Health Savings Account (HSA) 101

What expenses are eligible with a Health Savings Account (HSA)?

The following is a summary of common expenses claimed against Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). Given the ever-changing nature of the eligibility determined by the IRS, this list does is not comprehensive and does not guarantee reimbursement, and it's meant to serve as a guide only.

Common IRS-Qualified Medical Expenses:

  • Acupuncture
  • Ambulance
  • Artificial limbs
  • Birth control treatment
  • Blood sugar test kits for diabetics
  • Breast pumps and lactation supplies
  • Chiropractor
  • COVID-19 diagnostic testing and treatment
  • Crutches
  • Dental treatments (including X-rays, cleanings, fillings, sealants, braces and tooth removals*)
  • Doctor’s office visits and co-pays
  • Drug prescriptions
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Fertility enhancement (including in-vitro fertilization)
  • Flu shots
  • Guide dogs
  • Hearing aids and batteries
  • Infertility treatment
  • Inpatient treatment at a therapeutic center for alcoholism or drug addiction
  • Insulin
  • Laboratory fees
  • Medical alert bracelet
  • Medical records charges
  • Midwife
  • Occlusal guards to prevent teeth grinding
  • Orthotic Inserts (custom or off-the-shelf)
  • Over-the-counter medicines and drugs (see more information below)
  • Personal protective equipment (PPE) like masks and hand sanitizer
  • Physical therapy
  • Psychiatric care
  • Psychoanalysis
  • Psychologist
  • Special education expenses that include tutoring for a child with learning disabilities caused by mental impairments (recommended by a doctor)
  • Speech therapy
  • Stop-smoking programs (including nicotine gum or patches, if prescribed)
  • Surgery, excluding cosmetic surgery
  • Vaccines
  • Vasectomy
  • Walker, cane
  • Wheelchair

Common Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medicines:

Examples include, but are not limited to:

  • Acid controllers
  • Acne medicine
  • Aids for indigestion
  • Allergy and sinus medicine
  • Anti-diarrheal medicine
  • Baby rash ointment
  • Cold and flu medicine
  • Feminine antifungal or anti-itch products
  • Hemorrhoid treatment
  • Laxatives or stool softeners
  • Lice treatments
  • Motion sickness medicines
  • Nasal sprays or drops
  • Ointments for cuts, burns or rashes
  • Pain relievers, such as aspirin or ibuprofen
  • Sleep aids
  • Stomach remedies

Services That May Be Eligible along with a Letter of Medical Necessity:

This list is not all-inclusive:

  • Weight-loss program only if it is a treatment for a specific disease diagnosed by a physician (e.g., obesity, hypertension, heart disease)
  • Compression hosiery/socks, anti-embolism socks or hose
  • Massage treatment for a specific ailment or diagnosis
  • CPR classes for adult or child
  • Improvements or special equipment added to a home or other capital expenditures for a physically handicapped person


Some Ineligible Expenses:

The list below includes some purchases that are not eligible with your HSA. This list 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

If you are curious to know what else is eligible, a good site to check is The HSA Store.

Questions? We are happy to help! Please reach out to Benepass Support for any assistance.

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