Why aren't toothbrushes FSA eligible?

Asked by: Dr. Bernardo Keebler  |  Last update: January 18, 2026
Score: 4.3/5 (13 votes)

Electric Toothbrushes and Replacement Parts General health items such as toothbrushes are not eligible for reimbursement from a health FSA because they would be used even if there is no recommendation from a dentist.

Why is a toothbrush not FSA eligible?

Toothbrushes are not eligible for reimbursements from health FSA. The reason is that they will be used even if there is no recommendation provided by the dentist.

Can FSA be used for toothbrushes?

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.”

Why isn't toothpaste FSA eligible?

Over-the-counter does not mean that every dental and oral product are covered by FSA and HSA benefits. Since dental health is considered part of your general hygiene, toothbrushes and toothpaste are not eligible.

Why are some items not FSA eligible?

Vitamins/Nutritional Supplements

Prenatal vitamins and supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin (to treat joint issues) are FSA eligible products. But, multivitamins and other supplements are considered "general health," items by the IRS, and do not directly treat a legitimate medical condition.

What Happens If I Use My FSA Card For Non-Medical Expenses? - InsuranceGuide360.com

37 related questions found

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.

Are Oral B toothbrushes FSA eligible?

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.

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.

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).

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).

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.

Is Invisalign FSA eligible?

Most orthodontic treatments, including braces, Invisalign, expanders, and retainers, are considered eligible expenses under most FSA plans. This means you can pay for your treatment with pre-tax dollars, significantly reducing your out-of-pocket costs.

Are massage guns FSA eligible?

A massage gun is a device that may ease muscle tension. Money in your health savings account (HSA) and flexible spending account (FSA) may be used to pay for percussion massage guns like a Theragun if they're used for medical purposes.

Is shampoo FSA eligible?

While some exceptions may vary, shampoo is generally 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 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 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 ...

Do vitamins qualify for FSA?

Key takeaways: 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.

Why are toothbrushes not FSA?

Like what we said, in most cases, toothbrushes are considered personal care items, which means they're not typically FSA eligible.

Are flossers FSA eligible?

Unfortunately, they do not meet the requirements for medical necessity and are therefore not FSA-eligible.

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.

Is Fitbit FSA eligible?

Unfortunately, fitness devices like the Fitbit are typically not considered FSA eligible, because they are considered for general good health and not for the treatment of a specific medical condition (similar to gym membership).

Is vaseline FSA eligible?

Items such as Vaseline petroleum jelly, toothpaste, and deodorants are generally considered ineligible for FSA reimbursement, as they are commonly used for routine personal care.

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.