Are Period Products HSA Eligible? Tampons, Pads, Cups, and Period Underwear (2026)
Tampons, pads, menstrual cups, and period underwear (Thinx, Knix, Saalt) — all FSA/HSA eligible. The CARES Act made period products default-eligible without an LMN. Here's the complete walkthrough.
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Hi, I'm Grayson. Period products are one of the few categories the IRS made categorically easy in 2020.
Short answer. Tampons, pads, menstrual cups, and period underwear (Thinx, Knix, Saalt, Aisle, Modibodi) are all FSA and HSA eligible by default under the CARES Act of March 2020, which classified menstrual care as eligible medical care. No Letter of Medical Necessity needed. You can pay with your FSA/HSA card directly at most retailers, or pay with another card and submit the receipt to your plan administrator for reimbursement. Below is what's covered, the few edge cases, and the common pitfalls.
If that already describes you, the request takes about three minutes and you can skip the rest of this guide.
What's covered without an LMN
Tampons (any brand, any absorbency)
Pads and pantyliners (any brand)
Menstrual cups (DivaCup, Saalt, Lunette, Cora)
Period underwear (Thinx, Knix, Saalt, Modibodi, Aisle, Bambody)
Period swimwear (Modibodi, Knix swim)
Reusable cloth pads
What's covered with an LMN
Specialty period-related supplements (heavy bleeding iron, magnesium for cramping)
TENS units for menstrual cramping (when documented)
Heating pads marketed for menstrual relief — generally eligible without an LMN as OTC OTCs
What's not eligible
Period tracking apps as standalone subscriptions. The data tools aren't medical equipment.
Branded apparel and accessories. A Thinx-branded tote isn't medical.
How to actually pay with FSA/HSA
Two paths:
Direct card swipe. Most major retailers (Target, CVS, Walmart, Amazon) and many DTC brands (Thinx, Knix, Saalt direct) accept FSA/HSA cards. The transaction processes automatically with no LMN or post-purchase paperwork.
Reimbursement. Pay with any card. Submit the receipt to your plan administrator. Reimburse from your FSA or HSA balance.
Period product FSA/HSA FAQ
Are Thinx FSA eligible?
Yes, by default under the CARES Act. No LMN required.
Are Knix period underwear HSA eligible?
Yes, by default. Same as Thinx.
Is a menstrual cup FSA eligible?
Yes, default-eligible.
Are tampons FSA eligible?
Yes, default-eligible since March 2020.
Why did this change in 2020?
The CARES Act of March 2020 reclassified menstrual care products as medical care, making them eligible without an LMN.
Can I use my HSA card directly at Target?
Yes — Target's checkout recognizes FSA/HSA-eligible items and processes the card automatically for those line items.
When you do need an LMN
Period products themselves don't need one. But if you're managing a menorrhagia (heavy bleeding) or PMDD context, an LMN can cover the broader treatment toolkit (specialty supplements, TENS units, ergonomic supports). That's where Burst can help.
If you're not sure whether your situation fits, hit reply on any Burst email or write to support@getburst.com. We read every email ourselves.
Thanks,
Grayson
Chief of Staff at Burst
For the underlying rules, see IRS Publication 502, IRS Notice 2006-69, and IRS Notice 2007-2.
Last updated: May 2026
This guide is not medical advice. Your eligibility depends on your specific situation and your plan administrator's interpretation of IRS rules. Burst's clinicians make eligibility decisions on a case-by-case basis.
