Pain reliever
Pain relievers are generally eligible for HSA, FSA, and HRA reimbursement as qualified medical expenses.
Eligible for HSA, FSA, HRAhigh confidence
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, including over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, to be qualified medical expenses. Following the CARES Act, a prescription is no longer required for OTC medicines to be eligible for reimbursement from health spending accounts.
When It Qualifies
- •The pain reliever must be used to alleviate or treat a medical condition, injury, or illness.
When It Doesn't
- •Pain relievers used for general health or cosmetic purposes are 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, specific plan administrators may have their own substantiation requirements. Always retain your receipts and check with your plan administrator for any specific rules. This information is for educational purposes only and not tax or legal advice.