What Qualifies Under HSA? Your Ultimate Guide to Understanding HSA Eligibility

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are a valuable tool for managing healthcare expenses and saving for the future. But what exactly qualifies under an HSA?

To be eligible for an HSA, you must meet certain criteria:

  • You are covered by a high-deductible health plan (HDHP)
  • You are not enrolled in Medicare
  • You cannot be claimed as a dependent on someone else's tax return

Once you meet these criteria, you can use your HSA to pay for a wide range of qualified medical expenses, including:

  • Doctor's visits
  • Prescription medications
  • Dental and vision care
  • Medical procedures
  • Mental health services

Furthermore, you can also use your HSA funds for certain non-medical expenses, such as:

  • Long-term care insurance premiums
  • Certain COBRA premiums
  • Health coverage while receiving unemployment benefits

It's important to note that not all medical expenses qualify for HSA funds. Some expenses that are not eligible include:

  • Over-the-counter medications (without a prescription)
  • Cosmetic procedures
  • Health club dues
  • Non-prescription eyeglasses or contacts

By understanding what qualifies under an HSA, you can make the most of this valuable resource for managing your healthcare expenses and saving for the future.


Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are becoming increasingly popular as a smart way to manage healthcare costs while offering unique tax advantages. Understanding what qualifies under an HSA can help maximize your savings.

To qualify for an HSA, it’s vital that you are enrolled in a high-deductible health plan (HDHP) and meet specific guidelines. In addition to those requirements, you should also know that you cannot be enrolled in Medicare or be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return.

Once you’re set up with an HSA, it opens up a variety of possibilities for covering your medical expenses. Eligible uses include:

  • Routine doctor's appointments
  • Prescription drugs that you need
  • Dental procedures like cleanings and fillings
  • Vision care, such as glasses or eye exams
  • Mental health services for therapy or counseling

Moreover, HSAs can be beneficial for paying certain non-medical expenses, including:

  • Premiums for long-term care insurance
  • Specific COBRA premiums after leaving a job
  • Health insurance coverage if you are receiving unemployment benefits

However, it’s crucial to understand that not all expenses fit under the HSA umbrella. Ineligible expenses usually include:

  • Over-the-counter medications unless you have a prescription
  • Cosmetic surgeries or similar enhancements
  • Gym memberships
  • Nonscription glasses or contact lenses

By getting familiar with what qualifies under HSA, you can effectively harness this financial tool to manage your healthcare costs and secure your financial future.

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