The borderline products, judged one by one: what passes, what doesn't, and the aisle-neighbor rule of thumb.
Updated October 2026
The rule: a product qualifies if it treats a medical condition or carries an active drug ingredient (a Drug Facts label). The same brand's cosmetic twin does not. Sunscreen: yes. Sunburn gel: yes. Anti-aging cream: no.
| Item | Eligible? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Sunscreen SPF 15+ | Yes | Reduces skin-cancer risk — explicitly eligible |
| Lip balm with SPF or medicated ingredients | Yes | Drug treatment, not cosmetic balm |
| Acne treatments & medicated face wash | Yes | Drug Facts label (salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide) |
| Reading glasses, no prescription | Yes | Vision correction, RX not required |
| Prescription sunglasses & goggles | Yes | Vision correction |
| OTC pain relievers, cold medicine, antacids | Yes | No prescription needed since 2020 |
| Menstrual cups & pads | Yes | Feminine care products since 2020 |
| Heating pads & hot/cold packs | Yes | Treats pain |
| First-aid kits & bandages | Yes | Medical supplies |
| Breast pumps & accessories | Yes | Lactation is medical |
| Pregnancy & ovulation tests | Yes | Diagnosis |
| Smoking-cessation gum & lozenges | Yes | Drug treatment |
| Blood pressure & glucose monitors | Yes | Diagnosis & monitoring |
| Orthotic insoles & knee braces | Yes | Medical support devices |
| Allergy medicine & nasal sprays | Yes | Drug treatment |
| Travel vaccines & prescription antimalarials | Yes | Preventive medical care |
| Item | Eligible? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Toothpaste | No | General hygiene even for healthy teeth — but toothache-focused medicated oral gel: yes |
| Deodorant | No | Hygiene (medicated prescription versions can be) |
| Regular soap & body wash | No | Hygiene (medicated acne wash: yes) |
| Vitamins for general health | No | Supplements for health maintenance (prenatal vitamins prescribed: often yes) |
| Cosmetics & anti-aging cream | No | Appearance (medicated rosacea cream: yes) |
| Teeth whitening | No | Cosmetic |
| Gym membership | No | General health (a prescribed weight-loss program for diagnosis: yes) |
| Groceries & standard meal kits | No | Food is never eligible (prescribed gluten-free beyond normal cost can be) |
| Childcare for a healthy child | No | That's the dependent care FSA's job — different account |
| Toilet paper & household paper goods | No | Household supplies; nothing medical |
| Baby formula (regular) | No | Ordinary nutrition (special prescribed formula for a condition: yes) |
| Sunglasses without prescription, non-therapeutic | No | Only UV-treating/ Rx versions count |
The printable master list.
The spend-down playbook.
$3,400 / $680 / $7,500.
The enrollment decision.
12/31 · 3/15 · carryover.
HSA interest rates, sister site.