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How to Use This Tool
Learn how to search for items, understand eligibility results, interpret badges and flags, and keep proper documentation for your HSA, FSA, or HRA expenses.
Search Tips
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Understanding Eligibility Badges
Each search result includes an eligibility badge that shows whether the item is eligible for your selected account type (HSA, FSA, or HRA).
What it means:
This item is a qualified medical expense for the selected account type. You can use your HSA/FSA/HRA funds to purchase it.
Examples:
OTC pain relievers (Tylenol, Advil), prescription medications, wheelchairs
What it means:
This item may be eligible, but requires additional documentation or conditions to be met. Check the details for specific requirements.
Examples:
Vitamins (with prescription), massage therapy (with LMN), gym membership (for specific diagnosed conditions)
What it means:
This item is not a qualified medical expense according to IRS rules. You cannot use HSA/FSA/HRA funds for this purchase.
Examples:
Cosmetics, general vitamins (without prescription), gym memberships (general wellness)
Understanding Flags
Some items have special flags that indicate additional requirements or important information about eligibility.
What to do:
- →Ask your doctor for a Letter of Medical Necessity
- →The letter should specify your diagnosis and why this treatment is necessary
- →Keep the LMN with your receipts for substantiation
- →Submit the LMN with your reimbursement claim (if paying out-of-pocket)
Examples:
What to do:
- →Get a prescription from your doctor
- →Keep a copy of the prescription with your receipts
- →Some items may have been eligible before CARES Act but rules changed
Examples:
What to do:
- →No prescription required for OTC drugs and menstrual products
- →Simply purchase and keep your receipt
- →These changes apply to expenses incurred on or after January 1, 2020
Examples:
Keeping Proper Documentation
Important Points:
- •Must be itemized (not just a total)
- •Must show what was purchased
- •Digital receipts (email, app screenshots) are acceptable
Important Points:
- •LMN should be dated before the purchase
- •Prescription should match the item purchased
- •Keep all documents together in one place
Important Points:
- •Digital storage is acceptable (scan or photograph)
- •Organize by year and category
- •Keep backups of important documents
Important Points:
- •Respond promptly to substantiation requests
- •Provide clear, complete documentation
- •If you cannot substantiate, you may have to repay the amount
Good Receipt Includes:
- ✓Merchant name and address
- ✓Date of purchase
- ✓Itemized list of products/services
- ✓Amount paid for each item
- ✓Payment method (if using HSA/FSA card)
Not Sufficient:
- ✗Credit card statement alone
- ✗Receipt showing only total amount
- ✗Handwritten notes
- ✗Faded or illegible receipts
- ✗Screenshots without merchant details
Common Questions
This usually means the item could fall into different categories with different eligibility rules. Review each result and select the one that best matches your specific use case. For example, "vitamins" might return both "General Vitamins (Not Eligible)" and "Prescription Vitamins (Eligible with Rx)."
While IRS rules set the baseline for what's eligible, your employer's FSA or HRA plan may have additional restrictions. Always check with your plan administrator if you're unsure. HSAs follow standard IRS rules and don't vary by employer.
Yes! You can look up items you've already purchased. If they were eligible, you may be able to submit a claim for reimbursement (if you paid out-of-pocket) or verify that your HSA/FSA card purchase was valid. Check your plan's time limits for reimbursement claims.
Our results are based on IRS publications and regulations. If you believe an item should be eligible, consult with your tax advisor or plan administrator. In some cases, conditional eligibility may apply if you have proper medical documentation.
We update our database regularly to reflect the latest IRS guidance. Each item page shows a "Last Verified" date. IRS Publication 502 is typically updated annually. Major changes (like the CARES Act) are reflected as soon as possible.
Try different search terms or browse related categories. If you still can't find it, the item may be uncommon or fall into a gray area. We recommend contacting your plan administrator or consulting IRS Publication 502 directly for unusual items.
Limitations and Disclaimers
This tool provides information only
This is not tax, legal, or financial advice. Always consult with your tax advisor or plan administrator for personalized guidance.
IRS rules can change
While we strive to keep our information current, tax laws and regulations can change. Check the "Last Verified" date on each item page.
Plan rules may vary
Your employer's FSA or HRA plan may have additional restrictions beyond IRS rules. Always verify with your plan administrator.
You are responsible
You are ultimately responsible for ensuring your expenses are eligible and properly documented. Keep all receipts and supporting documentation.
When in doubt, ask
If you're unsure about an expense, contact your plan administrator before making the purchase. It's better to ask first than to have a claim denied later.