Why are vitamins not FSA eligible?
Asked by: Vita Rice | Last update: January 16, 2026Score: 5/5 (62 votes)
Why are vitamins not FSA approved?
What's the deal with vitamin & supplement eligibility? Most vitamins and supplements are not eligible with an FSA or HSA because the IRS considers them for general good health.
Can I use my FSA on vitamins?
Today, the only vitamin supplements covered by FSAs and health savings accounts (HSAs) are glucosamine and chondroitin supplements for joint pain issues, and prenatal vitamins to help prevent birth defects and complications.
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.
Are vitamins FSA-eligible?
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?
Regarding nutritional supplements, the IRS states, “you can't include in medical expenses the cost of nutritional supplements, vitamins, herbal supplements, “natural medicines,” etc., unless they are recommended by a medical practitioner as treatment for a specific medical condition diagnosed by a physician.
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 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 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 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).
Are massages FSA eligible?
If you have a Flex Spending Account (FSA), you may not be aware that Massage Therapy can qualify as a medical expense. If massage therapy services are prescribed by your physician then you can use your FSA account to pay for these services.
How do I get my vitamins covered by FSA?
However, in some cases, doctors may prescribe a specific vitamin supplement to treat a medical condition. In this case, the recommended vitamin or supplement may be HSA/FSA eligible with a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) to show that these vitamins are necessary for the treatment of a medical condition.
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 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.
Are bras FSA eligible?
Nursing bras (those that directly aid lactation, such as a hands-free bra used for pumping), are eligible for reimbursement with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA) or a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA).
Is ChapStick FSA eligible?
You can use your FSA tax-preferred savings account to purchase OTC products including ChapStick® without a prescription. HSA/FSA eligibility is not applicable to products sold on the online ChapStick® store.
Is ibuprofen FSA eligible?
Ibuprofen is eligible for reimbursement with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), or a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA). Ibuprofen is not eligible with a dependent care flexible spending account (DCFSA) or a limited-purpose flexible spending account (LPFSA).
Why are multivitamins not covered by FSA?
Vitamins can help you stay healthy, but they are not deemed a qualified medical expense under IRS rules. If your healthcare professional has prescribed a vitamin for you to treat a specific condition, it may be FSA or HSA eligible.
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.
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 ...
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.
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.