Hospital stay
Expenses for a hospital stay are generally eligible for HSA, FSA, and HRA accounts as they are considered qualified medical expenses.
Eligibility Matrix
Eligibility status for all account types
| Account Type | Status |
|---|---|
| HSA | Eligible |
| FSA | Eligible |
| HRA | Eligible |
Quick Reference
The IRS defines medical expenses as the costs of diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, and for the purpose of affecting any structure or function of the body. A hospital stay directly falls under these categories, covering services like room and board, nursing services, and other medical care received during the stay.
When It Qualifies
- •The hospital stay must be for medical care, treatment, or diagnosis of a medical condition.
- •Expenses for medical services, lab fees, and other related care provided during the stay are included.
When It Doesn't
- •Expenses for a hospital stay primarily for cosmetic surgery or other procedures not medically necessary are generally not eligible.
- •Costs for general health programs or wellness initiatives that are not treating a specific illness or condition are typically excluded.
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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 detailed receipts and statements for your records. This information is for educational purposes only and not tax or legal advice.