What Can I Use My HSA For?

In 2020, approximately 29 million Americans were enrolled in high-deductible health insurance plans with health savings accounts (HSAs).¹ HSAs are tax-deductible bank accounts that you can use to pay for health care costs. HealthMarkets can help you discover the differences between what you can and can’t spend your HSA money on.

What Can I Use My HSA For?

You can use your HSA for a number of medical-related expenses and items, including:

• Over-the-counter (OTC) medications
• Prescription medications
• Telehealth services
• Menstrual care products
• Sunscreen
• And more

Can I Use My HSA For My Spouse?

Yes, you can use your HSA for your spouse. You can also use your HSA for your dependents, as well as non-dependents that you could have claimed except that they filed a joint return, had a gross income of $4,300 or more, or if you and your spouse could be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s return.

Can I Use My HSA For Dental?

Dental care reimbursement is an eligible expense for your HSA. Other qualifying dental expenses can include dental cleanings, dental services and procedures, dental dams, medical dental implants, dental sealants, dental veneers, dentures, denture adhesive, denture cleaning supplies, denture stain cleaner, and treatment from a denturist.

Dental floss, however, does not qualify.

Pregnancy Tests or Baby Diapers?

Any expenses associated with the process of birth control can be paid for using HSA funds. This includes those prescribed by a doctor (birth control pills, IUD, diaphragm, etc.) as well as over-the-counter products and devices (e.g., condoms, spermicide, and pregnancy test kits). Diapers, on the other hand, do not qualify as a medical expense unless they are for a handicapped individual beyond the age of infancy. Money spent on a diaper service for an adult can also qualify if it’s been prescribed by a physician for a specific medical condition.

CPR Classes or Smoking Cessation Programs?

Some things related to smoking cessation, including prescription drugs and the cost of classes or programs to help you quit, are qualified medical expenses. Things that don’t need a prescription, like nicotine gum or patches, may qualify. Be sure to check your plan details.²

CPR classes are not considered medically necessary, so you shouldn’t charge this to your HSA.

Medical Marijuana or Experimental Drugs?

Experimental drugs, if they are obtained legally, can be purchased using funds from your HSA. Marijuana, on the other hand, is illegal under federal law. Even if it is legal in your state and you are using it to treat a specific medical condition under the supervision of a doctor, it does not qualify as a medical expense for the purposes of your health savings account.

Can I Use My HSA For a Gym Membership?

A gym membership, whether it is to promote your general health or to help with weight loss, does not count as a qualified expense.

Can I Use My HSA For Massage?

Yes, you can use your HSA for a massage. You might be surprised to learn that several different kinds of therapy, including massage therapy, acupuncture, and chiropractors are all qualified expenses, as long as these professionals are providing medical care.

Can I Use My HSA For Glasses?

Glasses are considered a qualifying expense, so yes you can use your HSA funds for these. If you use contact lenses for a medical reason (not just because it’s Halloween, or you want to change your eye color), you can buy related supplies like saline solution or contact cleaner with your HSA card.

Can I Use My HSA For LASIK?

Yes, LASIK (Laser Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis) qualifies for reimbursement with your HSA. In addition to this type of vision correction, laser eye surgery is also eligible.

Can I Use My HSA For Vitamins?

Yes, prenatal vitamins may be eligible for HSA coverage, as well as certain painkillers and allergy and sinus medicine.² Verify this with your plan and/or carrier, as not all plans are the same.

Find a Health Plan With an HSA

If you’re interested in switching to a health insurance plan that will give you access to a health savings account, HealthMarkets can help! Search and compare thousands of plans online to find the right one, all at no cost to you, now.