Why can't i buy vitamins with my HSA card?

Asked by: Gerhard Torphy  |  Last update: July 3, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (41 votes)

Generally, you can't use your HSA to pay for expenses that don't meaningfully promote the proper function of the body or prevent or treat illness or disease. Nutritional supplements and weight loss programs not prescribed by a physician are examples of expenses that would not be covered by your HSA.

Why are vitamins not HSA eligible?

Most vitamins and supplements are not eligible with an FSA or HSA because the IRS considers them for general good health.

How do you use HSA for vitamins?

If your HSA or FSA administrator does not automatically approve the vitamins your healthcare professional has recommended, you may need a letter of medical necessity (LOMN). A LOMN should come from your healthcare provider. This letter may allow you to buy vitamins with your FSA/HSA funds.

What happens if I buy something with my HSA that isn t eligible?

Accidentally using your Health Savings Account (HSA) to pay for something other than a qualified medical expense is correctable. You can repay the incorrect distribution before filing your federal taxes for that tax year.

Can I use my HSA card to buy vitamins on Amazon?

Yes. All eligible items can be purchased with an FSA or an HSA card.

Can You Buy Vitamins With A Health Savings Account? - AssetsandOpportunity.org

26 related questions found

Why is my HSA card being declined?

Your card will be declined if there are insufficient funds in your account to cover the purchase. You can use a personal form of payment or ask the merchant if they can split the purchase between two forms of payment, allowing you to use your available balance and pay for the difference with another payment method.

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).

How does IRS know what you spend HSA on?

Verification of expenses is not required for HSAs. However, total withdrawals from your HSA are reported to the IRS on Form 1099-SA. You are responsible for reporting qualified and non-qualified withdrawals when completing your taxes.

What if I accidentally used my HSA card for groceries?

If you catch the transaction early enough, you might even be able to contact the retailer and ask them to reverse the charge and fill it on a new card. If you bought something in person, you can also return it to the store and then buy it again with a different card.

Can I use HSA 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 tampons HSA eligible?

With the passage of the CARES Act in March 2020, tampons and other menstrual care products are now fully FSA-/HSA-eligible. According to the text of the bill, menstrual care products include, “tampon, pad, liner, cup, sponge, or similar product used by individuals with respect to menstruation…”

Are electric toothbrushes HSA eligible?

Routine electric toothbrushes for general oral hygiene are usually not eligible.

Can you buy Tylenol with HSA?

Antacids such as Tums or Prilosec are eligible OTC items when accompanied by a prescription from a doctor. Analgesics (e.g. Advil, Aspirin, Tylenol) are eligible with a prescription from a doctor.

How do I get my HSA covered for vitamins?

In some cases, doctors may prescribe a specific dietary supplement to treat a medical condition. In this case, your benefits administrator may require a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) to show that these vitamins are necessary for the treatment of a medical condition to access the funds.

How do I know if my supplement is HSA approved?

HSA does not provide assessment or approval for health supplements. Dealers are responsible for the safety and quality of the products. Some local companies may use the Lion Head symbol on their products to identify themselves with Singapore.

Is sunscreen HSA eligible?

Sunscreen for adults and for kids is eligible for reimbursement with flexible spending accounts (FSA), health savings accounts (HSA), and health reimbursement accounts (HRA) under certain conditions. Only sunscreens with SPF 15+ and "broad spectrum" protection are eligible.

What are the most common mistakes for HSA?

Common HSA mistakes and how to avoid them
  • Using an HSA when you're not eligible. ...
  • Paying for ineligible expenses. ...
  • Contributing too much to your account. ...
  • Paying someone else's medical bills. ...
  • Using all of your funds. ...
  • Using both an HSA and FSA. ...
  • Stay ahead of mistakes with HSA Store.

Why is my HSA card being declined when I have money?

Card declines can occur because funds have expired, new cards have been issued, the card does not have sufficient funds or various other reasons. You typically find the contact information for your plan administrator on the back of your FSA/HSA card.

Can I use my HSA for skincare?

This means that any skin care costs that count towards your deductible, such as prescription medications or dermatologist visits, can be paid for using HSA funds.

What triggers an HSA audit?

Does HSA spending trigger an audit? The IRS doesn't monitor how you spend your HSA funds throughout the year, but that doesn't mean they won't ask for proof that your expenses were eligible. And if your tax return contains unrelated IRS audit red flags, your risk for an HSA audit could increase.

What is the 12 month rule for HSA?

It means you must remain eligible for the HSA until December 31 of the following year. The only exceptions are death or disability. If you violate the testing period requirement, your ineligible contributions become taxable income.

Can I use my HSA for glasses?

Both FSA and HSA pre-tax health accounts can be used to pay for prescription glasses, contact lenses, eye exams and more. Eyewear that corrects your vision is considered a medical product, which means you can use your health plans to help cover the cost.

Is the Apple Watch HSA eligible?

Why other fitness trackers don't qualify. Even though Fitbits and Apple Watches measure important health data, they currently do not qualify for HSA reimbursement, as they are considered for general health use and not intended to treat or manage a specific medical condition.

Can I buy shampoo with HSA?

Over-the-counter toiletries or personal hygiene items which may include, but are not limited to shampoo, toothpaste, conditioners, hand creams, deodorant, shaving cream, razors, dental floss, body powders, hair gels/sprays, make-up, nail polish accessories, soap, mouthwash, etc., are not reimbursable.

Can I use HSA for dental?

Your HSA also covers expenses for standard dental cleanings and dental check-ups. One thing to keep in mind is that some of these procedures may have a co-payment, so it's important that you check with your dental insurance provider to find out exactly what you'll have to pay out of pocket.