HSA-eligible items aren’t just limited to paying for doctor’s visits and prescriptions.
HSA (Health Savings Account) is a powerful tool that can help you save for medical expenses while taking advantage of various tax savings. However, many people don’t take full advantage of their HSAs – because they don’t know what they can be used for.
From acupuncture to diabetes supplies and medical travel, your HSA can stretch much further than you’d think. Here, we’ll introduce you to some unique ways you can utilize your HSA to improve your well-being and life.
HSA Eligible Items: Creative Ways to Use Your HSA
According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, there were more than 36 million active HSAs in 2023, holding a collective $116 billion in assets.
That’s an increase of 500% since 2013. But countless consumers still aren’t taking full advantage of their HSAs.
If you’re still just using your HSA for doctor visits and routine care, here are some interesting HSA-eligible items you might not know.
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1. Acupuncture and Alternative Therapies
HSAs aren’t just for direct primary care.
You may be able to use your plan to pay for alternative treatments, like acupuncture or massage therapy. A lot of people find acupuncture extremely helpful for managing pain, stress, and various other medical conditions.
While most insurance plans often don’t cover alternative therapies, they are eligible under your HSA if prescribed by a medical professional. Acupuncture isn’t the only option—some plans also cover therapies like chiropractic care and massage therapy when used for medical purposes.
If you follow your health savings account rules carefully, you’ll be surprised at the range of treatment options you can access.
2. Diabetes Management
Managing diabetes can be costly, but your HSA can offer some relief.
Diabetes management supplies like glucose monitors, syringes, and test strips are often covered under HSA Eligible Items. Even less obvious tools, such as diabetic socks or continuous glucose monitors, can sometimes qualify.
You may even be able to leverage your HSA MEC coverage to access preventative care screenings if you’re concerned that you may develop diabetes based on your family history.
3. Medical Travel Expenses
If you’ve searched for “what can an HSA be used for” before, you may have discovered that you can use your coverage to access remote health or “telehealth” appointments.
However, when you need to travel to a specialist, your HSA could also help with transportation costs. If travel to a specific treatment location is deemed necessary, then your HSA may be able to cover the cost of mileage, flights, and even lodging.
Again, you’ll need to make sure you’re keeping detailed records and receipts for these HSA-eligible items, but you could save a fortune on transportation.
4. Women’s Hygiene Products
Women aren’t limited to using their HSA to pay for maternity and pregnancy costs.
Since the CARES Act of 2020, you can use your HSA to pay for tampons, pads, and other period-related items. This is a game-changer for many women, as products like these aren’t always affordable.
By including menstrual care on the list of HSA Eligible Items, the law has made it easier to manage these recurring costs. Most retailers will even allow you to pay for these items directly with an HSA debit card, which can simplify the process of keeping track of purchases.
5. Reconstructive Surgeries and Botox
Notably, reconstructive surgeries and Botox aren’t HSA-eligible items when you’re using them exclusively for cosmetic purposes.
You can’t just get Botox to boost your confidence, but you can access Botox as a treatment for specific health conditions, like chronic migraines.
Additionally, reconstructive surgery after an illness or injury may be HSA eligible. For instance, breast reconstruction after a mastectomy, facial surgery following an accident, or even certain dental surgeries to correct a medical issue may qualify under Health Savings Account rules.
Always consult with your provider first to ensure your procedure (and why you’re getting it) qualifies for coverage.
6. Home and Vehicle Modifications
Your HSA can help cover the cost of vehicle modifications and home modifications in some cases.
If you or your dependent requires a wheelchair lift, hand controls, or other adaptive car mobility devices, check if they’re covered on your HSA-eligible items list. Similarly, suppose you need stability bars and lights installed around your home or make other modifications to improve your safety. In that case, you can also speak to your provider about this.
A letter of medical necessity is typically necessary. Still, getting one to prove your eligibility can save a lot of money and improve your quality of life.
7. Smoking Cessation Programs
Want to quit smoking for good?
Your HSA could help. Smoking cessation programs, including counseling and nicotine replacement therapies, may be considered HSA Eligible items.
Products like nicotine patches, gum, or lozenges are eligible for reimbursement when purchased through your HSA. Many formal programs, such as smoking cessation workshops or doctor-recommended treatments, also qualify under Health Savings Account rules.
If your plan covers prescription medications, drugs like Chantix or Zyban may also be reimbursable when used to help with smoking cessation.
8. Covering Medical Expenses for Dependents
If you combine your HSA with a health sharing plan, you could use your HSA to cover medical costs for a spouse, a child, and various other dependents.
You could even use your HSA to help cover medical costs for aging parents, provided they meet the IRS criteria for qualified dependents. Additionally, if you have a non-relative listed as a dependent on your tax return, their eligible expenses can also be reimbursed through your HSA.
Expenses could include doctor visits, medications, therapies, or medical supplies. Understanding what an HSA can be used for when it comes to dependents allows you to extend the benefits of your account to those who need it most.
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Make the Most of your HSA
Your HSA isn’t just a savings account—it’s a flexible tool to support your healthcare needs.
If you’re only using your account for doctor’s visits and prescriptions, you could miss out on an opportunity to stretch your money further.
The ideas listed above are just a handful of potential HSA-eligible items you could take advantage of. There are plenty of other options you might consider, too, such as:
- Crutches, wheelchairs, and mobility aids.
- Dental treatments such as braces, crowns, and dentures.
- Over-the-counter medications such as allergy medications and cold remedies.
- Fertility treatments like IVF.
- Physical therapy and mental healthcare
- Supplies for nursing mothers.
- First aid kits and home care supplies.
If you’re new to HSAs, working with an expert like HSA for America ensures you’ll get a behind-the-scenes insight into the rules you’ll need to follow and the opportunities you can take advantage of.
We’ll ensure you can choose the ideal plan and maximize every dollar in your account. Contact a Personal Benefits Manager today to get enrolled in your new HSA plan, and start discovering the savings.
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