Why is toothpaste not covered by FSA?

Asked by: Rosalinda Hammes  |  Last update: October 15, 2023
Score: 4.5/5 (62 votes)

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).

Can I use my FSA to buy toothpaste?

Beware: All healthcare costs are not created equally under FSA tax rules. Daily care products, like Vaseline, toothpaste, or deodorants, are not flexible spending account- eligible expenses. Gym memberships and health insurance premiums are a “no” as well.

Why are toothbrushes FSA eligible?

You should replace your toothbrush when the bristles look worn out or every three months, whichever one comes first (American Dental Association). Toothbrushes are considered to be used to maintain general good health and are therefore not eligible to be purchased with an FSA.

Does mouthwash count towards FSA?

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 ...

Can you use FSA for dental floss?

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.

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16 related questions found

Does FSA cover toilet paper?

Toiletries are 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). What are toiletries?

Why are electric toothbrushes not FSA eligible?

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.

Is deodorant part of FSA?

Deodorant: FSA Eligibility

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).

Are shoe inserts FSA eligible?

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

Is sunscreen FSA eligible?

Sunscreen is eligible for reimbursement with flexible spending accounts (FSA), health savings accounts (HSA), and health reimbursement accounts (HRA). They are not eligible for reimbursement with dependent care flexible spending accounts and limited-purpose flexible spending accounts (LPFSA).

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 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).

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.

Can I use FSA card for gas?

Fuel - Gas costs for travel to and from a medical care facility are eligible for reimbursement, however you'll need to keep a mileage log and provide receipts for your gas purchase when you submit a claim.

Are air purifiers FSA eligible?

Are air purifiers FSA eligible? The IRS and your employer decides what can be paid for with FSA dollars, and air purifiers can be reimbursed from your FSA account when accompanied by a letter of medical necessity (LMN) from your doctor.

Can I use my FSA card on gym equipment?

Exercise equipment must be used to treat a specific medical condition in order to be considered eligible for reimbursement under a consumer-directed health care account. Exercise equipment used for general health and wellbeing is not eligible for reimbursement.

Can you buy diapers and wipes with FSA?

Regular diapers for newborns and infants are not FSA eligible. However, diapers used to relieve the effects of a specific disease or medical condition may qualify with a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) from a pediatrician or other medical practitioner.

Can I buy pads with FSA card?

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

Are bathroom wipes FSA eligible?

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

Is Tylenol FSA eligible?

Acetaminophen, the primary ingredient found in Tylenol, is an eligible OTC item. Acetaminophen reimbursement is eligible with an FSA account, HSA or HRA. Acne Medicine such as Clean and Clear, Neutrogena, Proactiv, etc., is eligible.

Are probiotics covered by FSA?

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.

Why is floss not FSA eligible?

Dental floss is considered to be a product used primarily for "general health" purposes, and is 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 ...

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).

Are reading glasses FSA eligible?

Both FSAs and HSAs are there to help you save for necessary medical expenses. Reading glasses—even over-the-counter reading glasses—qualify as medical expenses under most FSA and HSA plans. When you set up your FSA or HSA account, you should be given a card. These work just like debit or credit cards.