym membership?
A Letter of Medical Necessity is a document from a healthcare provider stating you have a medical need for certain items that are not covered under the umbrella of eligible items already defined by the health plan. Examples of items you need a LoMN for include vitamins, supplements, and gym dues.
Is deodorant FSA eligible?
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.
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 toothbrushes FSA eligible?
Brush-Up on FSAs and HSAs
However, current law does not recognize certain oral healthcare products — such as manual toothbrushes, electric toothbrushes, water flossers, mouthwash, or OTC anti-cavity toothpaste — as “qualified medical expenses.”
Are probiotics FSA eligible?
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.
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 ...
Are Tums FSA eligible?
You can use your FSA tax-preferred savings account to purchase antacid products including TUMS without a prescription.
Is melatonin FSA eligible?
Are Melatonin Gummies FSA-Eligible? No form of melatonin — whether gummies, tablets, capsules or liquid — currently has FSA eligibility without a doctor's certification.
Why are multivitamins not FSA eligible?
While this seems straightforward, vitamins are a prime example of a product that can be used for "general health" and is therefore "dual purpose." This means that while the product/service may have a medical use, it is used primarily to promote one's general health and does not treat a specific medical condition.
Are sunglasses FSA eligible?
You can use FSA dollars on sunglasses, as long as they are prescription sunglasses. Some non-prescription sunglasses can be purchased with HSA or FSA dollars, but you will most likely need a prescription for the shades from your doctor.
Are condoms FSA eligible?
FSA dollars can be spent on doctor appointment co-pays and co-insurance. Or, they can be spent on lots of drugstore items that range from over-the-counter drugs (think painkillers and allergy medications) to less-medical-seeming items (sunscreen, contact solution, and condoms are all FSA-eligible).
What is the biggest disadvantage of the FSAs?
While FSAs offer several benefits, they also have limitations. The 'use-it-or-lose-it' rule can lead to the loss of unspent funds. Additionally, there are restrictions regarding eligible expenses and contribution limits, which are determined by the IRS and can change annually.
Can FSA pay for gym membership?
Gym memberships. While some companies and private insurers may offer discounts on gym memberships, you generally can't use your FSA or HSA account to pay for gym or health club memberships. An exception to that rule would be if your doctor deems fitness medically necessary for your recovery or treatment.
Are diapers FSA eligible?
Regular diapers for newborns and infants are not FSA eligible because they do not treat a medical condition, but rather aid a healthy function of the body. There are some ways to save, however, including sales, coupons, buying in bulk or joining rewards programs.