For decades, participating in a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) has been crucial to affordable healthcare for millions of American workers and their dependents. The extensive list of eligible expenses covers well-known services like medical, dental, and vision copays, copays, deductibles, eyeglasses and contact lenses, and prescription medication. However, due in part to updates in recent years to approved items and services, you may be overlooking a host of qualified FSA and HSA expenses.
Athletic Devices
If you or your dependents are active in athletics, you can use your FSA or HSA dollars to take the pain out of buying OTC supplies and treatments to support recovery and prevent injury, including:
- Abdominal supports
- Arm slings
- Athletic tape
- Back braces
- Kinesiology tape
- Mouth guards
- Muscle creams
- Neck collars
Baby and Maternity Care
Are you expecting a new baby, caring for a little one, or recovering after childbirth? Your FSA or HSA can cover some of those out-of-pocket costs. Here’s a sample list of eligible expenses for when caring for yourself or a new bundle of joy:
Baby/Newborn Care
- Cold/cough medicines
- Creams and ointments for dry/chapped skin
- Digital thermometers
- Infant pain reliever
- Overnight underpants for bedwetting
- Saline rinse for the nose
Maternity Care
- Breast pumps and supplies (including storage bags for breast milk)
- Postpartum recovery supplies (pads, underwear, supports)
- Pregnancy tests
- Prenatal vitamins
Foot Health
Caring for your feet is important. Sprains, strains, infections, and other maladies can limit mobility and comfort. Some eligible FSA/HSA expenses include:
- ACE bandages and wraps
- Antifungal treatments
- Bunion, corn, and callus pads and removers
- Insoles (OTC or custom-made)
- Medicated foot powders
- Rollers and massagers for pain relief
Skincare
Many know sunscreens (SPF 15 or higher) are FSA/HSA eligible. However, you can also purchase skincare products for acne, eczema, psoriasis, and other skin ailments with your accounts. Getting relief for chronic skin conditions can add up, which is where an FSA or HSA can help.
Acne Treatments
- Cleansing wipes
- Complexion pads
- Light therapy devices
- Medicated face wash
Eczema and Psoriasis Treatments
- Anti-itch creams
- Healing ointments
- Lotions and moisturizers
Substance Abuse Treatments
People seeking substance abuse treatments can find many eligible expenses and related costs available for reimbursement. These range from inpatient services, outpatient services, and OTC treatments for smoking, alcohol, and drug addiction.
Smoking
Nicotine patches and chewing gums are available at most pharmacies and health centers. You can also pay for most professional programs for smoking cessation.
Alcoholism
Inpatient expenses for alcoholism — including meals and lodging — are FSA/HSA eligible. If you travel to Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, transportation costs are approved.
Drug/Substance Addiction
Similar to the approved expenses for alcoholism, costs related to treatment for drug and substance abuse are covered. You can pay for meals, lodging, and medical expenses at an inpatient drug addiction center with your healthcare spending account.
Women’s Health
An FSA or HSA can cover some women’s health treatments, including those related to menstrual care, menopause, and incontinence.
Menstrual Care
- Pads, tampons, and cups
- Pain relief items (like heating pads/patches and Midol)
- Special underwear designed for menstruation
Menopause
- At-home tests
- Hormone therapy
- Hot flash relief devices
Other Women’s Health
- Kegel-related items
- pH tests
- Test kits and treatments for UTIs and other infections
The above is just a sampling of ways to use your FSA/HSA dollars. Participating in one of these accounts helps close the gap between the cost of insurance and your daily healthcare needs, whether you’re raising a child, experiencing back or foot pain, or getting closer to your retirement years.