Why aren t vitamins covered by FSA?

Asked by: Mrs. Maegan Borer II  |  Last update: November 3, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (20 votes)

Vitamins and other dietary supplements taken for general health do not qualify as medical care under Code § 213(d), even if recommended by a medical practitioner.

Why are vitamins not FSA-eligible?

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 ...

Can you use your FSA for 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.

Are gummy vitamins covered by FSA?

Prenatal gummy vitamins are eligible for reimbursement with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA) or a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA).

Stop Wasting Your Money on These 7 USELESS Supplements! | Dr. Steven Gundry

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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 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.

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 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).

Does FSA cover 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 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.

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.

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 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 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 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.

Is Gatorade FSA eligible?

You can grab a pack of ORS using your HSA or FSA funds without a prescription. However, rehydration sports drinks (think Gatorade) and electrolyte solutions containing additional additives (such as caffeine, immunity boosters, or the like) are not eligible.

Is toothpaste FSA eligible?

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).

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.

Is deodorant HSA 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).

Does ChapStick count for FSA?

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.

Can I use FSA for dental?

You can use funds in your FSA to pay for certain medical and dental expenses for you, your spouse if you're married, and your dependents. You can spend FSA funds to pay deductibles and copayments, but not for insurance premiums.