HSA Shop logoHSA Shop

HSA Guide

What Items Can I Purchase with My HSA Account? - A Comprehensive Guide

Published September 29, 2024

Check eligibility on the gobrowse 7,000+ HSA-eligible products in the free app.

Get the app
Short answer: You can use HSA funds for eligible medical items like prescriptions, doctor visits, dental care, eye care, certain over-the-counter medications with a prescription, medical supplies, and mental health services; non-eligible items include cosmetic procedures, health club memberships, non-prescription vitamins and supplements, and certain alternative treatments unless medically necessary.

Eligible HSA purchases and coverage

If you have a Health Savings Account (HSA), you may be wondering what items you can purchase with it. An HSA is a tax-advantaged account that allows you to save money for medical expenses. Here's a guide on what you can use your HSA funds for:

Eligible Items:

  • Prescription medications
  • Doctor's visits and medical appointments
  • Dental care and orthodontia
  • Eye care, including glasses and contact lenses
  • Over-the-counter medications with a prescription
  • Medical supplies such as bandages, crutches, and blood sugar test kits
  • Mental health counseling and therapy

Non-eligible HSA purchases to avoid

Non-Eligible Items:

  • Cosmetic procedures
  • Health club memberships
  • Non-prescription items like vitamins and supplements
  • Alternative treatments like acupuncture

Recordkeeping and guidance for eligibility

Remember to keep receipts and documentation for all HSA purchases for tax purposes. Check with your HSA provider or consult IRS guidelines for updated information on eligible expenses.

When managing your Health Savings Account (HSA), it’s crucial to know what purchases are considered eligible. With an HSA, you can save for medical expenses while enjoying tax benefits, making it a great tool for healthcare costs.

Eligible Items Include:

  • Prescription medications and insulin, which are essential for those managing chronic health conditions.
  • Doctor's visits, from routine check-ups to specialized consultations, are covered under your HSA.
  • Dental treatments, including braces, fillings, and check-ups, ensuring you maintain good oral health.
  • Eye care expenditures, such as eyeglasses, contact lenses, and even eye surgeries like LASIK.
  • Over-the-counter medications that require a prescription; things like pain relievers and allergy medicines.
  • Medical supplies, including bandages, wheelchairs, and diabetic aids like glucose meters.
  • Mental health services, such as therapy and counseling sessions, support overall wellness.

Items That Are Not Eligible:

  • Cosmetic surgery or procedures that are not medically necessary cannot be purchased using HSA funds.
  • Health club memberships and fitness classes are not covered, as they are considered lifestyle expenses.
  • Non-prescription items, including vitamins and dietary supplements, also don’t qualify for HSA purchases.
  • Alternative therapies, like acupuncture or massage therapy, may not be eligible unless deemed medically necessary.

Be diligent about saving your receipts and keeping records of all HSA transactions for tax purposes. Always refer to your HSA provider or the IRS for updates on eligible expenses.

Free App

Browse 7,000+ HSA-Eligible Products

Search by symptom, get price alerts, and build your HSA shopping list — all in the free app.

← Back to all articles