Why does FSA not cover vitamins?

Asked by: Prof. Eldridge Rohan IV  |  Last update: September 29, 2023
Score: 4.9/5 (20 votes)

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 I use FSA funds for vitamins?

Vitamins or nutritional supplements (herbal or natural medicines) will not qualify as FSA-eligible if used to maintain general good health. In narrow circumstances vitamins recommended by a medical practitioner to treat a medical condition may be eligible with a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN).

Why are vitamins not covered by HSA?

Prescriptions are not strictly required, but it's a good idea to get the recommendation in writing from the provider. Vitamins and supplements are not HSA-qualified if they are taken only to promote general well-being.

Are vitamins and 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.

What is a Letter of medical necessity for vitamins FSA?

A letter of medical necessity is a letter from your doctor or other medical practitioner explaining why an item or service is recommended to treat or mitigate a specific health condition. Essentially, it ensures that the FSA participant is purchasing the product for medical and not personal use.

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22 related questions found

How do I get my FSA supplements covered?

A doctor's certification is required and must state the supplement by name and the medical condition for which it is intended to treat. Your doctor may provide you with certification on letterhead from their office, or you may provide this Letter of Medical Necessity form for your doctor to complete.

Do vitamins count as medical expense?

A14: Yes, but only if the supplements are recommended by a medical practitioner as treatment for a specific medical condition diagnosed by a physician. Otherwise, the cost of nutritional supplements is not a medical expense.

Can I use my FSA for multivitamins?

With this IRS definition in mind, while daily multivitamins are not FSA/HSA eligible, there are some types of vitamins that are eligible with consumer-directed healthcare accounts and others that may be eligible with proper documentation from a physician.

Are protein shakes FSA eligible?

Protein shakes are considered nutritional supplements, and unfortunately you cannot use your flexible spending account (FSA) towards these. We get many questions about FSA eligibility at FSAstore.com, as people often wonder why protein powder is not considered an FSA eligible expense.

Are toothbrushes FSA eligible?

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.

Is melatonin FSA eligible?

Melatonin: FSA Eligibility

Melatonin may be eligible with a Letter of Medical Necessity for reimbursement with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), or a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA).

Is hair loss treatment covered by FSA?

Expenses resulting from a separate medical condition that causes hair loss would qualify for HSA or FSA payment.

Can I buy a treadmill with my HSA?

A treadmill may be eligible for reimbursement with a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA) and health reimbursement arrangement (HRA).

Are massages FSA eligible?

Did you know? Massage Therapy is eligible for reimbursement through most FSA's and HSA's. Some do require a Letter of Medical Necessity from your doctor, but this means you can potentially be reimbursed from your insurance for your massage from us! You just need a note from your primary care physician.

Is deodorant FSA 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).

What can FSA not be used for?

Facts about Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

You can spend FSA funds to pay deductibles and copayments, but not for insurance premiums. You can spend FSA funds on prescription medications, as well as over-the-counter medicines with a doctor's prescription.

Can FSA be used for electric toothbrush?

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.

Is any food FSA eligible?

No, you can't use your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) for straight food purchases like meat, produce and dairy. But you can use them for some nutrition-related products and services. To review, tax-advantaged accounts have regulatory restrictions on eligible products and services.

Are vaccines FSA eligible?

Vaccinations are eligible for reimbursement with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), or a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA). Vaccinations are not eligible with a dependent care flexible spending account (DCFSA), or a limited-purpose flexible spending account (LPFSA).

Are tampons FSA eligible?

Feminine hygiene products: Pads, liners, and tampons all qualify as FSA-eligible expenses.

Are humidifiers FSA eligible?

Humidifiers are eligible for reimbursement with a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) for flexible spending accounts (FSA), health savings accounts (HSA), and health reimbursement accounts (HRA).

Is dental floss FSA eligible?

While it seems like they would fit under the dental care umbrella, general self-care items like toothpaste, toothbrushes, and floss are not FSA or HSA eligible. Same goes for specialized or medicated toothpastes.

Do vitamins qualify for HSA?

Vitamins can help you stay healthy, but they are not deemed a qualified medical expense under IRS rules. If your doctor has prescribed a vitamin for you to treat a specific condition, it may be FSA or HSA eligible.

Are massages considered a medical expense?

As long as the massage was recommended or prescribed by a medical professional, massage therapy can be a qualified medical expense that is tax deductible. This is important to know since many people overlook the cost of massage therapy when considering their health costs and miss out on the benefits it can provide.

Are vitamins and supplements deductible?

Vitamins and supplements are not deductible unless recommended by a doctor to treat a health condition, such as iron pills for anemia. Medical conferences for chronic conditions you, your spouse, or a dependent have.