Pain relief cream
Pain relief cream is eligible for HSA, FSA, and HRA accounts as an over-the-counter (OTC) medicine.
Eligibility Matrix
Eligibility status for all account types
| Account Type | Status |
|---|---|
| HSA | Eligible |
| FSA | Eligible |
| HRA | Eligible |
Quick Reference
The IRS considers medicines and drugs to be qualified medical expenses if they are used for the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, or for the purpose of affecting any structure or function of the body. Following the CARES Act of 2020, over-the-counter medicines, including pain relief creams, no longer require a prescription to be eligible for reimbursement from health spending accounts.
When It Qualifies
- •The pain relief cream must be used for a medical purpose (e.g., to alleviate pain from an injury or condition), not for general cosmetic purposes.
When It Doesn't
- •Products primarily for cosmetic purposes, even if they contain pain-relieving ingredients, are generally not eligible.
Similar Items
Official Source
IRS Publication 502 (2024)
Medicines
View on IRS.gov
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, always check with your specific plan administrator as individual plan rules may vary. Keep detailed records and receipts for all purchases for substantiation purposes. This information is for educational purposes only and not tax or legal advice.