The Complete Guide to HSA-Eligible Items in 2025

If you have a Health Savings Account (HSA) or even a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), knowing which items qualify for tax-free purchases can help you stretch your healthcare dollars. This guide outlines common HSA and FSA eligible items, surprising inclusions, items requiring a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN), and a convenient quick reference list for 2025. Consider it your FSA/HSA qualified expenses and FSA/HSA shopping list all in one.

For official guidance on items considered FSA/HSA eligible, you'll want to reference:

• IRS Publication 502 (Medical and Dental Expenses)

• IRS Publication 969 (Health Savings Accounts and Other Tax-Favored Health Plans)

How Burst Helps You Maximize Tax-Free Savings

As you shop for health-related products in 2025, remember that the Burst Shop offers curated collections of FSA/HSA eligible items. It's the easiest way to ensure you never miss out on potential tax-free savings.

Common FSA/HSA Eligible Items

While IRS regulations may see minor updates each year, the following categories remain standard for FSA/HSA reimbursement:

1. Doctor Visits & Co-pays
   Routine check-ups, specialist appointments, and co-pays for medical services are typically covered.

2. Prescription Medications
   Any medicine prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider generally qualifies for HSA purchases.

3. Dental & Vision Care

• Dental: Check-ups, fillings, crowns, and braces (when medically necessary).

• Vision: Eye exams, prescription eyeglasses, contact lenses, and procedures like LASIK.

4. Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications
   Thanks to expanded IRS rules, many OTC drugs (pain relievers, cold/flu medicine, allergy relief) remain FSA/HSA eligible without a prescription.

5. Medical Devices & Supplies
   This category includes items like blood pressure monitors, diabetes testing kits, and pregnancy tests.

Surprising Eligible Items

Some items that might not immediately spring to mind as FSA/HSA eligible include:

1. Sunscreen (SPF 15+)
   Considered preventive care, sunscreens with SPF 15 or higher usually qualify for reimbursement.

2. First Aid Kits & Supplies
   Products like bandages, gauze, antibiotic ointments, and complete first aid kits are eligible.

3. Motion Sickness Aids
   Wristbands, patches, and medications designed for motion sickness can often be purchased tax-free.

4. Prescription Compression Socks
   Particularly if they're recommended by a doctor for circulation-related conditions.

5. Feminine Hygiene Products
   Pads, tampons, menstrual cups, and similar items are considered eligible expenses as of recent IRS updates.

Items That Need a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN)

Not every health-related purchase falls into the “standard” FSA/HSA category. For certain items, an LMN from your doctor or another healthcare provider is required:

1. Massage Therapy
   May be eligible if treating a specific medical condition (e.g., chronic pain, injury recovery) rather than general relaxation.

2. Nutritional Supplements
   Vitamins or supplements taken to address a doctor-diagnosed deficiency can be eligible with the proper documentation.

3. Orthopedic Shoes or Inserts
   Necessitated by a particular foot or joint condition.

Tip: The Burst Shop shows both FSA/HSA eligible items as well as partners that automate the LMN process at checkout, making it easy to access tax-free FSA/HSA savings.

Quick Reference List

Here's a handy breakdown of what's typically covered, what might surprise you, and what usually needs an LMN. Always confirm eligibility with IRS publications or your FSA/HSA administrator.

• Common: Doctor visits, prescriptions, dental/vision care, OTC meds, medical equipment.

• Surprising: Sunscreen (SPF 15+), first aid kits, motion sickness aids, compression socks (Rx), feminine hygiene products.

• LMN Required: Massage therapy, weight-loss programs (when medically necessary), nutritional supplements for specific conditions, orthopedic shoes/inserts.

Final Thoughts

Staying informed about FSA/HSA qualified expenses in 2025 can help you maximize your healthcare spending power. By consulting official IRS guidelines and visiting the Burst Shop to discover eligible items, you can enjoy the tax-free advantages of your FSA or HSA without leaving savings on the table.

For the latest information on qualified medical expenses and HSA regulations, check:

• IRS Publication 502 (Medical and Dental Expenses)

• IRS Publication 969 (Health Savings Accounts and Other Tax-Favored Health Plans)

Make the most of your HSA and FSA in 2025—shop smarter, stay compliant, and let Burst guide you to every tax-free opportunity.