What Can You Actually Buy with HSA/FSA Dollars?

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Most people only use their HSA or FSA for the basics — prescriptions, doctor visits, maybe a pair of glasses. What they don’t realize is that these accounts can cover far more than what’s printed on the pharmacy receipt.

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From supplements to therapy, fitness gear to specialty diets, your HSA or FSA may be able to cover the things you already buy to stay well. You just need to know what qualifies — and what might need a doctor’s approval.

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First, the Basics: What Always Qualifies

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There’s a core list of expenses that are always approved by the IRS. These don’t need extra documentation and are usually reimbursed automatically.

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• Doctor visits and copays
• Prescription medications
• Lab testing and diagnostics
• Mental health services and therapy
• Dental care and orthodontics
• Vision exams, glasses, and contacts
• Medical devices and mobility aids
• First aid kits and over-the-counter meds (like pain relievers, cold meds, allergy treatments)

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If it treats, diagnoses, or prevents a medical condition — and it’s listed in IRS Publication 502 — it’s good to go.

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Now, the Gray Area: What Might Qualify

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Here’s where it gets interesting. A lot of wellness products and services can be eligible too — but they typically require a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) from a doctor.

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These include:

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• Nutritional supplements (like magnesium, probiotics, or protein powders)
• Fitness tools or equipment (weights, resistance bands, recovery gear)
• Acupuncture, chiropractic care, and massage therapy
• Sleep aids and tracking tools (like melatonin, Oura rings, or smart mattresses)
• Stress-reduction tools or mental health apps
• Specialty foods or diet programs used to manage a condition

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In short, if it helps treat or manage a health issue — even if it doesn’t come from a pharmacy — it might qualify. But you need a doctor to confirm that it’s part of your personal care plan.

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How Wellness Pay Makes It Easier

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This is where Wellness Pay comes in.

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We start by connecting you with a licensed doctor for a one-on-one virtual consult. It’s not just a checkbox — it’s a real conversation designed to personalize your eligibility and unlock more of your HSA/FSA spending power.

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Depending on your membership tier, your onboarding may also include a comprehensive blood panel, so the doctor has real data to guide their recommendations. That’s important — because some products (like supplements, recovery tools, or dietary changes) are much easier to approve when there’s clinical data to support them.

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Once your care plan is in place:

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• We generate LMNs for eligible products
• Flag qualified past purchases
• And help you stay compliant without dealing with paperwork or policy guesswork

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Why This Matters

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HSA and FSA accounts were created to help you pay for your health. But most people barely scratch the surface of what’s covered. That’s not just a missed opportunity — it’s money lost.

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You’re already spending on your wellness. The goal is to spend smarter, using tax-free dollars when it counts. With a tailored medical plan and proper documentation, you can do exactly that — without waiting on claims departments or fighting with receipts.

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Bottom Line

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A lot more qualifies for HSA/FSA spending than people realize. But to take full advantage, you need clarity, not guesswork.

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Wellness Pay gives you the medical support, documentation, and tools to confidently use your benefits on the products and services that actually help you feel better.