Using a flexible spending account (FSA) is a great way to pay for eligible expenses with income tax-free dollars.
The following lists are not all-inclusive but will highlight some common eligible expenses for your health care FSA, limited purpose FSA or dependent care FSA. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) decides which expenses can be paid from an FSA, and they can modify the list at any time. Be sure to review your benefit plan documents to learn what expenses are eligible for reimbursement under your specific plan
If you are currently participating in a high-deductible health plan (HDHP) and are contributing to a health savings account (HSA), you may also participate in a limited purpose FSA. Expenses are limited to dental and vision expenses identified with an atrerisk (*) in the list below.
Common eligible health care expenses
Artificial limbs
Artificial teeth*
Birth control treatment
Blood sugar test kits for diabetics
Breast pumps and lactation supplies
Contact lenses and solutions*
Crutches
Drug prescriptions
Eyeglasses (Rx and reading)*
Fluoride treatments*
Flu shots
Hearing aids and batteries
Infertility treatment
Laboratory fees
Medical alert bracelet
Medical records charges
Occlusal guards to prevent teeth grinding
Orthotic Inserts (custom or off the shelf)
(Certain) over-the-counter drugs and medications
Stop-smoking programs (including nicotine gum or patches, if prescribed)
Vaccines
Walker, cane
Wheelchair
Common over-the-counter (OTC) medicines
Many over-the-counter medicines and drugs as well as medical supplies may be eligible for reimbursement with a health care FSA. Examples include but are not limited to:
Acid controllers
Acne medicine
Anti-gas products
Allergy and sinus medicine
Anti-diarrheal medicine
Baby rash ointments/creams
Bandages, adhesive or elastic
Braces and supports
Breast pumps
Blood pressure monitors
Catheters
Cold and flu medicine
Cold packs/hot packs
Contact lens solution and supplies*
Contraceptives
Crutches
Denture adhesives*
Diagnostic tests and monitors (such as blood glucose monitors)
Elastic bandages and wraps
Eye care*
Feminine antifungal or anti-itch products
First-aid supplies
Hemorrhoid treatments
Laxatives or stool softeners
Menstrual care products
Motion sickness medicines
Nasal sprays or drops
Ointments for cuts, burns or rashes
Ostomy products
Pain relievers, such as aspirin or ibuprofen
Pregnancy test kits
Sleep aids
Stomach remedies
Sunscreen
Thermometers
Walkers, wheelchairs and canes
Services that may be eligible with a letter of medical necessity form completed
This list is not all-inclusive:
Compression hosiery/socks, anti-embolism socks or hose
Improvements or special equipment added to a home or other capital expenditures for a physically handicapped person
Toothbrushes (including electric) and toothpaste
Ineligible expenses
Listed below are some services and expenses that are not qualified for FSA reimbursement. This is not all-inclusive:
Aromatherapy
Baby bottles and cups
Baby oil
Baby wipes
Breast enhancement
Cosmetics and skin care
Cotton swabs
Dental floss
Deodorants
Hair re-growth supplies and/or services
Health club membership dues
Humidifier
Lotion
Low-calorie foods
Mouthwash
Petroleum jelly
Shampoo and conditioner
Spa salts
The IRS publishes information on FSAs and eligible medical expenses. Visit irs.gov and search for Publication 502 or 969 to learn more.