Thanks to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act thousands of items, some you use every day or month, are now reimbursable from your flex spending account (FSA), effective January 2020. And if you do a little further digging, you may be shocked to find tons of other things you never considered to be eligible too.
Before you pay out-of-pocket, learn about seven surprising products and services that are reimbursable by your FSA.
Skin care
We all want to put our best face forward, and with certain FSA-eligible items you can! FSA/HSA eligibility extends to a variety of products including facial cleansers, sunscreen, prescription acne medications, over-the-counter acne treatments and medicated body lotions that are designed to alleviate certain skin conditions.
OTC pain relief
Whether your little one just spiked a fever or you’re battling a toothache, over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers and products, including hot and cold therapy packs and cooling headache pads, are now eligible for reimbursement, for the following OTC medications without a prescription:
- Pain relievers like Tylenol and Advil
- Heartburn medication
- Allergy relief
- Toothache relief such as Orajel
Periods, fertility, menopause
From periods to pregnancy to menopause—and all of life’s moments in between—many women’s health products, including most recently OTC menstrual products, are now eligible for reimbursement with an FSA. These include:
- OTC menstrual products, such as pads, tampons, cups and sponges
- Birth control pills
- Pregnancy tests
- Fertility tests and treatments such as in vitro fertilization, intrauterine insemination, fertility medication and the temporary storage of eggs or sperm (may require documentation; check with your plan)
- Breastfeeding care including breast pumps, breastfeeding classes, absorbent breast pads and breast milk storage bags.
- Hormone replacement therapy (with a prescription; check with your plan)
Lip balms
Whether you live near the beach or mountains, everyone will need some lip relief. You can purchase a variety of lip care products for sun protection and to fight off dry, chapped lips.
Humidifiers, air filters and supplies
If air quality has an impact on your medical health, you can finally breathe a sigh of relief. With a letter of medical necessity (LMN) from your doctor or healthcare provider, humidifiers, air purifiers and filters are eligible for reimbursement.
Dietitian
If there are concerns about your medical condition, your doctor might refer you to a dietitian to help you better manage your disease. While general health visits not related to your medical condition won’t qualify, you are eligible for reimbursement with a doctor’s LMN that outlines a specific diagnosis and how a dietitian is necessary.
Mental health
Your mental and emotional health are just as important as your physical health. The good news is that you can pay for some mental health treatments and services (including some online therapy) with your FSA administrator.
With so much uncertainty in the world, people are experiencing greater levels of stress, anxiety and depression. Now’s the time to focus on your emotional and mental well-being. Use your tax-free FSA funds to help offset you and your loves ones’ care.
Looking to spend those remaining FSA dollars or for more information about health insurance? Check out these articles:
