A health savings account (HSA) is more than a tax-advantaged way to save for future medical bills. It can help pay for everyday care items and unexpected wellness essentials, stretching your health care dollars further. Here are five key types of expenses that can be covered with a HSA.
1. Qualified Medical Expenses
An HSA is designed to pay for qualified health care expenses, including many out‑of‑pocket costs like copayments toward your deductible (but generally not insurance premiums).
Eligible expenses range from routine exams, lab work, surgeries, and prescribed medications to dental care (cleanings, X‑rays, orthodontics, noncosmetic reconstruction) and vision needs (exams, glasses, contacts, certain eye surgeries). You can use your HSA for yourself, your spouse, and tax‑qualified dependents.
2. Wellness and Preventative Care
An HSA can cover more preventive items than you might expect. Many over‑the‑counter medications, allergy treatments, certain skin care and dermatology products, menstrual care items, and first‑aid supplies for minor injuries are generally eligible when used to treat or prevent a medical condition.
3. Fitness and Health Technology
An HSA may also help cover modern health and wellness technology. With a letter of medical necessity from a provider, items like fitness or sleep trackers, gym memberships for a diagnosed condition, certain nutritional products, therapeutic equipment, and even heat or steam therapy devices can sometimes be reimbursable.
4. Specialized Treatments and Health Services
HSAs can also support care beyond the doctor’s office. Depending on medical necessity, eligible expenses may include counseling for diagnosed mental health conditions, medically directed nutrition counseling, programs for obesity, heart disease, addiction recovery, smoking cessation, and chronic disease management, as well as certain diagnostic tests. In addition, many medical devices such as prosthetics, hearing aids, mobility aids, and other therapeutic supplies may be covered.
5. Travel, Medical Equipment and Care-related Supplies
HSAs can also help with certain travel and equipment costs. Mileage, lodging, and transportation for medically necessary care may be eligible, along with many supplies and durable equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, blood pressure monitors, diabetes testing supplies, service animals for visual or hearing disabilities, and orthopedic supports.
Learn More
HSAs offer powerful tax advantages and can be used for many qualified medical expenses, but it is important to know what qualifies and when documentation is required. For the latest rules, see IRS Publication 502 and IRS Publication 969. With the right guidance and records, an HSA can support a wide range of health needs. Download the bulletin for more details.
