FSA Eligible Expenses

Maximize the Value of Your Reimbursement Account – Your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and/or Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) dollars can be used for a variety of out-of-pocket health care expenses that qualify as federal income tax deductions under Section 213(d) of the Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”).

Health Care FSA dollars can be used to reimburse you for medical and dental expenses incurred by you, your spouse or eligible dependents (children, siblings, parents, and other dependents which are defined in your Plan Documents).
HRA dollars can only be used to pay for eligible medical expenses incurred by employees and their dependents enrolled in the plan.

IMPORTANT: The IRS defines which medical expenses are eligible under a tax-deferred account. Not all expenses are eligible under all plans. An employer may limit which expenses are allowable under their Health Care FSA or HRA plan. If you are unsure of what your Health Care FSA and/or HRA dollars may be used for, please contact your Plan Administrator.

2022 FSA Contribution Limits
The annual maximum 2022 FSA contribution limit will increase to $2,850. The annual limit applies to Health FSAs.

FSA Contributions

When you participate in a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), you’re able to contribute pre-tax funds for use on hundreds of eligible expenses. Recently, you gained even more flexibility in your ability to save when the CARES Act was signed into law.

This new legislation expanded the list of expenses that are considered eligible by including popular over-the-counter products, which consumers can now purchase with their FSA without a prescription. This change went into effect on January 1, 2020, and allows over 20,000 new expenses as eligible moving forward. That’s great news for consumers, since the average American shops for over-the-counter medications 26 times each year.

Here are the most common expenses that are now eligible to use FSA funds without a prescription.

Pain relief medications – Headaches. Muscle soreness. Sprains. There are so many reasons to need pain relievers. There are two common types of over-the-counter pain medications: acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), both of which are now among the eligible expenses available from an HSA and FSA.
Cold and flu products – Winter may be behind us, but cold and flu season never really goes away. As much as 20 percent of the U.S. population gets the flu, on average each season. Fortunately, the over-the-counter medicines taken to cope with a severe cough or congestion are now eligible expenses.
Allergy products – Thirty percent of American adults and 40 percent of children suffer from allergies. And the cost of allergies to the healthcare system is estimated at $18 billion. Those who do have allergies can now find relief with their FSA funds in the form of over-the-counter antihistamines and decongestants.
Heartburn medications – Heartburn is among the more common afflictions in this country. That’s why Americans spend billions of dollars each year on medicines that treat heartburn. The CARES Act means that these over-the-counter drugs are FSA eligible without a prescription.
Menstrual products – The CARES Act also included menstrual care products as eligible expenses for FSAs. Eligible products include tampons, pads and menstrual sponges.
Acupressure Wrist Band
Acupuncture
Acupressure Mat
Activated Charcoal
Acne Medicine

How do I know what qualifies?

Consumers can simply scan a product bar code right in their mobile app to help determine eligibility as a qualified medical expense. That’s peace of mind with a touch of a button.
Online shopping for eligible expenses can be done on sites like Health Shopper, FSA Store, and HSA store. These sites are dedicated to items that are eligible under pre-tax accounts like FSAs and HSAs.
Consult the SIGIS or WEX site for the complete list of eligible health care/medical products.

How it Works

Use the Payment Debit Card: Once retailers have updated their payment systems and inventories consumers can simply use their card to pay for these newly eligible items, but they should still remember to save their receipts in case the purchase needs to be verified later.

Submit a Claim: Consumers can submit claims for reimbursement through their online account or using the mobile app. In addition, they can re-submit previously denied claims for items purchased since January 1, 2020, that are now eligible as part of the CARES Act.

FSA Eligible Expenses

Sample List of Eligible Expenses

BABY/CHILD TO AGE 13
 Lactation Consultant*
 Lead-Based Paint Removal
 Special Formula*
 Tuition: Special School/Teacher for Disability or Learning

DISABILITY*
 Well Baby /Well Child Care

DENTAL
 Dental X-Rays
 Dentures and Bridges
 Exams and Teeth Cleaning
 Extractions and Fillings
 Oral Surgery
 Orthodontia
 Periodontal Services

EYES
 Eye Exams
 Eyeglasses and Contact Lenses
 Laser Eye Surgeries
 Prescription Sunglasses
 Radial Keratotomy

MEDICAL EQUIPMENT/SUPPLIES
 Air Purification Equipment*
 Arches and Orthotic Inserts
 Contraceptive Devices
 Crutches, Walkers, Wheelchairs
 Exercise Equipment*
 Hospital Beds*
 Mattresses*
 Medic Alert Bracelet or Necklace
 Nebulizers
 Orthopedic Shoes*
 Oxygen*
 Post-Mastectomy Clothing
 Prosthetics
 Syringes
 Wigs*

MEDICATIONS
 Insulin
 Prescription Drugs

OBSTETRICS
 Breast Pumps and Lactation Supplies
 Doulas*
 Lamaze Class
 OB/GYN Exams
 OB/GYN Prepaid Maternity Fees (reimbursable after the date of birth)
 Pre- and Postnatal Treatments

PRACTITIONERS
 Allergist
 Chiropractor
 Christian Science

Sample List of Eligible Expenses (Continued)

HEARING
 Hearing Aids and Batteries
 Hearing Exams

LAB EXAMS/TESTS
 Blood Tests and Metabolism Tests
 Body Scans
 Cardiograms
 Laboratory Fees
 X-Rays

MEDICAL PROCEDURES/SERVICES
 Acupuncture
 Alcohol and Drug/Substance Abuse (inpatient treatment and outpatient care)
 Ambulance
 Fertility Enhancement and Treatment
 Hair Loss Treatment*
 Hospital Services
 Immunization
 In Vitro Fertilization
 Physical Examination
(not employment-related)
 Reconstructive Surgery (due to a congenital defect, accident, or medical treatment)
 Service Animals
 Sterilization/Sterilization Reversal
 Transplants (including organ donor)
 Transportation*

THERAPY

 Alcohol and Drug Addiction
 Counseling (not marital or career)
 Exercise Programs*
 Hypnosis
 Massage*
 Occupational
 Physical
 Smoking Cessation Programs*
 Speech
 Weight Loss Programs*

PRACTITIONER

 Dermatologist
 Homeopath
 Naturopath*
 Optometrist
 Osteopath
 Physician
 Psychiatrist or Psychologist

VET FEES

Q: Will HSA or FSA pay for veterinary fees?

A: The short answer is NO. However, guide dogs/mini horses for the blind can have their medical expenses covered by these accounts. They will have to submit manual claims, the cards will not work.

* Needs a Dr. Referral or Note.

Flexing Spending Cards

Flex spending cards are essentially the same as debit cards but used only to cover eligible medical expenses. In some cases, FSA holders who wish to access their funds are required to pay an out-of-pocket expense, and then submit receipts to their benefits administrator. Employees get reimbursed once the paperwork is submitted for eligible expenses.