Search or tap a common expense such as sunscreen, braces, contacts, massage, or baby formula to see whether it is likely eligible, not eligible, needs a letter of medical necessity, or depends on your plan.
About the FSA eligible expense checker
The FSA eligible expense checker helps you see whether a common expense is likely eligible for a flexible spending account (FSA) or a similar benefits account such as an HSA, HRA, or limited-purpose FSA. Search or tap an expense like sunscreen, braces, contact lenses, massage therapy, vitamins, or baby formula and the tool returns one of four plain-language results: eligible, not eligible, needs a letter of medical necessity, or plan-dependent. Each result includes a short documentation note and a link to the IRS source.
This is an educational estimate, not tax, medical, or legal advice. Eligibility follows IRS rules under Publication 502 and Internal Revenue Code section 213(d), and it also depends on your specific plan, which can be stricter than the IRS baseline. The tool runs entirely in your browser. It does not collect receipts, medical records, prescriptions, account numbers, or contact details, and it never connects to your benefits account. Always confirm with your plan administrator before you buy or file for reimbursement.
How to use
- Type a common expense in the search box, or browse the common-expense list.
- Tap the expense, or press Enter to use the closest search match.
- Read the eligibility status: eligible, not eligible, needs a letter of medical necessity, or plan-dependent.
- Check the documentation note and the IRS source link.
- Confirm the details with your plan administrator before you buy or file.
Worked examples
Eligible: sunscreen
Broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher is an eligible over-the-counter item, so a receipt is usually enough to substantiate it.
Needs a letter of medical necessity: massage therapy
Massage is generally eligible only with a letter of medical necessity tied to a specific diagnosed condition.
Plan-dependent: baby formula
Standard baby formula is not eligible, but special or medical formula may be reimbursable with documentation, depending on your plan.
Frequently asked questions
- What does each eligibility status mean?
- Eligible means the expense is generally a qualified medical expense. Not eligible means it is treated as a general-health or cosmetic item. Needs a letter of medical necessity means it is eligible only when a provider documents a medical need. Plan-dependent means eligibility varies, so you should confirm with your plan.
- Where do the eligibility answers come from?
- The classifications are grounded in IRS Publication 502 (Medical and Dental Expenses) and Internal Revenue Code section 213(d), plus the 2020 CARES Act rule that made many over-the-counter items eligible without a prescription. The tool links to the IRS source and shows the date the list was last reviewed.
- Is this tax or medical advice?
- No. This is a free educational estimate. It does not replace guidance from your plan administrator, a tax professional, or a medical provider. Your plan can apply stricter rules than the IRS baseline, so always confirm before you buy or file.
- Why does it say to confirm with my plan?
- FSA, HSA, HRA, and limited-purpose FSA plans can be stricter than the IRS rules and can require specific documentation. The same expense can be reimbursable under one plan and not another, so your plan administrator is the final word.
- Does it store anything I search?
- No. The checker runs entirely in your browser. It collects no receipts, medical records, prescriptions, account numbers, emails, or phone numbers, and it never connects to your benefits account.
- Does it work on mobile?
- Yes. The checker is built to work on phones and desktops.
- Is the FSA eligible expense checker free?
- Yes. It is free to use and does not require an account.
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