Quick answer: FSA eligible expenses generally include copays, prescriptions, dental and vision care, and many over-the-counter health items, since the CARES Act removed the prescription requirement for most OTC medications. Cosmetic procedures, general vitamins, and insurance premiums are typically not eligible. Always confirm specifics with your plan administrator, since employers can set narrower rules than the IRS maximum allows.
Commonly covered FSA expenses
- Doctor, dentist, and specialist copays
- Prescription medications
- Over-the-counter medications (no prescription required since 2020)
- Menstrual care products
- Dental care, including orthodontia
- Vision exams, glasses, and contact lenses
- Contact lens solution and reading glasses
- First aid supplies (bandages, thermometers, etc.)
- Breast pumps and lactation supplies
- Sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher)
- Crutches, braces, and other durable medical equipment
- Hearing aids and batteries
- Physical therapy and chiropractic care
What's typically NOT covered
- Cosmetic procedures (unless medically necessary)
- General vitamins and supplements without a specific medical purpose
- Gym memberships (unless prescribed to treat a diagnosed condition)
- Health insurance premiums
- Most non-prescription skincare products
How to use FSA-eligible items correctly
Most FSA administrators provide a debit card that works directly at pharmacies and eligible retailers. For expenses without a card, employees typically submit a receipt for reimbursement. Keep receipts either way, since your plan administrator may request documentation to verify an expense was eligible.
Dependent Care FSA: a different set of rules
A Dependent Care FSA covers a separate category entirely, things like daycare, preschool tuition, and before/after-school care, not medical expenses. See our full breakdown of how a Dependent Care FSA works for eligible expenses in that account specifically.
FAQ
What can I buy with FSA money? Common FSA-eligible purchases include prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, dental and vision care, first aid supplies, and menstrual care products.
Are vitamins FSA eligible? Generally no, unless a doctor has prescribed a specific vitamin or supplement to treat a diagnosed medical condition, in which case a letter of medical necessity may be required.
Can I use my FSA for a gym membership? Typically not, unless a doctor has prescribed exercise specifically to treat a diagnosed medical condition, which usually requires a letter of medical necessity from your provider.
Is sunscreen FSA eligible? Yes, sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher is generally FSA eligible.
We help employers choose FSA plan designs that make sense for how employees actually spend, not just check a compliance box. Questions about your plan's eligible expense list? Let's talk.
About Bennie
Bennie is a modern employee benefits firm dedicated to transforming how employers design, manage, and deliver benefits. By combining world-class brokerage services with user-friendly technology, Bennie helps organizations lower costs and streamline administration while giving employees a centralized platform to navigate their healthcare. Headquartered in New York City, Bennie is licensed in all 50 states.
