How to Get Reimbursed for Wellness Products with HSA or FSA?

Have you ever bought something to help you feel better like a massage gun, blue light glasses, or a back brace and wondered, "Can I get my money back using my HSA or FSA?" You're not the only one.

A lot of people don’t know that some common wellness products might be paid back to you through your Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA). But it’s not always that simple. It depends on the rules, what your doctor says, and if you have the right proof.

Here’s the thing: not all health items count the same. A heating pad for back pain might be covered. But a foam roller you use after workouts? Maybe not unless a doctor says it’s part of a treatment.

So, before you save receipts or shop for items with "FSA eligible" labels, it helps to know what really qualifies, what paperwork you’ll need, and how to get paid back.

This guide will explain everything in simple steps. You’ll learn what types of wellness items are covered, when you need a doctor’s note, how to ask for a reimbursement, and what to do if your request is denied.

What Types of Wellness Products Are HSA or FSA Eligible?

Have you ever seen a label that says "HSA/FSA eligible" and wondered what that actually means? You're not the only one!

Here’s the simple version: HSA (Health Savings Account) and FSA (Flexible Spending Account) money can be used to pay for certain health-related items. But there’s a rule, you can only use these funds for products that help treat or prevent a medical problem, not just to stay healthy in general.

Some items are easy to understand like a thermometer or prenatal vitamins. These are usually covered. But other things, like workout gear or vitamins, might not be allowed unless your doctor writes a special note saying you need them for a health reason. This is called a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN). 

The IRS (the people who make tax rules) says the item must help treat or prevent a specific illness or problem, not just help you feel better overall. That’s why some items that look healthy might not be allowed.

Here are some examples of what usually is allowed:

Common Items You Can Buy with HSA/FSA Funds

• Sunscreen (SPF 15+) - Helps prevent sunburn and skin cancer.
  
• Skin creams or ointments - Only if they treat acne, eczema, or other skin conditions.
  
• Pain relief tools - Like heating pads or cold packs if you’re sore or hurt.
  
• First aid supplies - Bandages, wipes, gauze, and basic first aid kits.
  
• Menstrual care - Tampons, pads, and cups have been allowed since 2020.
  
• Medical tools - Thermometers, blood pressure machines, and glucose monitors.
  
• Over-the-counter medicine - Cold, allergy, or pain medicine (no prescription needed).
  
• Prenatal vitamins - These are allowed, especially during pregnancy.

Items That Are Sometimes Allowed (If Prescribed)

• Fitness gear - Like a treadmill or yoga mat. Only covered if your doctor says it’s needed for a medical condition.
  
• Vitamins or supplements - Most are not allowed unless your doctor prescribes them.
  
• Weighted blankets or air purifiers - Might be okay if used to help with things like anxiety or asthma, but you’ll need a note from your doctor.

Other Helpful Categories

• Dental care - Special toothpaste or items for treating gum problems.
  
• Eye and ear care - Prescription glasses, hearing aids, and batteries.
  
• Mental health - Therapy visits, sleep aids, or medicine for mental health (if prescribed).
  
• Baby care - Things like breast pumps or pregnancy tests usually count too.

Things to Remember

• Rules can change - Each HSA/FSA provider might have slightly different rules, so it’s good to check with them.
  
• Save your receipts - You might need to show proof that you bought something eligible.
  
• Use your money before the deadline - FSA money might not roll over to next year, so don’t wait too long!

So, yes there are a lot of things you can get reimbursed for. But it all depends on the reason you’re using the item, whether it’s medically needed, and if you have the right paperwork. If you're not sure, ask your doctor or check with your plan provider. And always look at trusted info like the IRS website or your HSA/FSA provider’s list.

Knowing what counts can help you use your benefits wisely and save money too!

What Proof Do You Need for Reimbursement?

If you want to get money back for a wellness product you bought using your HSA or FSA, you’ll need more than just a credit card receipt. You have to show clear proof of what you bought, when you bought it, why you needed it, and where you got it.

Let’s keep it simple. The kind of account you’re using HSA or FSA matters, and they each work a little differently.

Using an FSA (Flexible Spending Account)

If you’re using an FSA, you have to send in a claim to get paid back. Here's what you usually need:

• Detailed Receipt - This must show the product name (like "TENS unit" or "pain relief cream"), the date, the store or provider’s name, and the price. A vague receipt that just says "Pharmacy - $50" isn’t enough.
  
• Explanation of Benefits (EOB) - If you used insurance for a doctor visit or lab test, send the EOB that shows what was paid and what’s left for you to pay.
  
• Pharmacy Receipts - For prescription meds, the receipt should show the medicine name, dose, price, and date.
  
• Doctor’s Note (LMN) - If you’re buying something like a CPAP machine, orthotics, or a special fitness item, you may need a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN). That’s a note from your doctor saying it’s needed for your health.
  
• Claim Form - Some FSA plans will ask you to fill out a form with your name, expense info, and a promise that the expense is allowed.

✅ Example: You buy a TENS unit on Amazon for back pain. You’ll need the receipt with the product name and price, and probably a doctor’s note saying you’re using it for pain relief.

Using an HSA (Health Savings Account)

If you have an HSA, you don’t have to send in a claim right away. You can pay yourself back later. But you do need to keep your proof in case the IRS asks to see it.

Here’s what you should save:

• Receipts - Same as with FSA: show item name, price, date, and where it was bought.
  
• EOBs - Keep these if the service involves insurance.
  
• Prescriptions or LMNs - For things that aren’t clearly medical (like vitamins or fitness tools), a doctor’s note can help.
  
• Digital Records - Some HSA companies have apps where you can take a photo of your receipt and store it safely.
  

💡 Helpful Tip: Save these records for at least 3 years. If the IRS checks and you don’t have proof, you might have to pay extra taxes and a 20% fine.

Special Cases to Know About

Some wellness items have extra rules:

• Air purifiers - Need a doctor’s note showing they’re for asthma or allergies.
  
• Weighted blankets - Might be covered if they help with anxiety or sleep problems with a note from your doctor.
  
• Menstrual products - Usually don’t need a note, but the receipt must list what you bought.
  
• Smoking aids - Like nicotine gum or patches may need a prescription depending on your plan.
  

Mistakes That Can Delay Your Reimbursement

• Using credit card statements with no product details.
  
• Missing dates or store names on receipts.
  
• Forgetting to get a doctor’s note for certain items.
  
• Sending in your FSA claim too late (usually the deadline is March 15 of the next year).
  

Tips to Make Things Easier

• Always ask for a detailed receipt.
  
• Check your plan rules before buying.
  
• Use your provider’s app to upload receipts and track your claims.
  
• Keep everything saved either in a folder or on your computer.
  

Getting reimbursed isn’t hard if you’re ready. With an FSA, you send your proof in right away. With an HSA, you keep the proof for later. Either way, make sure you know what you bought, why it’s allowed, and that you’ve got the paperwork to back it up.

When you’re not sure? Ask your HSA or FSA provider or check the IRS Publication 502. It’s always better to double-check than to deal with problems later.

How to Submit a Claim for FSA Reimbursement?

If you have an FSA, you need to send in a claim to get reimbursed. Here’s what to do:

• Make sure the item is eligible Double-check your plan’s eligible items list or use IRS Publication 502. Common FSA items include medical visits, prescriptions, menstrual products, and OTC medications.
  
• Get your receipts ready You’ll need an itemized receipt (showing product name, date, amount, and store/provider), and in some cases, an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) from your insurance. If your item requires medical approval like a CPAP machine or air purifier you’ll also need a Letter of Medical Necessity from your doctor.
  
• Submit the claim
  You Can:
  
  • Online portal: Log into your provider’s site (like FSAFEDS or WageWorks), fill out the reimbursement form, and upload your receipts.
    
  • Mobile app: Take a picture of your receipts and upload them directly through your provider’s app.
    
  • By mail or fax: Print and fill out a reimbursement form, attach receipts, and send them in. Not the fastest, but still works!
    
• Wait for approval. It usually takes a few days for them to review your claim. If everything looks good, the money will be sent to you by check, direct deposit, or to your FSA card.

✅ Example:  You buy prescription sunglasses for $200. You take a photo of the receipt and send it in using your FSA app. A few days later, the money is in your bank account.

How to Submit a Claim for HSA Reimbursement?

HSAs give you more flexibility, but you’re responsible for keeping everything documented in case the IRS ever asks.

• Confirm the purchase is eligible - HSAs cover a wide range of expenses from doctor visits to vision care to medical equipment. Use tools like the HSA Store or your provider’s guide to confirm.
  
• Pay out-of-pocket first - You can use your own money or your HSA debit card. If you paid out of pocket, you can choose to reimburse yourself later.
  
• Reimburse yourself
  
  • Log into your HSA portal (e.g., Lively, Optum).
    
  • Transfer funds from your HSA to your personal bank account.
    
  • Or, write a check to yourself (if your plan allows).
    
• Keep detailed records - Even if you don’t submit documents now, you need to keep them in case of an audit. Save receipts, EOBs, and any LMNs in a folder or a digital storage tool (many HSA apps offer this).
  

💡 Pro Tip: You don’t need to rush. There’s no deadline for HSA reimbursements as long as the expense happened after your HSA was opened.

Smart Tips to Help You

• Save digital copies of everything - Photos, PDFs, scanned files whatever works.
  
• Label each expense - Keep a spreadsheet or note with the item, amount, and reason.
  
• Use FSA/HSA-friendly stores - Like the FSA Store, Medpaid Market or Amazon’s FSA/HSA section. These flag eligible items automatically.
  
• Know the deadlines - FSAs are usually use-it-or-lose-it. Many plans have a grace period or rollover cap (e.g., $640 for 2025).
  
• Ask your provider if you’re unsure - Each plan can have slightly different rules.

What Can Go Wrong? (And How to Avoid It?)

• Missing info on receipts - Make sure your receipt shows what you bought. A vague "Health Store - $40" won’t work.
  
• Late claims - For FSAs, missed deadlines can mean losing your money. Submit claims well before the cutoff date.
  
• Claiming ineligible expenses - Don’t try to submit general vitamins, gym memberships, or cosmetic items. These are usually rejected.

Submitting a claim doesn’t need to be stressful. Just take it step-by-step, keep your records neat, and don’t wait until the last minute. Whether it’s a simple pharmacy purchase or something that needs a doctor’s note, being organized is the key to getting reimbursed without headaches.

And remember, when in doubt ask your plan provider, or check out IRS Publication 502. A few minutes of double-checking now can save you time (and money) later.

Are Supplements or Vitamins Ever Reimbursable?

You’ve probably seen bottles of vitamins or supplements at the store with labels that say things like “boosts immunity” or “great for your joints.” But can you actually use your HSA or FSA money to pay for them? The answer is... sometimes. Let’s make it easy to understand.

Can You Use Your HSA or FSA for Supplements?

Most of the time, no, you can’t use your HSA or FSA to pay for vitamins or supplements just to stay healthy. The IRS has rules that say these items have to be used to treat a specific health condition not just for general wellness.

When Can Supplements Be Reimbursed?

There are a few times when you can get reimbursed:

✅ 1. If Your Doctor Says You Need It for a Health Condition

If your doctor writes a prescription or a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN), and it explains why you need a certain supplement to treat a health issue, it might be covered. For example:

• Iron pills if you have anemia
  
• Vitamin D if you have a deficiency
  
• Calcium for weak bones (osteoporosis)
  
• Glucosamine for joint pain from arthritis
  

✅ 2. Prenatal Vitamins

These are always covered, even without a prescription, because they help protect moms and babies during pregnancy.

✅ 3. Special Medical Foods

Some people need special foods or drinks for certain health conditions, like formulas for metabolic disorders or tube-feeding. These may be covered if your doctor says they’re needed.

❌ What’s Not Covered?

If you’re just taking vitamins to feel better or stay healthy, they probably won’t count. These items usually don’t qualify but can when issued a Letter of Medical Necessity:

• Daily multivitamins
  
• Vitamin C for boosting your immune system
  
• Fish oil for heart health (unless prescribed)
  
• Probiotics for digestion
  
• Herbal stuff like turmeric or echinacea
  

Even if the package says it’s "for heart health" or "helps your joints," that’s not enough unless a doctor says it’s needed for your health.

What Do You Need to Prove It?

If your supplement is something you can get reimbursed for, make sure you have:

• A prescription, Letter of Medical Necessity or note from your doctor explaining why you need it
  
• A receipt that shows the product name, price, and date you bought it
  

💡 Helpful Tip: Your doctor just saying "you should try this" isn’t enough. You need a written note explaining the reason.

What Counts and What Doesn’t?

Before You Shop

Ask your doctor for a prescription or note if they recommend a supplement.
Check with your HSA or FSA provider to see what forms they need.
Keep your records for at least three years, in case the IRS asks for proof.

One More Thing

Some people want the rules to change so more supplements are covered, and there are even bills in Congress trying to make that happen. But for now, the rules are strict. If it’s not treating a real health problem and you don’t have proof, it likely won’t count.

Want more info? Read our full article on Can I Use My HSA to Buy Supplements? for a deeper explanation.

You can only get money back from your HSA or FSA for vitamins and supplements if they’re for a real medical issue and your doctor gives you a note. Prenatal vitamins and some joint supplements like glucosamine are exceptions that don’t need paperwork. For everything else, keep those receipts and check with your provider to make sure you’re doing it right.

What to Do If Your FSA Claim Gets Denied?

If your FSA (Flexible Spending Account) claim was rejected, take a breath and follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Find Out Why?

Read the message your provider sent you. Here are common reasons for rejection:

• ❌ Missing info - You forgot to send a receipt, or the receipt didn’t list the item clearly.
  
• ❌ Not eligible - You tried to get paid back for something not covered (like vitamins or gym memberships).
  
• ❌ Too late - You missed the deadline for turning in claims.
  
• ❌ Vague receipt - It says "merchandise" instead of the actual item.
  
• ❌ Store mistake - The store labeled the item the wrong way (like non-medical).

Step 2: Fix the Problem

You can usually fix the issue by sending better info:

• Ask the store for a new, detailed receipt.
  
• Get a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) from your doctor, if needed.
  
• If it was a store error, ask them to update the item description.
  

Step 3: Appeal If Needed

If you think the item should be covered, you can file an appeal:

• Call or email your FSA provider to learn how to do it.
  
• Write a short note explaining why it should count.
  
• Include updated documents like receipts or your doctor’s note.
  
• Do this before your plan’s deadline (usually 30 to 180 days).
  

✅ Example: You bought a knee brace for $50, but didn’t send a doctor’s note. Your claim was denied. You ask your doctor for the note, resubmit your claim, and it gets approved!

Step 4: What If It Still Gets Denied?

• Some plans let you try again. Or talk to your HR or benefits team for help.
  
• If it still doesn’t go through, you can use your FSA money for other things that are eligible. Just don’t let it go to waste!
  

What If You Messed Up With Your HSA?

HSA (Health Savings Account) works a little differently. You manage the money yourself, so there isn’t a rejection process but mistakes can happen.

Oops! You Used HSA Money for the Wrong Thing

Let’s say you used your HSA card at a regular store by accident. Here’s what you can do:

Option 1: Put the Money Back

• You can return the money to your HSA by April 15 of the next year if it was a true mistake.
  
• Keep a bank statement or note to show it was a real accident.
  

Option 2: Use It on Another Expense

• Say you spent $50 by mistake. If you have another $50 medical bill you haven’t used your HSA for yet, you can count it instead.
  

Option 3: Report It and Pay Taxes

• If you can’t fix the mistake, you’ll need to report it when you do your taxes.
  
• You’ll pay regular taxes on the amount and a 20% penalty if you’re under 65.
  

💡 Reminder: HSA providers might not notice a mistake, but the IRS could so it’s better to fix it if you can.

Mistakes and rejections can be annoying, but they don’t mean you’re out of luck. Most of the time, all you need is a better receipt or a quick note from your doctor. And if you use your HSA by mistake, you still have time to fix it as long as you do it by the IRS deadline.

If you're not sure what to do, ask your HSA or FSA provider. A few minutes now could save you a big headache later!