Can you Buy Vitamins Using FSA Dollars?
Do you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA)? If so, you can buy vitamins and dietary supplements using FSA dollars, although there are a few rules. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act of 2020) repealed the Affordable Care Act (ACA) requirement that over-the-counter drugs and medicines had to be prescribed in order to be reimbursable through FSAs and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) has permanently restored over-the-counter medications and supplies as qualified medical expenses retroactive to January 1, 2020. Sadly, while this update means over-the-counter pain relievers like aspirin and Advil and non-prescription allergy meds can now be purchased without a physician’s prescription, the act did not extend to all vitamins and dietary supplements.
Buy Vitamins Using FSA Funds by Establishing a Medical Need
Regarding nutritional supplements, the IRS states “you can’t include in medical expenses the cost of nutritional supplements, vitamins, herbal supplements, “natural medicines,” etc. unless they are recommended by a medical practitioner as treatment for a specific medical condition diagnosed by a physician. These items are taken to maintain your ordinary good health and aren’t for medical care.”
Joint Health Supplement
Custom Formulated Nutritional Supplement with Glucosamine Sulfate and Chondroitin.
$37.98 Add to cartCertain medical conditions can improve with a healthy diet and the right nutritional supplements. Fortunately, using FSA money for these purchases can be an easy way to use the current year’s money. Specifically, prenatal vitamins and supplements containing glucosamine and chondroitin (found in Cooper Complete Joint Health) are eligible for over-the-counter purchases without a prescription.
In general, the IRS states “You can’t include in medical expenses the cost of nutritional supplements, vitamins, herbal supplements, ‘natural medicines,’ etc. unless they are recommended by a medical practitioner as treatment for a specific medical condition diagnosed by a physician.” So, what does it take to buy vitamins and supplements using an FSA account?
First, schedule an appointment with your physician. If you have a health condition a physician feels can improve with a vitamin or supplement, he or she simply needs to write you a prescription. Then, place an order and complete your purchase.
Nutritional Supplements That May Be Qualified For FSA Reimbursement
Below, we have matched Cooper Complete vitamins and supplements with conditions a physician may recommend natural supplements and a healthy diet to improve a patient’s health.
Vitamins to Reduce Chronic Inflammation
- Advanced Omega-3 supplements to lower triglycerides and reduce inflammation
- Original and Basic One multivitamins to lower C-Reactive Protein (CRP), an inflammatory marker
- Turmeric Curcumin Complex to promote a healthy inflammation response
Supplements for Joint Health
- Joint Health (glucosamine and chondroitin) to maintain healthy joints (No prescription required)
- Turmeric Curcumin Complex to control chronic joint pain
Vitamins for Heart Health
- Vitamin D3 supplements for improving bone and heart health
- Vitamin B12 supplements to alleviate symptoms of anemia
- Advanced Omega-3 supplements to lower triglycerides and reduce inflammation
- Coenzyme Q10 (also called CoQ10) to support heart health and reduce statin side effects
- Berberine Complex and Red Yeast Rice supplements for hypercholesterolemia
Supplements for Better Sleep
- Quick-Release and Prolonged-Release Melatonin for better sleep cycles
- Magnesium Oxide and Magnesium Glycinate to promote a relaxed nervous system
Vitamins for Bone Health
- Calcium Citrate supplement for improving bone strength
- Vitamin D3 for better absorption of calcium and bone density
Condition Specific Supplements
- Prostate Health supplement to improve prostate function
- Menopause Health supplement to support normal menopausal symptoms and healthy estrogen levels
- Dermatologic Health supplement for better hair, skin, and nails
- Eye Health supplement to help improve eye health
- Time Release Iron to address iron deficiency or anemia
These are a few possible situations that may qualify. Ultimately, visiting with your physician will help you determine what is best for your situation.
Buy Vitamins Using FSA (Flexible Spending Account) Dollars
Talk with your physician about your specific health issues, and request a note or letter detailing the medical necessity of the vitamin or supplement. Then, purchase the vitamin or supplement recommended, and submit the itemized receipt along with a copy of the doctor’s note for reimbursement to your FSA plan.