Can You Really Use Your FSA/HSA for These? 75+ Surprising Eligible Items (2025 Guide)

Your FSA/HSA can cover way more than just doctor visits – including that sunscreen you just bought at Target! In this comprehensive guide, we reveal 75+ surprising FSA/HSA eligible items, explain common misconceptions, and show you how to verify if something is FSA/HSA eligible. Whether you're looking at over-the-counter medicines, personal care items, COVID-related expenses, or alternative therapies, we've got you covered.

For detailed IRS guidelines on qualified medical expenses, see:

• IRS Publication 502 (Medical and Dental Expenses)

Pro Tip: Visit the Burst Shop to discover curated collections of FSA/HSA eligible products and services from trusted retailers.

1. Over-the-Counter Medicines (Post-CARES Act)

Common Items:

• Pain relievers: Tylenol, Advil, aspirin

• Cold/flu medications

• Allergy medicine

• Antacids

• Sleep aids

• Anti-fungal treatments

• Antibiotic ointments

Lesser-Known OTC Items:

• Motion sickness pills

• Prenatal vitamins

• Nasal sprays

• Ear wax removal kits

• Wart removers

• Lice treatment

• Nicotine patches/gum

2. Personal Care & Health Items

Daily Health:

• Sunscreen (SPF 15+): Preventive care essential for skin protection.

• Contact lens solution

• Reading glasses

• Face masks (medical grade)

• Bandages

• First aid supplies

• Hand sanitizer

Specific Conditions:

• Acne treatment

• Diabetic supplies

• Blood pressure monitors

• Thermometers

• Pregnancy tests

• Breast pumps & supplies

• Orthopedic inserts

3. COVID-Related Expenses

Testing & Protection:

• At-home COVID tests

• COVID PPE: Masks, gloves, and sanitizers.

• Pulse oximeters

• Air purifiers (with a letter of medical necessity, LMN): For those with respiratory issues.

• Thermometers

• Telehealth visits

• Post-COVID care items

4. Alternative & Preventive Care

With Documentation:

• Acupuncture

• Chiropractic care

• Massage therapy (with LMN)

• LASIK surgery

• Smoking cessation programs

• Mental health apps

5. Surprising Eligible Items Most People Miss

Home Health:

• Humidifiers (with LMN)

• Air quality monitors (with LMN)

• Special pillows (with LMN)

• Ergonomic office equipment (with LMN)

Personal Care:

• Menstrual care products

• Fertility monitors

• Condoms

• Prescription sunglasses

• Orthopedic shoes

6. Items That Require a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN)

What Needs an LMN:

• Exercise equipment

• Massage devices

• Special foods

• Air purifiers

• Weighted blankets

How to Get an LMN:

• Template Request: Ask your healthcare provider for a standardized LMN template.

• Doctor Documentation: Have your doctor specify the medical need.

• Required Information: Include details such as your diagnosis, the specific item, and how it aids your treatment.

• Storage Requirements: Keep both digital and physical copies for IRS documentation.

Pro Tip: Visit the Burst Shop to explore products requiring LMNs. Burst partners with brands to help you get Letters of Medical Necessity for their products, making it easier to access tax-free FSA/HSA savings.

7. Common Misconceptions & Frequently Rejected Items

Not Eligible (Typically):

• General fitness equipment

• Cosmetic procedures

• General vitamins (unless prescribed for a deficiency)

• Toothpaste/toothbrushes

• Insurance premiums (usually)

Note: Although these items are generally not FSA/HSA eligible, in some cases they can be made eligible by obtaining a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) from your healthcare provider explaining that they are required to treat a specific medical condition.

Gray Areas:

• Fitness trackers

• Sleep aids

• Supplements

• Personal trainers

Note: Some of these gray area items might also qualify if accompanied by proper documentation, such as an LMN.

8. How to Check Eligibility

Tools & Resources:

• IRS Publication 502: Detailed list of eligible medical expenses.

• FSA/HSA Provider Databases: Check your account portal for approved items.

• Store FSA/HSA Filters: Many online retailers have FSA/HSA friendly shopping filters.

• Mobile Apps: Use apps that scan and verify FSA/HSA eligibility in real time.

• Receipt Requirements: Always retain digital or physical receipts for future reimbursement.

9. Smart Shopping Strategies

Maximizing Benefits:

• Best Times to Buy: Look for seasonal sales and bulk purchase discounts.

• Store Comparison: Compare prices across multiple retailers.

• Online vs. Retail: Sometimes online prices are lower; use your FSA or HSA card accordingly.

• Bulk Purchasing: Save money on frequently used items.

• FSA Store vs. Amazon: Some dedicated FSA stores offer exclusive deals.

10. Documentation & Receipt Management

Required Information:

• What to Keep: Receipts, invoices, and order confirmations.

• Digital Solutions: Scan receipts immediately and store them in the cloud.

• Organization Systems: Use folders or apps to categorize your expenses.

• Reimbursement Process: Ensure you submit claims promptly.

• Audit Preparation: Keep a backup of all documents in case of an IRS audit.

Conclusion

Action Checklist:

• Verify each purchase with IRS guidelines.

• Visit the Burst Shop to discover FSA/HSA eligible products.

• Retain and organize your receipts using digital tools.

• When needed, explore products requiring LMNs and get help obtaining the necessary documentation.

Quick Reference Guide:

• Over-the-Counter Medicines: From pain relievers to prenatal vitamins.

• Personal Care: Sunscreen, contact lens solution, and more.

• COVID-Related Expenses: Tests, PPE, and telehealth visits.

• Alternative Care: Acupuncture, massage therapy (with LMN), etc.

• Documentation: Keep receipts and use smart tools to stay organized.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Not verifying the eligibility of a purchase.

• Losing receipts due to poor organization.

• Overlooking items that require an LMN.

Use this guide as your go-to resource to explore the full potential of your FSA/HSA. With the right information and smart shopping strategies, you can maximize your tax-free savings and make every dollar count. And remember, the Burst Shop is here to help you discover eligible products and make informed decisions about your FSA/HSA spending! You can also track your LMN status and purchases using the Burst dashboard.