Using Your FSA or HSA at CVS: What's Eligible
From OTC medicines to medical devices, learn what CVS items your FSA or HSA covers, and how to get reimbursed when your card declines.
11 minute read
Short answer
Yes, you can use your FSA or HSA at CVS for eligible medical items. CVS stocks OTC medicines, prescription drugs, medical devices, and other reimbursable purchases. Your card may decline at the register because CVS also sells food, household goods, and toiletries that aren't covered. A card decline doesn't mean the item isn't eligible.
If you bought something reimbursable and need to be reimbursed, keep your receipt and request a letter for $35. Burst files a reimbursement claim with your FSA, HSA or HRA administrator. The administrator pays you out of your account by deposit or check.
What FSA, HSA and HRA cover at CVS
Your FSA, HSA or HRA covers qualified medical expenses. These are "the costs of diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease and for the purpose of affecting any part or function of the body". CVS sells many items that qualify. Some are eligible outright, others are eligible only with a letter of medical necessity from a licensed clinician, and some aren't reimbursable under IRS rules.
How to read the list: three categories
Every item at CVS falls into one of three buckets.
Eligible outright: no letter or prescription needed. The administrator reimburses the full amount.
Eligible with a letter: a licensed clinician must write a letter explaining how the item treats a specific medical condition you have. With the letter, the item is reimbursable.
Not reimbursable: these items are never covered, regardless of any letter. Food, clothing, household items, and general toiletries fall here.
What changes based on your plan
Your employer's or union's plan document and your administrator apply the IRS rules. A few items have different rules depending on your plan type.
FSA timing rules
"FSAs are generally 'use-it-or-lose-it' plans", meaning money you don't spend by the deadline is forfeited. Your plan administrator applies the plan document, which may be stricter than IRS rules in some cases. Eligible items are the same, but your plan's rules for deadlines and carryover matter.
HSA and HRA rules
HSA balances carry over from year to year and are yours to keep. HRA balances follow the rules set in your employer's plan document. The same eligible items apply across all three account types (FSA, HSA, and HRA).
Example 1: A fitness tracker
A fitness tracker is eligible only with a letter. If a clinician writes that you have high blood pressure or diabetes, and the tracker helps you manage that condition, it becomes reimbursable. Your plan document might allow this, or it might not. Check with your administrator.
Example 2: Vitamins
Vitamins are eligible only when "recommended by a medical practitioner as treatment for a specific medical condition". If a clinician documents that you need a vitamin D supplement for a diagnosed deficiency, it's reimbursable with the letter. Otherwise, it's not covered.
OTC and pharmacy
CVS's OTC and pharmacy section has many eligible items.
Item | Eligible? | Details |
|---|---|---|
Pain relievers (ibuprofen, acetaminophen, aspirin) | Reimbursable outright | Always eligible. No prescription or letter needed. |
Allergy medicines | Reimbursable outright | Antihistamines, decongestants, allergy nasal sprays are all eligible outright. |
Cold and cough medicines | Reimbursable outright | Cough syrup, throat lozenges, expectorants are eligible. |
Antacids and digestive aids | Reimbursable outright | Tums, Pepto-Bismol, and similar items are eligible. |
Sleep aids | Reimbursable outright | Melatonin, diphenhydramine, and other OTC sleep aids are eligible. |
Topical creams and ointments | Reimbursable outright | Hydrocortisone, antibiotic ointment, and burn cream are eligible. |
Acne treatments | Reimbursable outright | Benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid products are eligible. |
Insulin | Reimbursable outright | Always eligible, with or without a prescription. |
Prescription drugs | Reimbursable outright | Any medication prescribed by a doctor is eligible. |
Menstrual care products | Reimbursable outright | Tampons, pads, menstrual cups, and liners are eligible. |
Vitamins and supplements | With a letter | Reimbursable only if a clinician recommends them for a specific condition. |
Protein powder | With a letter | Eligible with a letter when tied to a medical condition. |
Probiotics | With a letter | Must be recommended by a clinician for a diagnosed condition. |
Food and beverages | Not reimbursable | Food is never reimbursable, even if marketed as 'health food' or 'protein shakes.' |
Cosmetic skin care | Not reimbursable | Skincare products marketed purely for appearance are not reimbursable. |
Personal care
CVS sells many personal care items. Most are not reimbursable, but a few eligible medical items sit in this section.
Item | Eligible? | Details |
|---|---|---|
Toothbrush and toothpaste | Not reimbursable | General dental hygiene items are nondeductible personal expenses. |
Electric toothbrush | With a letter | Reimbursable only if a clinician prescribes it for a diagnosed gum condition. |
Mouthwash | Not reimbursable | General oral hygiene products are not reimbursable. |
Teeth whitening | Not reimbursable | Cosmetic teeth whitening is never reimbursable. |
Shampoo and soap | Not reimbursable | General toiletries are personal expenses, not medical. |
Sunscreen SPF 15+ | Reimbursable outright | Broad-spectrum sunscreen is eligible as medical sun protection. |
Lip balm with SPF 15+ | Reimbursable outright | Sunscreen lip balm meets the sunscreen eligibility rule. |
Deodorant | Not reimbursable | General toiletry; not reimbursable. |
Diapers | Not reimbursable | Diapers for healthy infants are not reimbursable. With a letter from a clinician for a specific disease or condition, they may be eligible. |
Vision and dental
CVS carries vision and dental items. Eligibility varies.
Item | Eligible? | Details |
|---|---|---|
Prescription glasses | Reimbursable outright | Always eligible when prescribed for medical reasons. |
Contact lenses and solution | Reimbursable outright | Prescription contacts and their cleaning solutions are eligible. |
Prescription sunglasses | Reimbursable outright | Sunglasses with a medical prescription are eligible. |
Reading glasses | Reimbursable outright | Reading glasses can be reimbursed as a qualified medical expense. |
Over-the-counter reading glasses | Reimbursable outright | Over-the-counter readers are eligible as a medical expense. |
Floss and dental picks | Not reimbursable | Routine dental hygiene tools are personal expenses. |
Teeth whitening products | Not reimbursable | Cosmetic whitening is not reimbursable under any circumstance. |
Medical devices and supplies
CVS stocks a range of medical devices and supplies, most of which are eligible outright.
Item | Eligible? | Details |
|---|---|---|
Blood pressure monitor | Reimbursable outright | Medical devices for diagnosis are eligible. |
Glucose monitor and test strips | Reimbursable outright | Diabetes management devices and supplies are eligible. |
Pulse oximeter | Reimbursable outright | Oxygen level monitoring devices are eligible. |
Thermometer | Reimbursable outright | Fever monitoring is a qualifying medical expense. |
Hearing aid batteries | Reimbursable outright | Replacements for hearing aids are eligible. |
Crutches, walkers, wheelchairs | Reimbursable outright | Mobility aids are eligible medical devices. |
Compression socks (medical grade) | With a letter | Prescription compression socks may be eligible with a letter from a clinician. |
Elastic bandages and wraps | Reimbursable outright | Supports for injury or disease management are eligible. |
TENS unit | Reimbursable outright | Pain management devices are eligible medical equipment. |
Ace bandages | Reimbursable outright | Wound care and support supplies are eligible. |
Fitness and wellness
CVS carries some fitness and wellness items. Eligibility hinges on whether a clinician connects the item to your diagnosed medical condition.
Item | Eligible? | Details |
|---|---|---|
Yoga mats | With a letter | Reimbursable if a clinician says the yoga practice treats a specific condition like arthritis or back pain. |
Resistance bands | With a letter | Reimbursable when prescribed by a clinician for physical therapy or injury recovery. |
Massage roller | With a letter | Reimbursable if connected to treatment of a diagnosed condition. |
Fitness tracker or smartwatch | With a letter | Reimbursable only if a clinician documents the device as treatment for a condition like hypertension or arrhythmia. |
General wellness supplements | With a letter | Supplements marketed for general health are eligible only with a letter for a specific diagnosed condition. |
Weighted blanket | With a letter | Reimbursable only if a clinician ties it to treatment of a diagnosed condition like anxiety or insomnia. |
Heating pad | With a letter | Reimbursable only when tied to treatment of a specific condition like arthritis or muscle pain. |
Air purifier | With a letter | Reimbursable if a clinician prescribes it for respiratory disease or severe allergies. |
Humidifier | With a letter | Reimbursable when tied to treatment of asthma, allergies, or other respiratory conditions. |
Walking pad | With a letter | Reimbursable only if a clinician recommends it as rehabilitation or treatment for a specific condition. |
Services at CVS
CVS offers in-store medical services, and most are eligible medical expenses.
Item | Eligible? | Details |
|---|---|---|
In-store clinic visits | Reimbursable outright | Urgent care and routine medical care at MinuteClinic and similar in-store clinics are eligible medical services. |
Vaccines and flu shots | Reimbursable outright | Preventive vaccines and annual flu shots are qualified medical expenses under IRS rules. |
Prescriptions filled at pharmacy | Reimbursable outright | Any prescription filled by a licensed pharmacist is an eligible medical expense. |
Diagnostic tests and screenings | Reimbursable outright | Lab tests, blood pressure checks, and other diagnostic services are eligible as medical care. |
Cosmetic services | Not reimbursable | Cosmetic procedures and services, such as aesthetic treatments, are never reimbursable. |
Family and baby items
CVS carries products for expecting and new parents. Eligibility depends on the type of item and its purpose.
Item | Eligible? | Details |
|---|---|---|
Breast pumps and accessories | Reimbursable outright | Manual and electric breast pumps, flanges, and collection bottles are eligible as medical devices. |
Lactation supplies | Reimbursable outright | Nipple shields, nursing pads, and other lactation aids are eligible outright. |
Pregnancy tests | Reimbursable outright | Over-the-counter pregnancy tests are eligible as diagnostic tools. |
Prenatal vitamins | With a letter | Prenatal vitamins require a letter from a clinician documenting them as treatment for a specific condition. |
Thermometers | Reimbursable outright | Digital and other thermometers are eligible as medical devices. |
Diapers for healthy infants | Not reimbursable | Diapers for a healthy baby are a personal expense, not medical. With a letter for a diagnosed condition, they may be eligible. |
Formula for healthy infants | Not reimbursable | Infant formula for a healthy baby is a food product and never reimbursable. |
Baby wipes | Not reimbursable | Baby wipes are personal care items and not reimbursable. |
How to get reimbursed
If your FSA or HSA card doesn't work at CVS, or if you bought something eligible that wasn't covered at the time, you can still get reimbursed through Burst.
Pay for the eligible item out of pocket or with a different payment method.
Keep your receipt showing what you bought.
Request a letter of medical necessity from Burst for $35. A licensed clinician reviews your situation and writes the letter.
Burst files the reimbursement claim with your FSA, HSA or HRA administrator on your behalf.
Your administrator reviews the letter and reimbursement request, then pays you from your account by deposit or check, typically within a few weeks.
If your administrator pushes back, Burst writes an appeal at no extra cost.
Getting it reimbursed with Burst
Here's the practical route. Request a letter of medical necessity from Burst ($35 once, about two minutes). A licensed clinician reviews it and it's typically in your inbox within 24 hours. Burst files the reimbursement claim with your FSA, HSA or HRA administrator, who pays you out of your account by deposit or check. If there's no letter there's no charge, and a denied claim means your money back. The letter has to be dated on or before the purchase it covers, so do this step first.
Frequently asked questions
What items at CVS are always covered by my FSA?
OTC medicines (pain relievers, allergy medicine, cold medicine, sleep aids, antacids), prescription drugs, insulin, medical devices like blood pressure monitors and glucose meters, hearing aid batteries, prescription glasses and contacts, and menstrual care products are all eligible outright. Your FSA card should work for these items at CVS's pharmacy section, though it may decline at registers that also sell food and household goods.
Can I use my HSA at CVS for vitamins?
Vitamins are eligible when "recommended by a medical practitioner as treatment for a specific medical condition". If a clinician documents that you need vitamin D for a diagnosed deficiency, your HSA covers it with the letter. Vitamins for general health purposes require a clinician's recommendation to be reimbursable.
Are fitness trackers covered by my FSA or HSA?
A fitness tracker is eligible only with a letter. When a clinician documents that you have a medical condition (like high blood pressure or atrial fibrillation) and the device helps treat or monitor that condition, it becomes reimbursable. Without the letter and documented condition, it's not covered.
Why did my FSA card decline at CVS?
CVS is coded as a general retailer by the card network because it sells eligible and ineligible items in the same store. The card may decline to protect you from accidentally spending FSA money on food, clothing, or other ineligible purchases. If the item you bought is medically eligible, you can still get reimbursed. Request a letter and Burst files the claim for you.
Can I get reimbursed for sunscreen at CVS?
Sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher and broad-spectrum coverage is eligible outright under IRS rules. No letter needed. Lip balm with SPF 15 or higher is also reimbursable.
Are teeth-whitening products at CVS eligible?
No. Cosmetic procedures and products are not reimbursable as medical expenses. Teeth whitening falls under cosmetic service, not medical care.
Can I use my FSA to buy toothpaste at CVS?
No. Per IRS Publication 502, toothbrushes and toothpaste are personal expenses, not medical costs. The only exception is an electric toothbrush, which is eligible if a clinician prescribes it for a diagnosed gum condition.
What's the difference between FSA and HSA when buying at CVS?
Eligible items are the same for both. With an FSA, "the plan is generally 'use-it-or-lose-it'", so unused money is forfeited at the deadline. With an HSA, balances roll over indefinitely. Both can cover the same eligible items at CVS.
Keep reading: What can I use my FSA funds on?, What can I use my HSA funds on?, 75+ Surprising FSA/HSA Eligible Items, and all guides on this topic.
Sources
IRS Publication 502, Medical and Dental Expenses (item rulings for OTC medicines, vitamins and supplements, weight-loss programs, health club dues, diapers, toothbrushes and toothpaste, hearing aids, eyeglasses, dental treatment, sunscreen, cosmetic surgery, and the general definition of qualified medical expenses)
IRS Publication 969, Health Savings Accounts and Other Tax-Favored Health Plans (FSA and HSA account structures, FSA timing rules, HSA rollover rules, HRA employer funding, qualified medical expense distributions)
