Are Support Hose Included in HSA Allowable Expenses? Exploring HSA Guidelines

Published February 11, 2022

If you're wondering whether support hose are included in HSA allowable expenses, the answer lies in understanding the guidelines set by the IRS for Health Savings Accounts (HSAs).

An HSA is a tax-advantaged savings account that allows individuals to save for qualified medical expenses. While the list of allowable expenses is extensive, it's important to know what items are eligible for reimbursement.

Support hose, also known as compression stockings, are commonly used for medical purposes such as improving blood circulation and reducing swelling in the legs. In many cases, they may be eligible for reimbursement through an HSA, but there are specific criteria that need to be met to qualify.

According to the IRS guidelines, eligible medical expenses for HSA reimbursement must be primarily for the prevention or alleviation of a physical or mental defect or illness. In the case of support hose, they are typically considered eligible if they are prescribed by a healthcare provider to treat a specific medical condition.

It's important to keep detailed records of your purchases, including the prescription from your healthcare provider, to substantiate the expense when filing for reimbursement from your HSA. Without proper documentation, the expense may not be considered eligible.