Why is toothpaste not HSA eligible?

Asked by: Sammie Nitzsche  |  Last update: October 28, 2023
Score: 4.3/5 (15 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.

Can you put toothpaste on HSA?

You can't use your HSA for common items such as toothpaste, dental floss, or over-the-counter mouthwash. Cosmetic procedures, such as teeth whitening, also aren't covered.

Is mouthwash and toothpaste HSA eligible?

Dental expenses for items like toothpaste, toothbrushes, dental floss, and mouthwash are considered general health services and are not eligible for reimbursement. In other words, though we all know these products and practices are crucial for good dental hygiene, they're not HSA eligible.

Can I use my HSA to buy a toothbrush?

You should replace your toothbrush when the bristles look worn out or every three months, whichever one comes first (American Dental Association). Because toothbrushes are considered general health products, they are not eligible for reimbursement.

What dental expenses are HSA eligible?

Dental treatment - Medical expenses for dental treatment are reimbursable. This includes fees paid to dentists for X-rays, models and molds, fillings, braces, extractions, dentures, dental implants and the difference in cost from insurance-approved restorations and alternative materials, etc.

Why is toothpaste not HSA eligible?

45 related questions found

Is Apple Watch HSA eligible?

Unfortunately the answer to this question is usually no. This is because according to the IRS, fitness trackers are used to promote what the IRS terms “general health”. Expenses under this general health definition are not considered HSA eligible expenses.

Is shampoo HSA eligible?

In certain cases, shampoos may contain active medical ingredients prescribed by doctors in which case that shampoo would be eligible for reimbursement.

Can I buy vitamins with HSA?

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.

Can I pay for massage with my HSA card?

Massages with a doctor's note of necessity

In certain cases, the massage is deemed medically necessary, and can be classified as a qualified medical expense. In a case like this, accountholders can use their HSA to pay for the massage.

Does HSA cover sunscreen?

Sunscreen: HSA Eligibility. 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) ...

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).

Can I pay for Invisalign with HSA?

Absolutely, you can use your HSA or FSA to pay for Invisalign aligners based on the same criteria listed above. While typically more expensive than braces, Invisalign aligners are practically invisible and removable, making them a great option for many Kristo Orthodontic patients— especially teens and adults.

Can I pay for braces with HSA?

Orthodontic treatments qualify as medical expenses that can be covered by HSAs and FSAs, as long as a dentist or orthodontist has recommended treatment. You can use these funds to pay directly for treatment or cover deductibles, co-pays, or coinsurance.

Can deodorant be HSA?

Preventative care that is not doctor prescribed is not always HSA eligible. Some examples of common healthcare expenses that fall into this category are: Vitamins, nutritional, and herbal supplements for general health. Personal hygiene items such as toothpaste and deodorant.

Can I buy deodorant with an HSA?

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).

Can you buy tampons with HSA?

With the passage of the CARES Act in March 2020, tampons and other menstrual care products are now fully FSA-/HSA-eligible.

What happens if you accidentally use your HSA for non medical expenses?

In addition to the 20 percent penalty, the IRS will also consider any HSA funds spent on non-qualified expenses as taxable income. This means they must be included as part of your total income when filing your taxes, which could increase the amount you owe or reduce any refund to which you may be entitled.

What happens if I use my HSA for Botox?

Money in an FSA or HSA does not cover cosmetic treatments. If you are getting Botox for a medical indication, such as migraine headaches, then you can use the money in your HSA for Botox. But cosmetic treatments are not eligible.

Can I use my HSA for a chiropractor?

Yes, chiropractic care is considered an eligible medical expense for HSA purposes, provided it's used to treat or manage a diagnosed medical condition. You can't use your HSA to pay for chiropractic care for general wellness purposes.

Is protein powder covered by HSA?

Protein bars/powders/shakes 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).

Can I use my HSA to buy medical supplies on Amazon?

Yes, you can use your FSA/HSA card to buy on Amazon.

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.

Can I use my HSA for hair loss?

Your ability to use pre-tax funds from your flexible spending account (FSA) or your health savings account (HSA) to pay for hair loss treatments is limited. You can't use these funds to pay for anything used to promote hair regrowth, since this is considered a cosmetic treatment rather than a qualified medical expense.

Can I buy moisturizer with my HSA?

Moisturizer is an Over-the-Counter (OTC) product, but is not eligible for reimbursement with any consumer-directed healthcare account. Moisturizer on its own does not treat, alleviate or prevent a medical condition or disease, and is usually considered cosmetic in purpose, and therefore is not eligible.

Does IRS audit HSA?

HSA reimbursements need matching receipts.

When using an HSA debit card, retain receipts for each transaction as those expenses will be reported to the IRS, and you could be audited.