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Understanding Results
Learn how to read and interpret eligibility results. This guide explains every component of the results page and what it means for your purchase.
Understanding Status Badges
Every results page shows a colored status badge that indicates eligibility at a glance. Here's what each status means:
What it means:
This item is a qualified medical expense according to IRS rules. You can use your HSA/FSA/HRA funds to purchase it.
What to do:
- Purchase with your HSA/FSA card or pay out-of-pocket and submit for reimbursement
- Keep your itemized receipt showing the item name, date, amount, and merchant
- No additional documentation typically required unless specified
Examples:
What it means:
This item may be eligible, but requires additional documentation or specific conditions to be met.
What to do:
- Read the Requirements section carefully on the results page
- Obtain any required documentation (e.g., Letter of Medical Necessity, prescription)
- Ensure all conditions are met before purchasing
- Keep all documentation with your receipt for substantiation
Examples:
What it means:
This item is not a qualified medical expense under IRS rules. You cannot use HSA/FSA/HRA funds for this purchase.
What to do:
- Do not use your HSA/FSA card for this purchase
- Pay with personal funds (not pre-tax healthcare dollars)
- Read the explanation to understand why it doesn't qualify
- Check if there are similar eligible alternatives
Examples:
What it means:
The eligibility depends on specific details about your situation. More context is needed.
What to do:
- Review the explanation and clarifying questions
- Try a more specific search if your query was too broad
- Contact your plan administrator with specific details
- Check IRS Publication 502 for edge cases
Examples:
Components of a Results Page
Each results page contains several important sections. Here's where to find them and what they tell you:
Where to find it:
Top of the page, in large bold text
What to look for:
- •Item name is shown exactly as you searched
- •Plain English answer summarizes eligibility
- •Quick overview before diving into details
Where to find it:
Below the item name, with colored background
What to look for:
- •Green = Eligible
- •Yellow = Eligible with Requirements
- •Red = Not Eligible
- •Blue = Need More Information
- •Shows which accounts the item is eligible for (HSA, FSA, HRA)
Where to find it:
Early on the page, in a clear table format
What to look for:
- •Each row shows one account type
- •Status column shows Eligible or Not Eligible with icon
- •Some items may be eligible for one account but not another
- •Check the row for your specific account type
Where to find it:
Highlighted section with yellow background
What to look for:
- •Each requirement has a clear label
- •Description explains exactly what you need
- •May include LMN requirement, prescription requirement, etc.
- •This section only appears for "Eligible with Requirements" items
Where to find it:
Main content area with "Why" explanation
What to look for:
- •Explains the IRS reasoning behind the eligibility determination
- •"When It Qualifies" lists conditions that make it eligible
- •"When It Doesn't" lists exclusions and non-qualifying scenarios
- •Provides context and edge cases
Where to find it:
Right sidebar, clearly labeled
What to look for:
- •Publication title (usually IRS Publication 502 or 969)
- •Specific section reference
- •Clickable link to view on IRS.gov
- •Use this for verification or if your claim is questioned
Where to find it:
Lower on the page, shows 3-5 related searches
What to look for:
- •Each item shows its own eligibility status icon
- •Clickable to navigate to that item's results
- •Helps discover related eligible expenses
- •May show more specific or alternative items
Where to find it:
Top right and bottom of page
What to look for:
- •Share button copies link or opens share menu
- •Print button formats page for printing
- •New Search returns to home page
- •Use these to keep results for your records
Confidence Levels
Some results include a confidence indicator (High, Medium, or Low). This tells you how clear-cut the IRS guidance is for that item.
Meaning:
The item is clearly defined in IRS publications with explicit guidance.
Reliability:
Very reliable - IRS has specific rules for this item
Meaning:
The item falls into a general category covered by IRS rules, but may have some edge cases.
Reliability:
Reliable for most cases - verify specific details with your plan
Meaning:
The item is in a gray area or depends heavily on individual circumstances.
Reliability:
Use with caution - consult your plan administrator or tax advisor
Reading the Eligibility Matrix
The Eligibility Matrix is a table with three rows (HSA, FSA, HRA) showing which accounts can cover the expense. Here's how to read it:
Green checkmark = Eligible
This account type can be used to pay for this item
Gray checkmark = Not Eligible
This account type cannot be used for this item
Why might they differ?
Some items are eligible for HSAs but not FSAs, or vice versa. HRA eligibility depends on your employer's plan design.
Common Questions
This indicates the item qualifies for all three types of tax-advantaged health accounts. If it only lists one or two, the item may have different eligibility rules for each account type. Always check the Eligibility Matrix table to see your specific account.
The IRS allows certain items only when they're used to treat a specific medical condition, not for general health. Requirements ensure the expense is truly medical. Common requirements include prescriptions or Letters of Medical Necessity (LMN).
The Official Source section links to the exact IRS publication and section that governs this item. If your FSA administrator questions an expense, you can reference this citation. It's also useful for your own verification and peace of mind.
Our results show IRS baseline rules. Your specific FSA or HRA plan may have MORE restrictive rules (but cannot be more permissive). Always check with your plan administrator if there's a discrepancy. HSAs follow standard IRS rules and don't vary by plan.
Yes, but each similar item has its own eligibility rules. Just because one item is eligible doesn't mean related items are. Always click through and read each item's full result page before purchasing.
Save or print the results page for your records. Keep it with your receipt if you make a purchase. The IRS citation and explanation can help substantiate your claim if questioned during an audit or by your plan administrator.
What to Do After Checking Results
- 1
Save the Results
Print or bookmark the page for your records. The IRS citation is valuable documentation.
- 2
Get Required Documentation
If the item requires an LMN or prescription, obtain it BEFORE making the purchase.
- 3
Make Your Purchase
Use your HSA/FSA card or pay out-of-pocket and submit for reimbursement.
- 4
Keep Your Receipt
Save the itemized receipt showing item name, date, amount, and merchant. Store it with the results page and any supporting documentation.