HSA-Eligible Items: 100+ Examples of What Qualifies

A health savings account (HSA) can cover more than just copays. You can also use your pre-tax HSA funds on eligible products and services that are necessary for your health. Some expenses automatically qualify, while others have major caveats. The key to maximizing your savings is knowing the rules.

In this guide, you'll find over 100 HSA-eligible items; read on to find new ways to put your pre-tax dollars to work.

You can use an HSA card to pay for certain medical-related expenses for yourself, your spouse, and any eligible dependents. These purchases generally fall into two categories:

• Qualified medical expenses: Healthcare products and services that meet explicit IRS requirements, such as prescriptions and medical equipment.
• Expenses that require documentation: Health expenses that might qualify if they're used to treat, mitigate, or prevent a medical condition and you have a letter of medical necessity (LMN). LMNs are formal notes from a licensed clinician explaining why a particular product or service is essential for treating a diagnosed health condition.

These rules can change over time, so something off-limits this year could still be an option next year. For instance, in 2020, the CARES Act expanded what qualifies for an HSA, including menstrual care products and over-the-counter (OTC) medications.

An LMN documents the medical need for specific health expenses that otherwise aren’t covered by a tax-advantaged account or insurance. Your HSA administrator will need to approve the LMN before you make your purchase.

Some examples of HSA purchases that need LMNs include:

• Dual-purpose items (with general and medical benefits)
• Gym memberships
• Massage therapy
• Specialty baby formula

We’ve rounded up over 100 options to help you identify what you can use HSA funds for during the year to maximize your savings.*

*Truemed is for qualified customers. HSA/FSA tax savings vary. Learn more at truemed.com/disclosures.

The most familiar HSA fund use is for standard copays and prescriptions, but you may be eligible to save on more:

1. Preventive care (primary care appointments, vaccines)

2. Prescription medication

3. Health screenings (mammograms, colonoscopies)

4. Specialist appointments

5. ER visits

6. Ambulance transport

7. Lab tests and bloodwork

8. Medical imaging

9. Surgery

10. Mental health services (therapy, inpatient care)

11. Alcoholism and drug addiction treatment

12. Smoking cessation programs

13. Dental care (cleanings, preventative X-rays)

14. Orthodontics (braces, retainers)

15. Dentures

16. Eye exams

17. Vision care (prescription glasses, contact lenses, LASIK surgery)

18. Physical therapy

19. Occupational therapy

20. Speech therapy

21. Pulmonary rehabilitation

22. Nursing home and long-term care

23. Home care

24. Telehealth

Eligible customers can use their HSA funds on the following at-home medical equipment:

25. Crutches

26. Canes

27. Walkers

28.Rollators

29. Wheelchairs

30. Orthotics

31. Prosthetics

32. First aid supplies

33. Wound care supplies

Growing your family doesn’t have to be a financial burden. Qualified customers may be able to save on the following support:

34. Fertility treatments

35. Pregnancy care

36. Birth expenses

37. Childbirth classes

38. Fertility monitors

39. Ovulation kits

40. Pregnancy tests

41. Lactation supplies (nursing/pumping bras, shields)

42. Breast pumps and accessories

43. Doula services

44. Lactation services

45. Menstrual products (tampons, menstrual cups)

46. Vasectomies

You typically won’t need a prescription to use HSA funds on the following health products:

47. Pain relievers (acetaminophen, ibuprofen)

48. Cold and flu medicine

49. Decongestants and fever reducers

50. Allergy and sinus medicine

51. Acne treatments

52. Eye drops

53. Nasal sprays

54. Lice treatments

55. Sleep aids

56. Digestive aids

57. Motion sickness medication

58. Bug-bite relief products

59. Sunscreen

Some vitamins and supplements can be HSA-eligible if an LMN shows they’re medically necessary:

60. Vitamin and minerals (magnesium, vitamin D)

61. Prenatal vitamins

62. Probiotics

63. Omega-3s

64. Digestive enzymes

65. Immunity support

66. Protein powder

67. Creatine

68. Collagen powders

69. Green powders

70. Electrolytes and hydration mixes

Just because the following treatments may not be found in a traditional medical center doesn’t mean your HSA funds will be off-limits:

71. Acupuncture

72. Homeopathic and herbal supplements

73. Chiropractic care

74. Nutrition counseling

75. Massage therapy

76. Hypnotherapy

77. Red light therapy panels or masks

You won’t be able to use your HSA for every health club or gym expense, but qualified customers may be able to save on some fitness support, including:

78. Gym memberships

79. Personal training sessions

80. Fitness studio memberships (Pilates, spin class)

81. Yoga classes

HSA funds can help eligible customers lower the cost to entry for at-home exercise:

82. Home gym equipment (treadmills, exercise bikes, power racks)

83. Fitness accessories (weights, resistance bands)

84. Foam rollers and other recovery tools

85. Vibration plates

86. Trampolines

87. Weighted vests

88. Adaptive footwear

Eligible customers may be able to use their HSA card to purchase the following health tech:

89. General health apps (Headspace, Future)

90. Fitness trackers (WHOOP, Oura)

91. Pulse oximeters

92. Glucose monitors and test strips

93. Blood pressure monitors

94. Nebulizers

95. Hearing aids

96. Thermometers

97. Massagers

98. Smart scales

People who have diagnosed sleep conditions may be able to put their HSA funds toward better rest with the following supplies:

99. CPAP machines and accessories

100. Specialty mattresses and pillows

101. White noise machines

102. Light therapy lamps

103. Weighted blankets

104. Sleep masks

105. Mouth tape

Note: All items are subject to current IRS and HSA administrator rules. Truemed is for qualified customers. See terms at truemed.com/disclosures.

Depending on your eligibility and medical needs, you could use your HSA funds to cover these eight qualified expenses:

1. Adaptive footwear: Shoes and insoles designed to support foot health, especially for medical concerns like diabetes and plantar fasciitis, may qualify.

2. Apparel: Specialized clothing can support several health needs, from mobility and circulation to surgical recovery, so they may be eligible (with an LMN).

3. Water filtration devices: Countertop water systems may be HSA-eligible for people with immunodeficiencies and other conditions, as well as households with documented water contamination.

4. Bidets: For certain conditions or mobility limitations, a bidet can provide medically necessary hygiene support.

5. Saunas: Traditional and infrared saunas can support medically directed treatment and injury recovery.

6. Cold plunges: Cold-plunge tubs may be recommended for some diagnosed conditions through an LMN.

7. Office furniture: If you experience pain or mobility problems, your HSA might help you pay for a standing desk or ergonomic chair for your office.

8. Medically tailored weight loss programs: Weight-loss programs and GLP-1 medications may qualify if they're used to treat a diagnosed condition, like hypertension or type 2 diabetes.

Expenses that aren’t explicitly for medical support usually aren't eligible for HSA reimbursement, even if they have some health benefits. Common examples include:

• Cosmetic surgery: Procedures usually aren't eligible unless they correct a deformity related to a congenital abnormality, injury, or disfiguring disease.
• Cosmetic treatments: Hair regrowth supplies, teeth whitening, and other procedures designed to improve your appearance typically aren't on the HSA-eligible list.
• Beauty products: Makeup and everyday beauty products are considered personal expenses, not medical ones.
• Health clubs and classes: Taking a class for your general health doesn't qualify, even if your provider suggests it. The same goes for health club membership dues.
• Diapers and baby care: Diapers (for any age) aren't usually eligible unless they’re used to treat the symptoms of a medical condition. Bottles, baby oil, and wipes don't typically qualify, either.
• Childcare: You typically can't use HSA funds to pay for non-medical childcare. However, these expenses may qualify under a dependent care FSA (DCFSA), another kind of pre-tax spending account specifically for childcare.

Before you use your HSA card or request reimbursement, make sure that everything in your shopping cart will make the cut. A few reliable resources can help you determine what counts:

• Review IRS guidance: See IRS Publication 502 and Publication 969 for the latest federal guidelines.
• Check with your HSA administrator: Your HSA/FSA provider can clarify whether you can use your HSA card for specific purchases based on your plan.
• Ask your health provider: Your clinician may be able to tell you if an LMN is required for certain items and programs and help you get one if necessary.

Once you hit “purchase,” keep your receipts and supporting documentation with your tax records. That way, you have a paper trail to point to in case your taxes are audited.

Truemed helps you put those tax-free dollars toward eligible products that support your health. Browse your options through our marketplace, or go through a participating partner if you already know what works for you.

If your purchase requires an LMN, we’ll connect you with an independent licensed provider who evaluates your eligibility through a brief health survey. You’ll receive an LMN that documents the medical need for your purchase if it’s approved.

Once you’ve found the products that match your health care needs, select Truemed at checkout. You can pay directly with your HSA/FSA card for qualified orders. Otherwise, pay like normal, then submit a reimbursement request to your HSA provider with the receipt.

See how Truemed works today.