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Search GuideUpdated for 2025

Search Tips

Learn how to search effectively and find HSA/FSA eligibility information quickly. Master the tool with these tips and examples.

Core Search Tips

Use Simple, Clear Terms
Keep your searches short and direct. Single words or short phrases work best.

Examples:

"Tylenol"
✓ Perfect - brand name
"ibuprofen"
✓ Perfect - generic drug name
"pain reliever"
✓ Good - general category
"Can I buy pain medicine with my FSA?"
⚠️ Too wordy - just use "pain medicine"
Try Both Brand and Generic Names
The tool recognizes both brand names and generic terms. Try whichever you know.

Examples:

"Advil"
✓ Brand name works
"ibuprofen"
✓ Generic name works too
"Claritin"
✓ Brand name
"loratadine"
✓ Generic equivalent
Start Broad, Then Get Specific
If you're not finding what you need, try a broader category first, then narrow down.

Examples:

"glasses"
→ Shows general eyewear eligibility
"prescription glasses"
→ More specific result
"reading glasses"
→ Even more specific
Use Medical Terms When Relevant
For medical services or conditions, use the proper medical terms for better results.

Examples:

"physical therapy"
✓ Good
"PT"
⚠️ Try full term first
"chiropractor"
✓ Perfect
"back adjustment"
→ Try "chiropractic care"

Search Examples by Category

Here are common search examples organized by category. Click on any to see how they work.

Popular Search Patterns

Understanding these common search patterns can help you find what you need faster.

Brand Name Drugs
Search for the exact brand name you see on the package
Medical Conditions
Search by the condition you're treating
Body Parts + Treatment
Combine body part with the type of care
General Categories
Broad category searches work well for exploring

Common Issues & Solutions

Having trouble finding what you need? Here are solutions to common search issues.

Can't find a specific brand or product

Try these solutions:

  • Try the generic name instead of the brand name
  • Search for the general category (e.g., "pain reliever" instead of "Aleve")
  • Check spelling - search is exact match for common misspellings
  • Try related terms or synonyms
Getting too many or irrelevant results

Try these solutions:

  • Be more specific with your search term
  • Include the purpose (e.g., "prescription glasses" vs just "glasses")
  • Look for the exact match that fits your use case
  • Review the eligibility status carefully
Unsure what to search for

Try these solutions:

  • Try the most common name for the item
  • Use the popular searches on the home page for ideas
  • Browse the Common Eligible Expenses guide
  • Search for the medical condition instead of the treatment

Pro Tips

Check Related Items

The results page shows related items that might also be relevant to your search.

💡 Benefit: Discover additional eligible expenses you might not have known about

Read the Full Explanation

Don't just look at "Eligible" or "Not Eligible" - read why to understand conditions.

💡 Benefit: Learn what documentation you might need or what qualifies the item

Save Common Searches

Bookmark results pages for items you purchase frequently.

💡 Benefit: Quick reference when shopping - just check if still eligible

Use Popular Searches

The home page shows popular searches - these are common items worth checking.

💡 Benefit: Quick access to frequently searched items without typing

How Search Works

Behind the Scenes

Our search tool uses advanced matching to find relevant items even if you don't use the exact terminology. Here's what happens when you search:

  1. 1

    Query Processing

    Your search term is analyzed for brand names, generic terms, and medical terminology

  2. 2

    IRS Database Search

    The tool searches our comprehensive database of IRS Publication 502 and related regulations

  3. 3

    Result Generation

    You get instant eligibility status for HSA, FSA, and HRA accounts with official IRS citations

  4. 4

    Related Suggestions

    Similar items and related expenses are suggested to help you discover more eligible items

Still Can't Find It?

Additional Resources

Browse Common Eligible Expenses

View organized categories of eligible items for inspiration. Browse categories →

Check IRS Publication 502 Directly

For very unusual or rare items, consult the official IRS publication. View IRS Pub 502 →

Contact Your Plan Administrator

Your specific plan may have additional rules or restrictions. When in doubt, ask before purchasing.

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