Many people tap into their flexible spending accounts to cover out-of-pocket medical costs like doctor visit co-pays or medications that aren’t paid for by insurance.
But your FSA’s reach goes beyond those typical expenses.
The IRS publishes a useful catalog of medical supplies and services that qualify for FSA reimbursement to help you prepare your taxes.
Thanks to a provision within the CARES Act, over-the-counter medicines and feminine care items were added to the roster of FSA-eligible purchases.
You’ll encounter even more qualifying products and supplies if you browse for FSA-eligible items at FSAStore.com or search for FSA-eligible merchandise on Amazon. You can also check guidance on when a flexible spending account expires, so you don’t lose unused funds.
What Is Eligible Under a Flexible Spending Account?
So what can you purchase with an FSA? Below are the main categories — with a few items that might surprise you.
Medical Procedures and Surgeries
Beyond routine doctor appointments or ER visits, a wide array of procedures and surgeries may qualify for FSA reimbursement:
- Reproductive treatments are eligible for both sexes, including sterilization procedures, vasectomies, breastfeeding supplies and certain fertility treatments.
- Acupuncture, osteopathic care, treatment from a Christian Science Practitioner and chiropractic adjustments are covered under many FSA plans.
- And yes, annual physical exams generally count as FSA-eligible, so preventive care is worth scheduling.
Products
Whether prescription or over-the-counter, many products are FSA-eligible.
- For outdoor enthusiasts, sunscreen is an approved expense, and sunglasses can also be reimbursed.
- Keep your lips healthy with moisturizing lip balms — especially those containing SPF for extra protection.
- A range of women’s health products and services qualify. Pregnancy tests, contraceptive pills, post-mastectomy breast reconstruction and abortions are all considered eligible. Menstrual cramp remedies were previously covered, and the CARES Act expanded coverage to include feminine hygiene products like tampons, pads, liners, menstrual cups and sponges.
- Your FSA may pay for family planning and sexual health items such as condoms and STI test kits.
- First-aid supplies — bandages, motion-sickness remedies and anti-itch creams — can be bought with FSA funds. Over-the-counter cold, allergy and pain medications are now eligible without a prescription thanks to the CARES Act.
- Medical monitoring devices like stethoscopes, blood pressure monitors and thermometers are covered.
- A wide range of vision-related items, from eye drops and contact lens solutions to eyeglasses, are FSA-eligible.
- If you lose hair due to illness and a physician recommends a wig for psychological reasons, wigs can be reimbursed through your FSA.
Services
In addition to direct medical care, many services related to receiving care — or getting to it — may be paid with FSA dollars.
- If you travel to medical appointments, your FSA can reimburse public transit fares or mileage at the standard rate of 20 cents per mile if you drive. Parking fees and tolls might also qualify.
- Primary costs for service animals, including training, food and veterinary expenses, are often eligible.
- If you’re hospitalized and purchasing a meal while receiving care, that cost may be reimbursable. However, if you’re simply accompanying someone else, their meals won’t be covered for you.
- Hearing aids — along with batteries, repairs and upkeep — are FSA-eligible expenses.
- If a physician has diagnosed you with a specific condition such as obesity, hypertension or heart disease, fees for a medically necessary weight-loss program may be covered; standard gym or health-club memberships typically are not.
- FSA funds can pay for tutoring for a child with learning disabilities stemming from a physical or mental impairment, provided you have a doctor’s recommendation.
- Removing lead-based paint from your home can be reimbursable, but only if your child has had or currently has lead poisoning.
It can be confusing to determine what qualifies under your FSA. If you’re uncertain, consult a tax advisor or verify directly with the IRS.
“If you can’t locate the expense you’re wondering about, refer to the definition of medical expenses under What Are Medical Expenses,” recommends the IRS.
Jordan Ellis is a former staff writer at Savinly. Staff writer/editor Tiffany Wendeln Connors contributed to this article.
