Which Decisions Can't a Health Savings Account (HSA) Owner Make?

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

Key restrictions on HSA spending

As a Health Savings Account (HSA) owner, you have the flexibility to make various decisions regarding your healthcare expenses and savings. However, there are certain limitations on the choices you can make:

• You cannot use HSA funds for non-qualified medical expenses such as cosmetic surgery, vitamins, or over-the-counter medications without a prescription.
• You cannot contribute more than the annual limit set by the IRS to your HSA.
• You cannot use HSA funds to pay for health insurance premiums unless you are unemployed, over 65, or are using the funds to pay for COBRA continuation coverage.
• You cannot use HSA funds to reimburse yourself for expenses incurred before the HSA was established.

Non-qualified medical expenses are not allowed

Although Health Savings Account (HSA) owners enjoy a variety of options for managing their healthcare costs, there are important decisions that are restricted. For instance, utilizing HSA funds for non-qualified medical expenses—like cosmetic procedures, certain vitamins, or over-the-counter medications purchased without a prescription—is not allowed.