Where Can I Use My HSA Card?

If you frequently make purchases in healthcare products and services, you might be missing out on the untapped potential of HSA funds. You’re spending hard-earned money on goods and services to promote your health, and you may be able to use your HSA account for eligible health-related expenses. You may be able to use your HSA card for many of your day-to-day products and services. Here’s how to see if your purchase qualifies and how to get started. For more comprehensive tips on maximizing your HSA, visit our ultimate guide to HSA/FSA.

What Is an HSA?

An HSA, or Health Savings Account, is a special savings account that allows people to store pre-tax income specifically for health-related expenses. People with high deductible health plans (HDHP) are eligible to establish and contribute to an HSA account.

For more information on how to access and manage your HSA, check out our How to Access Your Health Savings Account blog.

HSA accounts are usually offered by credit unions, banks, and similar financial institutions. Some HSA accounts accumulate interest on unused funds and even allow withdrawals with a 10% tax penalty.

What Is the Difference Between HSA and FSA?

Retailers that accept HSA funds will often label certain purchases as HSA/FSA eligible, meaning they accept both forms of funding to cover a specific purchase. While HSA and FSA accounts are often used for similar purposes, they have distinct differences and advantages.

To learn about specific eligible expenses, visit our Are Vitamins HSA Eligible - What Is Covered and What Isn't blog. To learn more about both accounts and which is best for you, check out our HSA/FSA guide.

HSA Features:

• Completely owned by you
• Can be used if self-employed
• Remaining funds roll over at the end of the year
• You can make withdrawals (with a penalty tax)
• Can be used for fewer items and services than FSA

FSA Features:

• Sponsored by an employer
• Can’t be used by self-employed individuals
• Remaining funds disappear at the end of the year
• You cannot make withdrawals
• Can generally be used for more than HSA

Most full-time employees have FSA accounts through their employers, while contract workers, entrepreneurs, and self-employed people tend to utilize HSAs for their accessibility.

What Does HSA Cover?

HSA funds can be used to cover many everyday medical expenses, including costs related to appointments and over-the-counter health purchases. Some items may require a Letter of Medical Necessity from a doctor to qualify for HSA reimbursement.

To discover some surprising ways you can use your HSA, visit our 10 Surprising Things You Can Buy With Your HSA blog. For a more detailed breakdown of eligible expenses, refer to our ultimate guide to HSA/FSA.

Medical and Surgical Appointment Copays

Any necessary (non-cosmetic) medical or surgical appointment and its associated co-pay or co-insurance costs can be reimbursed with HSA funds. This includes non-cosmetic dentistry, podiatry, and optometry appointments.

HSA funds can also cover telemedicine visits, including online therapy appointments with licensed mental health professionals. Telemedicine eligibility was expanded through the CARES Act during the COVID-19 pandemic and remains in effect.

Prescription Copays and Medical Devices

HSA funds can be used for copays on prescriptions and medical devices like glucose meters, defibrillators, canes, wheelchairs, braces, hearing aids, diabetes test strips, and crutches. Batteries for battery-operated medical devices are also reimbursable.

Over the Counter Medications

There used to be strict rules regarding doctor authorization for over-the-counter medication HSA purchases, but these rules have since relaxed. Over-the-counter pain relievers (e.g., ibuprofen, acetaminophen), acid reducers, and allergy medicines are generally HSA-eligible. Almost anything you purchase off the pharmacy shelf may be covered by HSA funds—ask a pharmacist if you're unsure.

Pregnancy and Lactation-Related Supplies

Childbirth classes, coaching, doula services, and midwifery expenses may be HSA eligible depending on specific circumstances. HSA funds can also cover breast pumps, nursing pads, pregnancy tests, ovulation tests, birth control, and next-day oral contraceptives.

For more information on using your HSA for eligible health-related services, visit our How To Use HSA for a Massage in 2024 blog. To learn more about the broader benefits of food, exercise, and supplements as medicine, visit our 275 Studies Showing Food, Exercise, and Supplements ARE Medicine blog.

First Aid Supplies

First aid supplies like kits, isopropyl alcohol, gauze, bandages, latex gloves, ointments, and wound sanitizing sprays are HSA reimbursable. Sunscreen, sunburn cream, and ointments are also considered first aid products.

Many facial cleansers, toners, moisturizers, and similar skincare products available at drugstores are considered healthcare products and are HSA reimbursable.

Disability or Adaptive Equipment

HSA funds can reimburse the cost of installing adaptive controls in a car or adding a wheelchair lift to make a vehicle accessible for someone with a disability. HSA/FSA funds cannot cover the cost of the car itself, insurance, or related expenses—only medically necessary modifications are covered.

HSA funds can also cover excess costs of braille books or adaptive reading materials. If a braille book costs more than a standard book, HSA reimbursement covers the difference.

Costs related to purchasing and training a guide dog, as well as ongoing care (food, vet bills), are fully HSA reimbursable if a doctor recommends a guide or service dog.

Certain Exceptions With a Letter of Medical Necessity

Some healthcare-related purchases aren’t automatically covered by HSA funds but can be eligible if a licensed provider writes a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN). An LMN serves as proof that a specific purchase is necessary for someone’s health.

Licensed providers can write these letters for patients who may benefit from a gym membership or special meal program for medical reasons.

Where Can I Use My HSA Card?

HSA cards are accepted at almost every doctor’s office, hospital, and pharmacy. Many big box retailers, including online stores, accept HSA funds for eligible items.

For specific examples of using your HSA for fitness-related expenses, check out our How To Use Your HSA for LA Fitness blog. If a store doesn’t accept HSA funds directly, Truemed works with retailers to integrate HSA/FSA payment processing, making it easier for customers to use their health savings. Truemed also supports businesses looking to offer HSA/FSA payment options to their customers, helping to streamline the process for both retailers and end users. For more tips on using your HSA card effectively, visit our HSA/FSA guide.

Simplify Your HSA Usage With Truemed

More people are feeling empowered to take their health into their own hands. Health starts with the decisions we make, and more individuals are making proactive health choices. At Truemed, we make it easy for retailers to offer HSA/FSA purchasing for their health goods, and easy for customers to use their HSA/FSA funds.

With Truemed, using your HSA funds is simple—choose “Pay With Truemed” at checkout with one of our merchants, and enter your payment details. We’ll ask a few questions about your health circumstances and match you with a provider to determine your eligibility. If you qualify, you’ll receive a Letter of Medical Necessity to complete your purchase.

Sources:

508C IRS Code Section 213(d) FSA Eligible Medical Expenses list | NALCHBP

Health Care FSA Eligible Expense List | HPCSD

Covid-19 Economic Relief | U.S. Department of the Treasury

Letters of Medical Necessity | United States Department of Labor