What Makes a Product HSA/FSA Eligible?
A plain-English guide to which health and wellness products qualify for tax-free HSA and FSA spending, and when.
The short version
HSAs and FSAs let you spend pre-tax dollars on qualified medical expenses. A product is eligible when it primarily treats or prevents a medical condition — the IRS calls these §213(d) expenses. Many everyday wellness products qualify outright; others qualify only with a Letter of Medical Necessity.
Three eligibility outcomes
Outright eligible: buy it with your HSA/FSA card, no paperwork (e.g. blood pressure monitors, first aid, sunscreen SPF 15+). Eligible with an LMN: dual-use items that qualify when a clinician documents medical need (e.g. some massage devices, fitness equipment). Not eligible: general-purpose items with no medical purpose.
How Caeli helps
The Caeli browser extension checks eligibility on any product page as you shop, and — where a Letter of Medical Necessity is needed — helps you get one so the purchase qualifies.