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Children's cold medicine

Children's cold medicine is eligible for HSA, FSA, and HRA reimbursement as it is considered an over-the-counter medicine used for medical care.

Eligible for HSA, FSA, HRAhigh confidence

Eligibility Matrix

Eligibility status for all account types

Account TypeStatus
HSAEligible
FSAEligible
HRAEligible

Quick Reference

The IRS considers over-the-counter medicines and drugs, including children's cold medicine, as qualified medical expenses. The CARES Act of 2020 removed the requirement for a prescription for these items to be eligible for reimbursement from health spending accounts.

When It Qualifies

  • The medicine must be used to alleviate or prevent a physical or mental illness or condition, such as a cold.
  • It must not be for general health or cosmetic purposes.

When It Doesn't

  • Items used for general health or cosmetic purposes are not eligible.

Similar Items

Important Notice

  • Your specific plan may have different rules
  • Keep all receipts and documentation
  • This is informational only, not tax or legal advice

While generally eligible, specific plan administrators may have their own substantiation requirements. Always retain your receipts for tax and reimbursement purposes. This information is for educational purposes and not tax or legal advice.