An HSA allows you to pay for qualified medical expenses with tax-free dollars.1From over-the-counter medications to doctor visits and dental care, thousands of products and services are eligible for HSA spending. Here's how to make the most of your account.
How to use your HSA funds effectively
Your HSA is a powerful financial tool that lets you set aside pre-tax money for qualified medical expenses. You can use your HSA debit card, submit receipts for reimbursement, or even invest your balance for long-term growth. For current contribution limits, check this page.
Unlike a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), unused HSA funds roll over year after year — there's no "use it or lose it" deadline. That makes your HSA one of the most versatile accounts available for managing healthcare costs now and in the future.
17 Surprising HSA Qualified Medical Expenses
1. Over-the-counter (OTC) medications
Thanks to the CARES Act, you can use your HSA to buy OTC medications like pain relievers, allergy medicine, and cold remedies — no prescription needed. Stock up at your local pharmacy or shop online at the HSA Store or Amazon.
2. Doctor visits
Use your HSA to cover copays, coinsurance, and deductibles for primary care and specialist visits. Whether it's an annual physical or an unexpected illness, your HSA has you covered.
3. Telemedicine visits
Virtual doctor appointments qualify as HSA-eligible expenses. Save time and money by consulting healthcare providers from the comfort of your home.
4. Healthcare insurance premiums
While most insurance premiums aren't HSA-eligible, there are exceptions: COBRA continuation coverage, premiums while receiving unemployment benefits, Medicare premiums (Parts A, B, C, D), and long-term care insurance premiums (subject to age-based limits).
5. Women's healthcare products
Menstrual care products (pads, tampons, cups, liners) are HSA-eligible. You can also use your HSA for Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and other women's health needs. If you also have a Limited Purpose FSA (LPFSA), you can pair both accounts to maximize your savings. Read more in this article.
6. Dental care
Cleanings, fillings, crowns, braces, root canals, and even dentures are all qualified HSA expenses. Your HSA can help make dental care more affordable.
7. Vision care
Prescription glasses, contact lenses, contact solution, eye exams, and even LASIK surgery are all eligible for HSA spending.
8. Weight loss management
If your doctor prescribes a weight loss program for a specific medical condition (like obesity, hypertension, or heart disease), the costs may be HSA-eligible. This can include GLP-1 medications when prescribed for a qualifying condition.
9. Retirement expenses
After age 65, you can use HSA funds for any purpose. Non-medical withdrawals are taxed as ordinary income but incur no penalty. For qualified medical expenses, withdrawals remain tax-free at any age.
10. Lead-based paint removal
If you need to remove lead-based paint from your home to prevent a child with lead poisoning from being further exposed, that cost is a qualified medical expense.
11. Vasectomy
Vasectomies are a qualified medical expense covered by your HSA. The procedure and related follow-up visits can be paid with pre-tax dollars.
12. Smoking cessation
Programs and treatments to help you quit smoking qualify as HSA-eligible expenses, including nicotine patches, gum, and prescription medications.
13. Hearing aids
Hearing aids and hearing aid batteries are HSA-eligible. This includes both traditional hearing aids and newer over-the-counter options.
14. Eczema cream and lotion
Medicated creams, ointments, and lotions for skin conditions like eczema are HSA-eligible. This includes both OTC and prescription treatments.
15. Gear for nursing moms
Breast pumps, nursing supplies, and lactation consultant services are all HSA-eligible expenses for new and expecting mothers.
16. First-aid supplies
Bandages, antiseptics, thermometers, and other first-aid essentials can be purchased with your HSA. Keep your medicine cabinet stocked with pre-tax dollars.
17. Transportation for healthcare
Mileage, parking fees, tolls, bus fares, and ambulance costs incurred when traveling to receive medical care are all HSA-eligible.
For a full list of eligible expenses, visit our Qualified Medical Expenses page or browse products at the HSA Store. Have questions? Visit our Help Center.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I use my HSA for?
Your HSA can be used for thousands of qualified medical expenses as defined by the IRS, including doctor visits, prescriptions, dental care, vision care, OTC medications, and much more.
Do I lose my HSA funds at the end of the year?
No. Unlike an FSA, HSA funds roll over year after year. There is no "use it or lose it" deadline, and your balance belongs to you even if you change jobs or health plans.
Can I invest my HSA funds?
Yes. Once your balance reaches a certain threshold, you can invest your HSA funds in mutual funds and other options for potential long-term growth — all tax-free when used for qualified medical expenses.
1HSAs are never taxed at a federal income tax level when used appropriately for qualified medical expenses. Also, most states recognize HSA funds as tax-deductible with very few exceptions. Please consult a tax advisor regarding your state's specific rules.
